Frankenstein: Novel, Film, and the Question of Humanity
This blog has been prepared as part of an assignment assigned by Megha Ma’am. Its objective is to analyze Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein by examining the differences between the novel and its film adaptations, while also reflecting on the significant moral, social, and scientific questions it presents.
Introduction
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, first published in 1818, is not merely a Gothic novel or a tale of horror; it is a profound exploration of human ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of scientific discovery. The story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who dares to create life, raises enduring questions about the moral limits of knowledge, the nature of true monstrosity, and the effects of societal rejection on individuals. Over the years, the novel has inspired numerous film adaptations, each presenting its own version of the story and often emphasizing dramatic visuals, suspense, or the creature’s terrifying appearance. However, these adaptations frequently differ from Shelley’s original work, which delves deeply into philosophical, ethical, and emotional dimensions, portraying both Victor and his creation as complex, multidimensional characters. By examining these differences and reflecting on key questions such as who the real monster is, whether the pursuit of knowledge can be dangerous, and whether society’s cruelty can turn innocence into evil this blog aims to explore Frankenstein not only as a story of horror but as a timeless study of human nature, ethics, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Mary Shelley: The Woman Behind the Monster
Early Life and Influences
Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was born into a world of ideas and revolution. Her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was one of the first great advocates for women’s rights, while her father, William Godwin, was a radical philosopher. From her earliest years, Mary was exposed to intellectual debates about reason, liberty, and human progress. Yet, her life was marked by tragedy from the beginning: her mother died just days after her birth. This early loss and later, the deaths of her own children shaped her deep reflections on life, creation, and mortality.
The Haunted Summer of 1816
The idea for Frankenstein was conceived during the famous “haunted summer” at Lake Geneva in 1816, where Mary stayed with Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and others. On one stormy night, the group challenged each other to write ghost stories. Mary later described her waking dream of “the pale student of unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together.” From this chilling vision, the foundation of Frankenstein emerged. At only nineteen years old, she began writing the novel that would forever change the Gothic genre.
Science, Loss, and Imagination
Shelley lived in an age of scientific excitement, with experiments in electricity and galvanism raising questions about the possibility of reanimating the dead. At the same time, she was haunted by personal grief having lost several children at birth or in infancy. These two forces her fascination with science and her intimate experience with death intertwined in her imagination. They gave her novel its distinctive depth, blending Gothic horror with philosophical inquiry into the costs of ambition and the fragility of human life.
A Personal Story with Universal Lessons
Frankenstein is not merely a horror story but also a mirror of Mary Shelley’s own life and the anxieties of her time. Through Victor Frankenstein’s reckless pursuit of knowledge, she reflected on the dangers of ambition without responsibility. Through the creature’s loneliness and rejection, she echoed her own experiences with loss, alienation, and the longing for connection. Her masterpiece asks timeless questions: What makes us human? Where should science stop? And is the real monster the one who looks frightening, or the one who refuses compassion?
Mary Shelley’s Major Works
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818)
Her most famous novel, written when she was just nineteen. It combines Gothic horror with deep philosophical questions about science, ambition, and responsibility. It remains one of the most influential works in English literature.
Valperga (1823)
A historical novel set in medieval Italy, focusing on politics, war, and personal ambition. It highlights Shelley’s talent for blending history with human emotion and moral questioning.
The Last Man (1826)
Often considered her second most important work, this novel imagines a future where humanity is wiped out by a plague. It reflects Shelley’s personal grief and loneliness after losing her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and several close friends.
Perkin Warbeck (1830)
Another historical novel, telling the story of the pretender to the English throne during the reign of Henry VII. It shows Shelley’s interest in power, legitimacy, and identity.
Lodore (1835)
This novel focuses on family, social norms, and the struggles of women in a male-dominated society. It continues Shelley’s exploration of personal relationships and social expectations.
Falkner (1837)
Her last completed novel, which deals with themes of guilt, forgiveness, and redemption. It is less Gothic and more moral in tone, showing Shelley’s maturity as a writer.
Short Stories, Essays, and Editing Percy Shelley’s Works
Mary Shelley also wrote several short stories, travel writings, and biographies. She spent much of her later life editing and preserving the poetry of her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, ensuring his reputation as one of the greatest Romantic poets.
About the Novel Frankenstein
Publication and Background
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus was first published anonymously in 1818, when Mary Shelley was only nineteen years old. A revised edition, with significant changes and a new preface, appeared in 1831 under her own name. The novel was written during the Romantic era, a time when science, philosophy, and literature were deeply engaged with questions about human nature, morality, and the limits of knowledge.
