Characterization and Theme in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"

Paper Summary:

This paper provides an introduction, a summary, and review of "Frankenstein", as well as a discussion of the significance of characterization and theme involved in the work. A review of what the critics have said about the book is followed by a summary of the research. The paper's conclusion concerns Shelley's motivations for writing the book.

From the Paper:

"While some scholars point to texts such as the Epic of Gilgamesh as early examples of science fiction, most agree that Frankenstein was the first contemporary science fiction novel. According to Dr. William Kumbier, "Frankenstein (1818) by Mary Shelley of England is the work often cited as the first science-fiction novel" (Kumbier, 1999, n. pag.). Shelley inherited a long literary tradition before she set pen to paper. According to Samuel J. Umland, "Mary Shelley's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-97), was a well-known champion of the feminist cause. . . . In June, 1814, at a time when Mary Godwin would not even have been seventeen, she and Shelley eloped, in company with Jane Clairmont [William Godwin's stepdaughter] on a journey to France and Switzerland. The three returned to England and found themselves mired in scandal; in addition, Shelley faced bleak financial days."

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