Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Reviewed by JenniferRatings
Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content
LANGUAGE
VIOLENCE
SEXUAL CONTENT
ADULT THEMES
Rating Explanation
Language: Several instances of profanity
Violence: The creature commits 3 murders. An innocent woman is executed for a crime she did not commit. The creature is shot and wounded. While this sounds quite violent, there are no gory details or descriptions.
Adult Themes: Victor Frankenstein creates a living being and immediately abandons him. Although he receives no affection or acceptance from Victor, the creature witnesses in others the goodness and sympathy humans are capable of. When he is shunned by these good people, the creature blames his creator and society for rejecting him and driving him to his crimes. The creature’s rage and vengeance lead him to murder and misery. Is Victor responsible for his creation’s crimes because he neglected to instruct the creature on how to live in a civilized society? What responsibility does the creature have for his own actions?
Synopsis
Mary Shelley’s classic Gothic tale follows Victor Frankenstein and his obsession to create life. Once this is achieved, Victor is disgusted by what he has created and abandons his creature. The creature longs for human affection and acceptance, but is shunned by all. Miserable and alone, he vows to ruin Victor’s life and make him as wretched as he is.
One of my favorite things about this book is the language. Although telling a gruesome tale, the prose is beautiful. Here is one of my favorite passages. “Did you not call this a glorious expedition? and wherefore was it glorious? Not because the way was smooth and placid as a southern sea, but because it was full of dangers and terror; because, at every new incident, your fortitude was to be called forth and your courage exhibited; because danger and death surrounded, and these dangers you were to brave and overcome. For this was it a glorious, for this was it an honourable undertaking.”
What do I need to say about this classic? Read it. It is well worth your time.
©2009 The Literate Mother