Plot Overview
The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but reckless scientist who creates a living being from dead body parts. Horrified by the result, he abandons his creation, setting in motion a tragic cycle of loneliness, revenge, and destruction. The creature, initially innocent and full of longing for love, is turned into a figure of violence by constant rejection and cruelty. Through this conflict, Shelley examines the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of neglecting responsibility.
Narrative Structure
The novel employs a frame narrative, beginning with Captain Robert Walton’s letters from his Arctic expedition. Within Walton’s account, Victor tells his story, and within Victor’s account, the creature narrates his own experiences. This layered structure allows multiple perspectives, making the story richer and more ambiguous, as readers must constantly reconsider who the real “monster” is.
Themes and Ideas
Ambition and Knowledge – Victor’s pursuit of forbidden science highlights the dangers of curiosity without responsibility.
Isolation and Rejection – Both Victor and the creature suffer because they are cut off from human society.
Monstrosity – Shelley questions whether monstrosity lies in appearance or in actions and moral failures.
Responsibility – The novel asks what duties creators, scientists, and humans have toward others.
Frankenstein: Gothic or Science Fiction?
Literary Significance
By blending Gothic horror with scientific imagination, Mary Shelley created a novel that not only terrified readers but also raised timeless moral and philosophical questions. This is why Frankenstein continues to be studied across disciplines from literature and philosophy to science and ethics.
Major Differences between the Movie and the Novel Frankenstein
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has inspired countless film adaptations, yet these adaptations often differ significantly from the original novel. While the novel focuses on philosophical, moral, and emotional questions, films tend to emphasize visual drama, suspense, and horror. These differences affect how audiences perceive both Victor Frankenstein and his creation, and they sometimes simplify the story’s deeper themes. Below, the main differences are discussed in detail.
- Creation Scene: In the original novel, Mary Shelley deliberately keeps the process of creating the creature mysterious and vague. The focus is not on scientific procedures but on the consequences of Victor’s ambition and the ethical dilemma of “playing God.” This ambiguity allows readers to engage their imagination and emphasizes the moral and emotional weight of creation. In most film adaptations, however, the creation scene is dramatized with elaborate laboratory equipment, thunder, lightning, and electricity. These visual spectacles make the moment exciting and cinematic but reduce the philosophical depth present in the novel.
- Appearance of the Creature: Shelley’s creature is depicted as intelligent, articulate, and capable of deep emotions. He observes humans, learns to speak, and even shows kindness and a longing for companionship. This portrayal challenges readers to question what truly makes someone or something a “monster.” In films, the creature is often represented as grotesque, clumsy, and mute, emphasizing his terrifying appearance over his inner thoughts and feelings. As a result, viewers may see him only as a source of fear rather than as a tragic, multidimensional character.
- Victor Frankenstein’s Role: In the novel, Victor is introspective and morally conflicted. He struggles with guilt, recognizes the consequences of his ambition, and suffers from the impact of his actions on himself and others. His complexity allows readers to understand the dangers of unchecked curiosity and the ethical responsibilities of creation. In contrast, movies often reduce Victor to the “mad scientist” stereotype: obsessive, dramatic, and sometimes morally shallow. While this makes him more visually engaging on screen, it diminishes the novel’s nuanced exploration of his character and the moral questions he embodies.
- Ending: The novel concludes with Victor’s death and the creature’s lament as he disappears into the Arctic, reflecting on his own existence and the consequences of his actions. This ending emphasizes the tragedy and the philosophical themes of isolation, responsibility, and the consequences of ambition. Film adaptations often change the ending for dramatic effect, sometimes killing the creature or destroying the laboratory in spectacular ways. While these changes may satisfy audiences seeking closure or action, they can overshadow the reflective and moral dimensions of the story.
This comparison highlights how films prioritize spectacle and horror, often at the expense of Shelley’s philosophical and ethical explorations. While movies make the story visually appealing and accessible, the novel encourages readers to think deeply about responsibility, morality, and human nature. Understanding these differences is crucial for appreciating Frankenstein as a complex literary work that explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and societal neglect.
Who is the Real Monster?
