A Fall Novel to Read: Frankenstein
Sage Osesek
Frankenstein is a name most people recognize. They picture a stumbling green monster who can’t form coherent sentences and a mad scientist with villainous ideas. This impression is unfortunate. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a work of art with a masterfully created plot and complex characters, ones with far more personality than the monster you see on the screen.
The book is daunting; a classic novel is never an easy read. One has to explore the deeper meaning while deciphering dated English. Despite these challenges, Frankenstein is worth reading. The plot will cause you to slowly close the book and stare at the wall, bewildered by the exquisite writing of Shelley.
The story follows Victor Frankenstein, an intelligent and overconfident scientist who creates a hideous creature in hopes of achieving glory and recognition for his contributions to science. By gathering portions of the human body from various sources, he wished to create a living specimen out of disassembled human remains. This effort ultimately succeeded, but he quickly shunned his creation, horrified by the ghastly creature before him. This supposedly ghastly creature was abandoned and left to live a life he was clueless to. The book follows Frankenstein’s efforts at fleeing from his creation, an interesting concept when considering he brought him into the world.
The characterization of Frankenstein and his monster is incredible. The motives behind the monster’s gruesome actions are understandable when the book explains his perspective. The construction of the monster’s personality invokes startling sympathy. That seems peculiar; how could a reader side with such a horrible creature? Yet, amazingly, you’ll find yourself seeing the monster’s rationale. The complexity of the characters makes this book so compelling and invaluable to read.
The wonders of Frankenstein don’t stop at the characterization and plot. Contrary to what one may believe, the imagery of this gory book is enchanting. The specific descriptions of the Swiss and German countryside enhance the story and create a charming world inside your head. The depiction of the mountains and lakes of Switzerland takes away the unfortunate fact that Switzerland is the site of horrible murders in the book.
Thematically, Frankenstein redefines good and evil. Shouldn’t a human be good and the horrendous monster be evil? As you read the book, this common perspective flips and challenges your lifelong views. A character who is similar to yourself in many ways switches this mindset. Analyzing Frankenstein’s theme could be a novel in itself. To fully understand the meaning behind the book, I highly recommend reading thematic breakdowns.
To claim that there are faults in Frankenstein is akin to claiming that you traveled faster than the speed of light yesterday; it is simply impossible. For me, the characterization, theme, and imagery made this book stand out. These three vital threads spun a magnificent story that’s incredibly enthralling. Although book opinions are subjective, I truly believe Frankenstein is the greatest story ever written. To give it 5 out of 5 stars undermines its brilliance. Frankenstein is not an easy read, but it is a book to put on the top of your list. With fall weather coming upon us, what better way to spend a crisp day than reading this work of art?
