Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein": A Critical Analysis

Paper Summary:

Some modern critics have dubbed Mary Shelley's Frankenstein a gothic story. This paper attempts to defeat this claim by showing that the novel can be interpreted in a number of different ways due to the tale's artistic validity. It discusses how, because "Frankenstein" was born out of ideas, the theme, characterization and relationships of the central figures can all be considered on different levels.

From the Paper:

"We may interpret Frankenstein's mirror image or Monster firstly as symbolizing reason in isolation, since he is the creature of an obsessional rational effort. The manifest change in Frankenstein's nature after the creation of the Monster can be explained by the part-separation of his intellect from his other integral properties. He becomes a sort of Hamlet figure, indecisive and remorseful too late. He decides to destroy the Monster, but is persuaded to pity him by creating a female Monster, though fails at the last moment. He then receives the Monster's threat of revenge and does nothing: "Why had I not followed him, and closed with him in mortal strife? But I had suffered him to depart..." Frankenstein muses bitterly when the damage has been done."

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