Frankenstein. Perhaps one of the most well known of titles in literature, even though many assume that the titular character is the monster rather than the creator.
I enjoyed this novel and was quite surprised by it. The humanity of display here, from the monster no less, is extremely well observed. His morose nature and philosophical examination of his situation and what has turned him to evil is poignant and very realistic. The three of four chapters in which he tells his story to Frankenstein and pleads with him to help him and provide him a mate, are the best in the book in my view.
Ultimately, of course, a gothic horror novel. I love gothic works but I found this to be less atmospheric and creepy than, for example, The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe. Still, the rampaging monster is sufficiently alarming to merit great attention, and to me, he almost seems supernatural in his ability to shadow his creator, pounce and then seemingly vanish. However this is not a faceless, sociopathic fiend (although Shelly frequently uses that noun to describe him) but a human, hurt being who wanted to fit in and has turned to violence, mayhem and revenge on his creator when he is shunned and feared. He seems to use the justification many have used in literature and in life: “if I can’t be loved I will be feared”.
He is very successful indeed in exacting revenge on his maker although through the medium of murdering innocents around him which is, of course, very unpleasant. I found Frankenstein himself a less than sympathetic figure too although one has to respect his decision regarding producing more “monsters” but he seems, overall, a selfish and not that intelligent man. It is clear that the blame for most of this lies with him.
The Promethean illusions are certainly here. Man gaining dangerous knowledge and being punished as a result. The duality of man, what it means to be human, the danger of isolation and being an outcast are all interwoven here. The book is somewhat flawed in places in my opinion. I found, for example, Frankensteins lack of care and protection for his wife totally unbelievable.
However, overall, it was an enjoyable, if dark read. Shelly wrote this when she was 19 and its influence on subsequent literature, art and even the language itself, has been immense. One of the shorter reads on the list and not difficult to read.
I have also reviewed this book on my Goodreads profile.
This was the 15th book I have read on the list of 100.