Title and Publication:
Published by Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones in London on January 1, 1818.
Author:
Setting:
Characters:
Robert Walten: The sea captain who rescues Victor from the ice.
The Monster: The ugly creation of Frankenstein, who searches for companionship and love throughout the story.
William: Victor's brother. The monster murders William to punish Victor and sets the stage for more tragedy and torment for Victor.
Justine Moritz: Adopted and loved by the Frankenstein family, Justine was convicted and executed for killing William.
Plot:
When he returns, he finds the monster is gone. Shortly after, Frankenstein hears that his brother has been murdered. A series of tragic events follow, as the monster searches for love and Frankenstein suffers the consequences of his immoral act.
Possible Themes:
Search for love: This theme reflects a strong theme in Shelley's own life. The monster knows he is horrid and will never be loved, although he attempts to find love several times. He is constantly rejected and disappointed. Frankenstein, himself, searches for happiness through love, but he meets with tragic loss of several loves.
Tragic, weak women: Frankenstein actually begins to make a second female monster, to provide companionship for his own first creation, but he then destoys it and dumps the remains in a lake. Frankenstein's wife dies tragically, as does the accused Justine.
