Frankenstein by Mary Shelley *****

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley was first published in the same decade as Pride and Prejudice, even though Jane Austen was 22 years older. Both women forged the way for later female writers. The first edition of Frankenstein was published anonymously. Shelley wrote the story as part of a party game and praised her male competitors’ entries as “far more acceptable to the public than anything I can ever hope to produce.” Whatever else came from this game, Frankenstein is certainly to most popular.

Shelley wrote the first draft at the age of 18. The book demonstrates how she was well-traveled and well-read. Frankenstein writes to his sister, “I shall kill no albatross, therefore do not be alarmed for my safety,” alluding to Coolidge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner publish in 1797.” Coolidge was a family friend.

The central science of her story is electricity, a recent scientific breakthrough.

“[Frankenstein] constructed a small electrical machine, and exhibited a few experiments; he made also a kite, with a wire and string, which drew down that fluid from the clouds” (Reminiscent of Ben Franklin myths.)

Frankenstein describes himself in a way that might be autobiographical of Shelley.

“My occupations at this age were principally mathematics, and most of the branches of study appertaining to that science. I was busily employed learning languages; Latin was already familiar to me, and I began some of the easiest Greek authors without the help of a lexicon. I also perfectly understood English and German. This is a list of my accomplishments at the age of seventeen. “

The plot predicts William Edward Parry’s failed expedition to the North Pole ten years later in 1827.

The enduring popularity of the story, including a dozen film adaptations, might be due to sensitive characterization of the monster created by Frankenstein. The monster is presented as a sympathetic being who is driven to murderous revenge. The monster is more developed and complex than Frankenstein who is mostly motivated by arrogance, revulsion and fear.

If you have received this story second- or third-hand and do not feel empathy for the monster or disdain for the irresponsible Frankenstein, perhaps this is a good time to read this short novel.

Book recommendations: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-20171115075