Frankenstein
Publication Date: March 11, 1818
Publisher: Race Point Publishing
Pages: 199
Summary:
It is a well-known fact that vice and virtue exist. It is also fair to say that the temptations of one's vices is far easier to listen to then the lessons of one's virtues. But the temptation of vice is a far direr cost to pay then that of virtue. The sinful ways and wards of humanity's own vices was effectively described in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; a science fiction tale that describes the drastic effects that cruelty can have on an innocent being's heart, and the vengeance that it proves to seeks. The tale of Victor Frankenstein is a moral that all should heed; for it warns the human race of the destruction that occurs when the sinful ways of humanity overcast the essence of virtue.
Review:
Every now and again, a reader is blessed with a book whose moral amplifies and echos in their heart for years to come. It is quite effective to say that the moral behind the life of Victor Frankenstein enlightened me with the consequences that result from the wicked ways of humanity. It was the effect of this moral, and the combined will of Shelley's writing style, that encouraged me to endow Frankenstein with three and a half stars out of five.
Plot:
The narrative of a novel often holds dire importance to the story as a whole. Shelley's Frankenstein is no exception. The life of Victor Frankenstein acted as a well-balanced tale that effectively countered the ignorant bliss of childhood with the guilt that arrives from testing the boundaries of one's own limitations. I found Shelley's plot to be a well-paced read that perfectly balanced the multitude of action sequences with peaceful interludes character
development.
Characters:
I found Shelley's character's to be brimmed with complexity and individual components. All of the character dynamics in the novel blend together profoundly to deliver a lesson of temptation and judgement; along with the consequences that arrive with those vices. However, I did feel disconnected with the protagonists of the novel at certain points in the story, and do feel that the novel would have benefited from a more direct interaction between the characters and their audience. Nonetheless, all of Shelley's characters were cleverly crafted and work together to deliver an astounding story of vice and virtue.
Setting:
The geographical components of Frankenstein act as a main highlight in the novel's picaresque atmosphere. Shelley chooses a multitude of various European locations to set her story, and includes vivid details and graphics for each destination that the characters encounter. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Victorian era through a pair of British eyes; and was delighted to enhance my knowledge of 18th century Europe.
Writing Style:
Mary Shelley has a very diverse writing style that encompasses her with the ability to engage her readers in a moralistic tale of hatred and judgement. I found Shelley's tone to be well-balanced and diversified; and am pleased to say that Shelley's lyrical voice stands out in the abundant field of classic literature. Shelley's writing style acted as a main contributor in the development of her novel; and served to emphasize the moral of the story as a whole.
Conclusion:
The trials and temptations of Victor Frankenstein brought upon a raging storm that resulted in catastrophic destruction. But all storms pass on; and leave a silver lining in it's wake. Victor Frankenstein taught the world a lesson on what occurs when you defy the boundaries of limitation on a whim of temptation. It was the idea which stemmed from this moral that inspired Mary Shelley to write her cautionary tale of the true characteristics of a monstrous being, and the precept that it heeds. I would recommend this novel to any fan of Classic Literature; particularly those who are fans of Science Fiction. Thanks for reading <3
