Frankenstein, Mary Shelley

When Frankenstein appeared in 1818, it not only opened the door for the new genre of science fiction but also introduced a theme of enduring importance: moral responsibility in light of scientific invention. The story centers on young Dr. Frankenstein and his obsession with giving an inanimate object life. Upon seeing the grotesqueness of his creation, Dr. Frankenstein flees it. The creature, however, seeks to find acceptance among humans but is rejected. In the end, both the creator and the creature are destroyed.

Related Readings

"Mary Shelley's Frankenstein"—movie review by Roger Ebert

"A Frankenstein Monster Ended Up Being a Lamb"—book review by Ed Regis

"A New Life"—short story by Ramsey Campbell

"The Golem"—short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer

"…That Thou Art Mindful of Him"—short story by Isaac Asimov

Study Guide (PDF)