Frankenstein: Express Book Report

Learn more about plot, characters and symbolism from Frankenstein.

Written by Mary Shelley, Frankenstein is a fictional novel recounting the experiences of a man named Victor Frankenstein. With an interest in philosophy and chemistry, Frankenstein begins creating a monster out of discarded body parts. His experiment is a success and the monster comes to life. Victor brings his friend Henry Clerval to see his creation, and discovers the monster is gone. Victor goes into a panic knowing the monster should not be loose. Victor plans to return home to Geneva, but before he leaves is informed that his brother has been murdered. Victor sees the monster in the woods, and knows that his creation was the murderer of his own brother. Victor falls ill with grief and guilt which is heightened when an innocent girl is convicted and executed for the murder. One day, while in the mountains the monster finds and confronts Victor. The monster begs for a partner to ease his loneliness. Victor first refuses, but is convinced by the monster and begins working on a female monster. He is later stricken with fear of his new creation and kills it. The monster is outraged and vows to seek revenge on Victor. Later, when the monster kills Victor’s wife and his friend Henry he is determined to find and destroy his evil creation. He hunts the monster and almost catches him before a break in the ice separates them. At this point, the ill Victor is found and saved by a ship captain named Robert Watson. The story is told through letters Watson sends his sister explaining the saga Victor tells him. The novel ends with the monster weeping over Victor’s dead body, and proclaims Victor’s death will allow the monster to end his own suffering. The monster leaves for the ice to die. Main Characters: Victor Watson- The man who created the monster that would consume his life with grief and guilt. Henry Cleval- Victor’s friend who is later killed by the monster. Elizabeth- Victor’s wife who is also killed by the monster. Robert Watson- The ship captain who tells Victor’s story through letters written to his sister. Symbolism: Light and Fire- the contradictions of light and fire symbolize the goodness in humans and nature versus the negative effects of human creation. The balance of good and evil is seen often throughout the book. About the Author: Born Mary Godwin, Mary Shelley was born on August 30, 1797 in London. Her mother was an author and Mary grew up familiar with literature. After beginning an affair with a man named Percy Shelley, the couple ran away to France. When Percy’s wife committed suicide, Percy and Mary were married. The couple lost three of their four children before Percy died by drowning. Mary, now a widow and single mother, continued writing novels. Frankenstein was published in 1818 and continues to be a great success.

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