Analyzing Frankenstein's Themes

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is not just a story of horror; it is a rich exploration of deep themes that comment on human nature, ethics, and social rejection. As we dig into the novel, we can uncover multiple layers that help us understand the complexity of this narrative work.

Family

Frankenstein places a significant focus on family ties as a core part of human life. Most families in the book, like the Frankensteins and the DeLaceys, are shown as nearly perfect. However, much of the book’s terror and pain come from characters either losing touch with their families or not having one at all. Frankenstein himself says that being away from his family led him to make the terrible choice to create the Monster: “If the study to which you apply yourself has a tendency to weaken your affections and to destroy your taste for those simple pleasures in which no alloy can possibly mix, then that study is certainly unlawful" (Shelley 52) The Monster also says his misery comes from not having a family: “I was dependent on none and related to none" (Shelley 152).

Alienation and Loneliness

In Frankenstein, the story shows that feeling left out or isolated is both a main cause of bad actions and a punishment for them. The Monster says that being cut off from people made him turn to violence. He explains, “My protectors had departed, and had broken the only link that held me to the world. For the first time the feelings of revenge and hatred filled my bosom” (Shelley 181). However, the more he hurts others, the more he finds himself alone and hated.

Dangerous Knowledge

The quest for knowledge also plays a central role in Frankenstein. In which, Victor Frankenstein pushes past human limits to uncover life's secret, while another character, Robert Walton, seeks to go where no one has by reaching the North Pole. Both are examples of how searching for knowledge can lead to risky situations.

Victor's efforts to create life bring nothing but tragedy. His creation leads to the loss of those he loves most. Similarly, Walton's journey puts him in grave danger, as he ends up trapped in the ice. While Victor's hatred for his monster drives him to his death, Walton decides to stop his dangerous journey. He learns from Victor's mistakes that a strong desire for knowledge can sometimes lead to harmful outcomes.

This theme shows us that while seeking knowledge is a natural part of human curiosity, it can also lead to disaster if not pursued carefully. Both characters' stories serve as a warning about the limits we should consider when chasing our ambitions.