The novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, was published on March 11, 1818. This literary masterpiece poses profound questions about science, ethics, human creation, and responsibility, leaving an enduring mark on literary history.
In 1816, Mary Shelley stayed at Lord Byron’s villa in Geneva, Switzerland, along with her husband, Percy Shelley, poet Lord Byron, and physician John Polidori. One stormy night, the group challenged each other to write a terrifying story. This fateful idea led to the birth of Frankenstein.
The story begins with Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist obsessed with creating life. However, after bringing his grotesque creature to life, he rejects it out of horror, leaving it isolated from the world. The abandoned creature, longing for companionship, demands that Victor create a mate for him. When Victor refuses to do so, the creature takes revenge by killing Victor’s bride, Elizabeth, before fleeing to the Arctic. Pursuing his creation to the icy wastelands, Victor eventually dies, and the remorseful creature, consumed by guilt and despair, vanishes into the ice forever.
Mary Shelley conceived the story in a dream, and the novel was initially published anonymously under the title Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus. Percy Shelley wrote the preface, stating that while the novel’s central events were not impossible, he did not want readers to believe he genuinely considered them plausible.
Upon its release, Frankenstein sparked widespread discussion, particularly regarding the ethical implications of scientific progress. The novel warned of the potential dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and highlighted themes of alienation, solitude, and the complexities of human nature, prompting deep reflection among readers.
Frankenstein is regarded as one of the first works of science fiction, influencing countless literary works, films, and theatrical adaptations. More than just a horror novel, it is a profound exploration of human desire, responsibility, and the essence of humanity itself.