At first glance, Victor Frankenstein’s creature appears to be the obvious “monster” of the story. His enormous size, unnatural appearance, and frightening features immediately provoke fear, disgust, and even violence from everyone who encounters him. Society labels him as dangerous simply because he looks different, and people respond to him with rejection, ridicule, or aggression. On the surface, it is easy to assume that he is inherently evil or malicious based solely on his outward appearance. This initial impression aligns with the traditional notion of a monster as something physically terrifying and threatening.
However, a closer reading of Shelley’s narrative reveals a far more complex truth. Victor Frankenstein, the creator, arguably embodies the true monstrosity in the story. From the very beginning, he abandons his creation, refusing to take responsibility for his actions. He does not educate, guide, or care for the creature; instead, he flees in horror after bringing him to life. Victor’s neglect is not passive; it has catastrophic consequences. His selfishness, obsession with personal ambition, and refusal to face the moral implications of his work lead to the suffering and deaths of his family, friends, and even innocent bystanders. In this sense, the real damage comes not from the creature’s existence but from Victor’s irresponsibility and moral failure.
The creature himself is far from inherently evil. From his first moments of awareness, he exhibits curiosity, intelligence, and sensitivity. He seeks companionship and strives to understand human emotions and society. He learns language, observes the De Lacey family, and attempts acts of kindness. His violent behavior emerges not from innate malice but as a reaction to relentless rejection, fear, and cruelty from humans. Society’s prejudice and Victor’s abandonment force him into isolation and despair, pushing him toward vengeance. Shelley thereby illustrates that monstrosity is often shaped by social and environmental factors rather than being an innate quality.
Shelley’s novel challenges readers to rethink the conventional understanding of what it means to be a “monster.” Is monstrosity defined by physical appearance, or is it defined by one’s moral choices and ethical failures? The creature demonstrates that a being capable of love, empathy, and moral reasoning can be labeled a monster simply because society fails to understand or accept him. Conversely, Victor shows that a human who ignores ethical responsibility, acts selfishly, and allows suffering to occur can embody true monstrosity despite appearing normal.
Ultimately, Frankenstein encourages reflection on morality, empathy, and the consequences of our actions. The story suggests that the real danger lies not in outward differences but in the neglect of moral responsibility. True monstrosity, Shelley implies, is rooted in cruelty, selfishness, and lack of compassion. In this way, the novel forces readers to question their own judgments and consider how society itself may contribute to the creation of “monsters.”
Is the Search for Knowledge Dangerous and Destructive?
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein raises profound questions about the pursuit of knowledge and its potential consequences. While curiosity, learning, and intellectual exploration are often celebrated as defining traits of human nature, the novel warns that an obsessive and unchecked pursuit of knowledge can be dangerous, destructive, and morally problematic. Through the experiences of Victor Frankenstein and Captain Walton, Shelley illustrates how ambition, when combined with recklessness or pride, can lead to unintended tragedies.
Victor Frankenstein’s Obsession and Its Consequences
Victor Frankenstein’s relentless pursuit to create life is perhaps the clearest example of knowledge pursued without ethical consideration. From the beginning, Victor immerses himself completely in his experiments, isolating himself from family, friends, and society. He becomes so consumed with his ambition that he overlooks the moral implications of his actions and the responsibilities that come with creating life. When the creature is finally brought into existence, Victor is horrified and immediately abandons it. This neglect sets off a chain of events that results in the deaths of his loved ones and his own eventual destruction. Shelley presents Victor’s story as a cautionary tale, showing that knowledge, when pursued without reflection, humility, or moral guidance, can cause irreversible harm.
Captain Walton’s Arctic Expedition: Ambition Without Foresight
The dangers of reckless ambition are mirrored in the narrative of Captain Walton, who serves as the novel’s frame narrator. Walton’s voyage to the North Pole exemplifies the human desire to explore, conquer, and gain glory through knowledge. However, his pursuit is not entirely measured; he risks the lives of his crew in the harsh Arctic environment for the sake of personal achievement. Through Walton, Shelley emphasizes that the pursuit of knowledge or discovery is not inherently harmful, but when it is driven by pride and obsession rather than caution and responsibility, it can endanger not only the seeker but also others who depend on them.
Knowledge Versus Recklessness
It is crucial to recognize that Frankenstein does not condemn knowledge itself. Scientific inquiry, exploration, and intellectual curiosity are natural and valuable human endeavors. The danger arises when knowledge is pursued recklessly without ethical foresight, without consideration of consequences, and without responsibility toward others. Victor’s tragedy lies not in the act of creation itself but in his disregard for moral accountability. Shelley suggests that ambition must be tempered by wisdom, foresight, and ethical reflection to prevent knowledge from becoming destructive.
