Frankenstein Summary

Frankenstein

The central theme of Frankenstein is one of creation and monstrosity.   As the story goes on, it becomes creation versus creator, and Victor and his monster vow to kill the other.   Dr. Frankenstein is consumed by his hatred of his creation, while his creation devotes his entire existence to extracting revenge on the doctor for creating him.   The two are “tied together” as the novel suggests, both their fates firmly entwined.
The monster lies at the heart of the story, and the major events revolve around him.   Eight feet tall and hideously ugly, the monster is rejected by society. However, his monstrosity results not only from his grotesque appearance but also from the unnatural manner of his creation.   He is the work of a madman, who just as soon rejected him as he brought him to life.   The monster becomes isolated, lonely, and filled with a murderous loathing for having to be subjected to his terrible existence.   It is at this point, that the conflict between creature and scientist begins.
Throughout the novel, the monster kills those close to Frankenstein, while Frankenstein tries to kill the monster.   Both essentially lose everything in their struggle to eradicate the other.   However, Dr. Frankenstein has much more to lose.   He gets back at the creature for taking away his loved ones by destroying the companion he had made for the creature.   I think that both Frankenstein and his creation are monsters.   Victor himself is a kind of monster, as his ambition, secrecy, and selfishness alienate him from human society.   While his monstrosity lurks inside him, his creation is quite literally a monster, and one could argue his circumstances are what made him become monstrous on the inside as well.
Victor certainly feels a great remorse about his creation.   I think it has less to do with the fact that he feels sorry for the monster’s miserable existence, and more to do with the fact that the monster is completely determined to make Victor’s...