Frankenstein is an intriguing novel in respect to its haunting and powerful story and its effective development. The story has many different settings, all of which have a direct correlation to the story line. There is a lot of foreshadowing, although some of it is not recognized until the destined event occurs. The reader is manipulated to feel compassion for the dejected monster, as well as sympathy for the agonizing Victor Frankenstein. Both of these characters are so well spoken, the reader devours the words with anticipation.
There are many tragic flaws in the novel. For instance, Victor’s lack of forethought can be considered one. Victor labors seemingly endless hours to create the new being without even considering the rather obvious dangers. Victor does not realize his fault until it is too late and the monster lives. Another tragic flaw is Frankenstein’s failure to accept a flawed creation. Victor, upon beholding the hideous countenance of the monster, rejects it. Frankenstein also supports a number of underlying themes. Among them; friendship, the nature of humanity, and the role of God.
Many of the main characters are yearning for a close relationship with another, In fact, it is friendship (or lack of) that drives the monster to his vicious deeds. The unfortunate conditions of the monster lead directly into the theme of humanity. The novel demonstrates the judgmental nature of man. The monster is lonely and wants only to interact with others. However, to the monster’s misfortune, he is rejected, feared, and even abused physically. Another focus of the story is evident in Victor’s insanity and poorly planned undertaking. Victor is used as an example to warn against man’s interference with God and nature.
Victor paid for his ignorance dearly, as did his loved ones. Mary Shelley incorporates the use of the epistolary novel to invigorate the story by inviting the reader to interact with the characters that she has skillfully created. The reader experiences a level of intimacy not present in other forms of narration. Unfortunately, though, Shelley’s application of the epistolary novel is not effective. Shelley fails to create uniquely individual characters in respect to their voices. It seems that Shelley has created a standard voice for all characters. There is no uniqueness exhibited by dialogue.
Emotions are displayed in equal proportions through character voice. In fact, Shelley’s deficiency in accounting for this fact is quite extreme and solicits justified criticism. The reader hears the exact same words used in the exact same manner, repeatedly, from different characters. Frankenstein may have been better written either in another form or perhaps with more attention given to the details of the characters. The characters retain, and in fact, support their individuality by way of their actions, but the detail applied pertaining to character voice could have been more carefully developed.