The Role of Ethical Responsibility
Shelley’s novel highlights the moral obligation that accompanies the pursuit of knowledge. A scientist or explorer cannot act in isolation without considering the broader effects of their work. Victor’s failure to anticipate the consequences of creating life illustrates the risks of separating knowledge from responsibility. The story urges readers to reflect on the importance of integrating ethical principles into intellectual pursuits, emphasizing that knowledge should serve humanity rather than endanger it.
Lessons for the Modern World
Even today, Shelley’s warning remains highly relevant. With rapid advances in artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, biotechnology, and other scientific fields, humanity faces similar dilemmas. The pursuit of knowledge can bring remarkable progress and benefit society, but without ethical oversight, it has the potential to cause significant harm. Frankenstein encourages a balance between curiosity and conscience, ambition and responsibility, showing that wisdom, foresight, and moral consideration must accompany the quest for knowledge.
Was the Creature Inherently Evil, or Made a Monster by Society?
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein poses a profound moral and philosophical question: is Victor Frankenstein’s creature inherently evil, or is he shaped into a “monster” by the society that rejects him? At the start of his existence, the creature is far from evil. He is born innocent, with the same curiosity, intelligence, and capacity for emotion as any human. From his very first moments, he experiences wonder at the world around him—the sights, sounds, and sensations are all new and fascinating. Unlike Victor, who is consumed by ambition and self-interest, the creature demonstrates a natural desire to understand life, seek knowledge, and form meaningful relationships.
One of the clearest examples of the creature’s innocence is his admiration for the De Lacey family. Observing them from a distance, he learns language, social behavior, and moral values. He develops empathy, patience, and a sense of justice by watching the family interact with each other and help others. The creature even attempts acts of kindness, hoping to connect with humans and find companionship. These early experiences highlight that the creature is morally aware, intelligent, and capable of compassion qualities that contradict the notion of innate evil.
However, the creature’s life is defined by constant rejection and cruelty. From his first encounters with humans, he is met with fear, violence, and scorn. Children, villagers, and even strangers respond to his appearance with terror and aggression, offering no opportunity for understanding or acceptance. Every attempt he makes to reach out for friendship or affection is thwarted, and over time, the cumulative effect of this rejection shapes his behavior. The isolation and loneliness he experiences are extreme; he has no mentor, no guide, and no community to nurture his intelligence or morality. Instead of being allowed to grow as a thoughtful and ethical being, he is forced into survival and defensive hostility.
The creature’s descent into violence is therefore not evidence of inherent evil, but rather a tragic response to social prejudice and mistreatment. Shelley’s narrative illustrates that cruelty, neglect, and lack of acceptance can transform an innocent being into one capable of harm. By labeling the creature a “monster” purely because of his appearance, society creates the very fear and aggression it dreads. The novel prompts readers to reflect on the broader moral question: can the conditions of society and the behavior of others foster evil in someone who was initially good?
Furthermore, the creature’s story highlights the responsibility of creators, caregivers, and society at large. Victor Frankenstein’s abandonment and failure to educate or care for his creation amplify the creature’s suffering. Victor refuses to provide guidance, love, or moral support, leaving the creature alone in a world that is hostile and unforgiving. This neglect plays a critical role in shaping the creature’s actions and attitudes, emphasizing that ethical responsibility lies not just with the individual, but also with those who have power over vulnerable beings.
In essence, the creature is a tragic figure whose potential for kindness and moral understanding is crushed by fear, cruelty, and isolation. His violent actions reflect the failures of society and his creator, rather than an innate propensity for evil. Shelley challenges readers to rethink conventional ideas of monstrosity: it is not physical appearance or difference that defines a monster, but the lack of compassion, empathy, and responsibility in those around them. Through the creature, Shelley urges readers to consider the consequences of social prejudice and inhumanity, and to recognize that true moral failure often resides in society rather than in the individual it condemns.
Ultimately, the novel conveys a timeless lesson: evil is often a product of circumstance, neglect, and injustice, while innocence and morality can be nurtured or destroyed by the environment. The creature’s journey is a powerful exploration of human nature, showing that the “monster” is not always the one who looks frightening, but sometimes the one who acts without conscience, compassion, or responsibility.
Should There Be Limits on Scientific Exploration?
