Book Review: Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus

Everything I knew, which granted, wasn't much, about Frankenstein is wrong.  On a suggestion from one of my new favorite websites - The Art of Manliness - I decided to branch out and read some fiction in the form of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus.  And I was pleasently surprised.

Unabridged, of course!

Like my last review, I don't think it's worth my time to write any sort of synopsis as there are many that do a much better job than I care to write.  Instead, just wanted to share some thoughts I had while read it.  (I'll keep it as spoiler-free as possible.)

Surprise #1 - Forget Everything You think You know about Frankenstein!
I might be late to the party here, but I didn't realize that Frankenstein wasn't the name of the monster, but rather the last name of the man who created him: Victor Frankenstein.  The monster isn't named throughout the entirety of the text and I don't think that's by accident.  Victor, who serves as the main narrator, comes to detest his living creation, and considering that people tend to affectionately name those who are close to them, like babies and pets, a lack of a name acts as a symbol of regret.  Bonus Surprise: Frankenstein isn't a lethargic, green-skinned man with bolts in his side.  Instead, just think of a giant, ugly man.

Surprise #2 - Fiction in the Real World
I used to read a little bit of sci-fi when I was younger, and most of them have a setting in an unbelievable world.  So I thought it was interesting that all the events occur in real places - real cities, real countries, and real towns.  In fact, the only aspect of the book that makes it fiction is  Frankenstein's monster.  So for someone like me who isn't big into fiction, it was easy for me to get engaged in the text.  On top of that, I was delighted and challenged by the language.  Maybe it's because I read the unabridged edition, but the diction throughout the book is at a high level and the descriptions are vibrant and interesting.  

Surprise #3 - Creation Implies Purpose
One of the reoccurring themes is the idea that the created should be created for a purpose.  Without giving too much away, it becomes evident that Shelley's is trying to convey that a life without purpose is a life of misery, destruction, and absolute despair.  I'm unsure of Shelley's personal or religious beliefs, but as I was reading, I couldn't help but think that it is important of us to know we are literally made in the image of our Creator.  Nothing should be created without a purpose, and anything created without a purpose is utterly useless and alone.  Plainly, creation and purpose must go hand-in-hand.

Surprise #4 - People are Meant to be Together
Imagine a world where you are the only person to have ever lived; no person has lived before you and no person will live after you.  The feeling of loneliness is about as close as misery as we can get, and Shelley ensures that you don't forget this while reading.  People are meant to be in community and to be together.  There are long, articulate sections where this idea is explored in-full, if you got time to read this short 200-page classic, I highly recommend it!

Rating: 4 out of 5