Frankenstein Review

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein": A Timeless Beacon of Gothic Horror and Ethical Warning Mary Shelley's Frankenstein transcends its Gothic origins to deliver a profoundly unsettling and enduring masterpiece. Far more than a simple monster story, it explores the devastating consequences of unchecked scientific ambition and the fundamental human need for connection. Dr. Victor Frankenstein's obsession with creating life, bypassing natural order, leads not to triumph but to utter horror. His immediate rejection of his grotesque creation – born innocent yet terrifying – sets in motion a tragic chain of events. Shelley brilliantly forces readers to confront uncomfortable questions: Who is the true monster? Is it the abandoned, intellectually curious Creature, driven to violence by relentless societal rejection and his creator's cruelty? Or is it Victor himself, consumed by pride, cowardice, and the refusal to take responsibility for his actions? The novel's power lies in its dual narrative. We witness Victor's descent into obsession and guilt, but it's the Creature's eloquent, heartbreaking plea for understanding and companionship that provides the story's deepest pathos. His famous lament – *"I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel"* – underscores the tragedy of his existence. Shelley masterfully employs sublime landscapes and a chilling atmosphere, but *Frankenstein* endures because of its core themes: the dangers of playing God, the weight of parental (or creator) neglect, the destructive power of isolation, and the societal fear of the "Other." It remains a vital, haunting exploration of scientific ethics and human responsibility, as relevant today as in 1818.