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein raises important questions about the boundaries of scientific exploration and the ethical responsibilities that accompany knowledge. The novel strongly suggests that while scientific inquiry is essential for human progress, it cannot be pursued recklessly or without moral consideration. Knowledge alone is neutral, but when it is applied without foresight, responsibility, or compassion, it can lead to destructive consequences, as illustrated by Victor Frankenstein’s tragic story.
The Dangers of Unchecked Scientific Ambition
Victor Frankenstein’s ambition drives him to create life, an act that challenges the natural order. His obsession with discovering the secrets of creation blinds him to the potential consequences of his experiments. He does not pause to consider the ethical implications, the welfare of the being he is creating, or the potential impact on society. As a result, his scientific achievement becomes a source of suffering, death, and moral tragedy. Shelley’s narrative warns that the pursuit of knowledge without ethical reflection is dangerous: the very act of “knowing” something does not guarantee that its use will be wise or humane.
Science Must Be Guided by Ethics
Shelley emphasizes that scientific progress should never exist in isolation from ethical responsibility. Experiments or discoveries that threaten human life, disrupt nature, or produce outcomes beyond our control must be approached with caution. The novel’s lesson is clear: just because humans have the capability to do something scientifically does not mean that they should. Knowledge must be balanced with moral reasoning, and every scientific endeavor must consider its potential consequences for both individuals and society as a whole.
The Role of Human Values and Responsibility
Frankenstein illustrates that human values such as compassion, empathy, and accountability are essential guides in scientific exploration. Victor’s failure lies not in his scientific talent, but in his disregard for these human responsibilities. He creates a being capable of thought and emotion but abandons it, refusing to provide guidance or care. This neglect leads to tragedy, demonstrating that scientific innovation divorced from morality can have catastrophic consequences. Shelley’s message is timeless: every discovery or invention should be pursued with careful consideration of its ethical and social impact.
Lessons for the Modern World
Even today, as humanity advances in fields like genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate science, Shelley’s warning remains relevant. Scientific exploration has the potential to bring immense benefit, but it also carries risks if ethical boundaries are ignored. The novel urges scientists, researchers, and society as a whole to ensure that innovation is always guided by human values, compassion, and a sense of moral responsibility. Knowledge must serve humanity, not endanger it, and limits should exist where actions could produce uncontrollable or harmful outcomes.
Conclusion
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is not merely a Gothic horror story; it is a profound exploration of human ambition, ethical responsibility, and the consequences of unchecked knowledge. Through the tragic experiences of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, the novel raises enduring questions about the nature of monstrosity, the dangers of obsessive curiosity, and the role of society in shaping individual behavior. The story challenges readers to reconsider who the real “monster” is, suggesting that moral failure, neglect, and cruelty are far more destructive than outward appearance. As Victor himself laments, “Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquisition of knowledge” (Shelley, Ch. 4). This warning underscores that knowledge and scientific discovery, though powerful, must be tempered by ethics, compassion, and foresight. The creature’s transformation from an innocent, sensitive being into a figure capable of violence further emphasizes that isolation, prejudice, and social rejection can create “monsters” out of those who are initially good. Ultimately, Frankenstein is a timeless study of human nature, urging us to balance curiosity with responsibility, ambition with morality, and innovation with empathy. It reminds readers that true progress lies not simply in what we can achieve, but in how wisely, ethically, and compassionately we apply our knowledge.
References
Primary Source:
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. 1818. Edited by Marilyn Butler, Oxford University Press, 1993.
Film Adaptations (General References):
Frankenstein. Directed by James Whale, Universal Pictures, 1931.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Columbia Pictures, 1994.
Frankenstein (Modern Adaptations). Various directors, Universal and Warner Bros., 1930s–2000s.
Secondary Sources (Literary Analysis):
Baldick, Chris. In Frankenstein’s Shadow: Myth, Monstrosity, and Nineteenth-Century Writing. Oxford University Press, 1987.
Mellor, Anne K. Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters. Routledge, 1988.
Botting, Fred. Making Monstrous: Frankenstein, Film, and the Modern Gothic. Manchester University Press, 1991.
Hoeveler, Diane Long. Gothic Feminism: The Professionalization of Gender from Charlotte Smith to the Brontës. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1998.
Optional Online Reference (if you referenced general information about the novel or film adaptations):
SparkNotes Editors. “Frankenstein.” SparkNotes, sparknotes.com/lit/frankenstein/. Accessed 24 Sept. 2025.
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