Concetti Chiave
- "Frankenstein" blends Gothic elements with a pioneering approach to science fiction, exploring themes of scientific exploration and philosophical questions about human limits.
- The plot follows Swiss scientist Victor Frankenstein who creates a creature from corpse parts, leading to tragic consequences as the creature seeks revenge on humanity.
- The novel employs a unique narrative structure with three first-person narrators: explorer Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the creature, offering varied perspectives.
- Key themes include moral transgression, the impact of scientific discovery on humanity, and the isolation experienced by both the creator and his creation.
- The concept of creating artificial life is central, presenting a modern take on the ancient theme of man's ambition to transcend natural limits.
Shelley, Mary-"Frankenstein"
Genre
"Frankenstein, or modern Prometheus" may be considered as a:
Gothic novel: on the one hand, “Frankenstein” is marked by an atmosphere of danger and suspense; on the other hand, it differs from many gothic novels because of the lack of traditional features, for example medieval and exotic settings. Also, the supernatural is replaced by science.
Forerunner of science fiction: it deals with the theme of scientific research.
Philosophical novel: Dr. Frankenstein wants to go beyond human limits, but his choice brings about his self-destruction
Plot
Frankenstein is an ambitious Swiss scientist who decided to create a human being by assembling parts from corpses stolen in the churchyard. He manages to give life to him by electric shocks. However, his creature looks like a monster and for this reason he’s not happy with it. The scientist is scared by the monster, who runs away. The monsters appears again in the Swiss Alps. There, he realizes all the people he meets reject him because of his appearance, which raises his hatred towards mankind. He kills Frankenstein’s mother, best friend and wife. Frankenstein sails to the North Pole to kill the monster, who wounds him and accuses all man because of her lack of compassion towards him.
Writing technique
There are three first-person non omniscient narrators:
1.An English explorer named Robert Walton; at the beginning of the novel he writes to his sisters about an injured man he saved, that it Dr. Frankenstein. In the final party of the novel he ends the story;
2.Frankenstein, who tells the story of his life;
3.The monster, who tells a part of the story from his point of view.
Themes
A new outlook about moral transgression: Frankenstein is aware of his scientific crime but he carries out his idea.
Scientific research and the effects of science on man.
“Faustian dream”
Isolation from society, represented by the monster.
Creation of artificial life: “Frankenstein” is a modern version of this ancient theme.
Domande da interrogazione
- ¿Cuál es el género principal de "Frankenstein" según el texto?
- ¿Cómo se desarrolla la trama de "Frankenstein"?
- ¿Qué técnicas narrativas utiliza Mary Shelley en "Frankenstein"?
"Frankenstein" se considera una novela gótica, un precursor de la ciencia ficción y una novela filosófica, ya que combina elementos de peligro y suspense, investigación científica y reflexiones sobre los límites humanos.
La trama sigue a un científico suizo ambicioso que crea un ser humano a partir de partes de cadáveres. Al darle vida, se horroriza por su apariencia monstruosa. El monstruo, rechazado por la sociedad, desarrolla odio hacia la humanidad y mata a seres queridos de Frankenstein, llevando al científico a buscar venganza en el Polo Norte.
La novela utiliza tres narradores en primera persona no omniscientes: Robert Walton, un explorador inglés; Frankenstein, quien narra su propia historia; y el monstruo, que ofrece su perspectiva en una parte de la historia.
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