Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1818. The famous Gothic horror tale depicts the creation of a sapient creature by young scientist Victor Frankenstein. The themes in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein include human nature, ambition and the consequences of unchecked knowledge. It challenges the reader to consider isolation, prejudice and the ethics of scientific discovery.
This article will have a thorough thematic analysis of Frankenstein for GCSE English Literature students, including the AQA exam board. It assumes an understanding of the novel's plot. If you need a refresher on the monster's story, read up on the plot summary by BBC Bitesize. If you need support, TeachTutti has a list of qualified GCSE English Literature tutors to help you revise and learn.
Frankenstein was created by Mary Shelley as part of a competition between herself, her lover and future husband Percy Shelley, John Polidori and Lord Byron. The challenge was to see who could create the best horror story.
Ambition and the dangers of knowledge
Frankenstein's ambition is a driving force throughout Victor's story. Victor feels he must create the monster to discover the secrets of life and transcend human limitations. The danger of unchecked ambition ultimately leads to disaster. Shelley uses Victor to suggest that gaining knowledge without considering ethics and morals can lead to destruction for all involved.
The theme of ambition underscores the power Victor strives for as the plot develops. He states that science possesses “continual food for discovery and wonder.” His desire to surpass the natural order is comparable to Prometheus, the Greek mythological figure who defied the gods by giving fire to humanity. Victor is similarly also punished through the death of his loved ones and the torment of his monster.
The monster also has ambition in his desire to speak and read after watching the De Lacey family. This thirst for knowledge is similarly harmful as he becomes aware of his social alienation, all alone in the world. Shelley's cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing power and knowledge without considering ethics resonates today, in a world where the rapid advancements in technology pose similar questions.
Isolation and companionship
Victor and his creation both suffer from isolation. Victor is obsessed with his pursuit of scientific advancements, which drives his family and friends away. The creature is isolated from society by his physical appearance, leading to profound loneliness and desperation for a companion and friend. This feeling makes the creature embittered with a desire for revenge. He longs to be accepted but is rejected and despised by everyone he meets. The creature asks Frankenstein to create a companion to escape his loneliness: “I am alone, and miserable; man will not associate with me.”
Isolation is shown as a cycle that both characters' are locked into. It is a physical and emotional affliction that drives the tragic events of the novel. Shelley argues through this theme that beings can't thrive without connection.
Knowledge and discovery
Mary Shelley explores the limits of knowledge and the consequences of pursuing it without caution. Victor creates life recklessly through his obsession to break the boundaries of human capability. Shelley explores scientific ambition versus nature and the limits of knowledge, raising ethical questions about whether certain discoveries should be made at all.
The theme of discovery is also evident through characters like Robert Walton, with Walton's desire to uncover unknown territories in the North Pole. Shelley questions whether the need for knowledge and power will ultimately lead to humanity's self-destruction. Victor realises throughout the novel that knowledge without responsibility brings disastrous results to himself and everyone around him.
Justice and Revenge
Justice is explored through the failures of the legal system and the character's desire for personal justice. Justine is an innocent woman who represents the flaws in societal justice when she is executed for a crime she didn’t commit. The creature pursues justice by revenging himself against Victor, as he feels abandoned and rejected by his creator.
Justice through revenge escalates when vows that "Yet mine shall not be the submission of abject slavery. I will revenge my injuries: If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear." This personal vendetta against Victor blurs the lines between justice and vengeance. Shelley highlights that unchecked injustice can lead to destructive outcomes for both the victim and the perpetrator. The portrayal of justice also raises questions about responsibility, both through Victor’s abandonment of his creation and society’s failure to provide fairness.
Prejudice
The creature faces harsh and unrelenting prejudice throughout the plot. This is largely due to his appearance. He is repeatedly rejected by people he encounters, despite his intelligence and desire to connect. This rejection leads him to isolation, which turns into bitterness and violent revenge.
Shelley shows the danger of social prejudice. The creature states “I am alone, and miserable” and his isolation creates a deep emotional toll. It is brought to the fore when the creature learns language from the De Lacey family. Far from being unprejudiced and kind, he instead can see the fear and hostility directed towards him. The creature's desire for vengeance is the result, particularly towards Victor who he holds responsible for feeling a wretch and alone.
Shelley's exploration of this theme challenges the reader to question how quickly they judge others on outward appearance and superficial qualities. She moreover displays the negative impact this has on individuals and communities alike, an observation that is relevant today, such as with attitudes towards immigration. Shelley argues that prejudice leads to cycles of hatred and revenge.
Conclusion - Exploring themes in Frankenstein
Mary Shelley explores human nature and societal flaws through the themes we have explored - ambition, isolation, knowledge, justice and prejudice. Shelley uses Victor and the creature to critique the danger of unchecked ambition, societal rejection and the pursuit of knowledge without responsibility. Many of the themes discussed are relevant today as the Gothic novel is more than just a horror story, but rather an observation of human behaviour.
If you want to learn more about Frankenstein, follow the related link to read Sparknote's historical background of the gothic novel. If you need extra support, TeachTutti has verified and DBS-checked GCSE English Literature tutors who can guide you through this and related topics in the curriculum.
