Book Sharing---Frankenstein

Frankenstein is a novel written by English author Mary Shelley and was first published in 1818. The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life and succeeds in bringing a creature to life through a secret scientific experiment. However, he soon realizes the consequences of his actions and must deal with the disastrous aftermath of his creation. The novel explores themes such as ambition, knowledge, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God. It is widely considered a classic work of Gothic fiction and has had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations and reimagining in various forms of media. Through its complex characters and themes, Frankenstein continues to resonate with readers today and remains a timeless exploration of human nature and the pursuit of knowledge. Join me in discovering what makes this book worth recommending!

1）The Importance of Compassion and Empathy

Frankenstein delivers a powerful cautionary message about the dangers of unbridled ambition and the vital importance of displaying empathy and compassion towards others. Victor's insatiable thirst for scientific knowledge and his relentless pursuit of creating life ultimately give birth to the Monster, who is ostracized by society and rejected by Victor. The Monster's overwhelming pain and loneliness drive him to acts of violence and revenge, which are a direct result of his lack of compassion and understanding from those around him. Through this tragic tale, the novel highlights the crucial role that empathy and compassion play in human interactions. It underscores the message that ignoring these essential qualities can lead to catastrophic consequences, affecting not only ourselves but also those around us. Victor's inability to display compassion towards the Monster ultimately leads to his own downfall and that of his loved ones, serving as a reminder that we must always strive to be empathetic and compassionate towards others.

2）Nurture in Human Behavior

The novel also illustrates that humans are influenced by their surroundings and interactions with other people. The novel underscores that individuals are products of their environment and are susceptible to both positive and negative influences. When a person is treated with kindness and understanding he or she is more likely to show kindness. If a person is ostracized and experiences vitriol and hate, he or she is more likely to be a hateful, resentful individual. Shelley illustrates that people have the capacity to be good and evil influenced by their inherent nature, environment, and interactions with others[1].

3）The Nature of Humanity and Individual Responsibility

Frankenstein explores the nature of humanity and the responsibility of the individual to society by depicting the consequences of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge without regard for its ethical implications. The novel illustrates that individuals have a responsibility to consider the potential outcomes of their actions and to consider the impact of their creations on society. Frankenstein's creation, while initially presented as a scientific triumph, ultimately leads to tragedy and destruction due to its creator's neglect and abandonment. Through this, the novel highlights the importance of compassion, responsibility, and accountability in human actions and decisions. It suggests that individuals must be mindful of their actions and consider the consequences they may have on others, as well as society as a whole.

4) Literary Characteristics

Readers are exposed to the Romantic writing style from two centuries ago. Sentences are complex and the prose uses vocabulary not commonly used today. The structure of the novel is a framed narrative or a story within a story. The novel begins as a series of letters or as an epistolary story. The letter writer Robert Walton hears and writes the story of Victor Frankenstein who recounts the tale of the reanimation of his “Creature” and the Creature’s story[2]. By reading the novel in epistolary form, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the characters and themes in the novel, as well as a more intimate understanding of their psychology and experience the emotions and plot of the novel.

[1] Reasons To Read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. https://www.inkfreenews.com [2] Reasons To Read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. https://www.inkfreenews.com