Mary Shelley’s book “Frankenstein”

Most students approach the Mary Shelley book Frankenstein knowing very little about the story. There are important facts about the novel that show the influence on society. Frankenstein was one of the first horror novels that was made and affected society because this was something different during the time. The novel shows different characteristics of the characters and how in those days responded to certain situations. This story deals with many twists and turns and is an amazing plot that makes the readers expands their imagination. Frankenstein is told from different perspectives of certain individuals and it shows their life experiences that they dealt with during this time of the creation of the monster. The most significant theme in the story is “Dangerous knowledge and secrecy”. Frankenstein who creates the monster keeps it in secrecy, even away from his future wife Elizabeth. He does not accept that what he did is a mistake. His selfish mind does affect the whole society because in the end his selfishness does kill all the people that he loves. Mary Shelley does interpret the symbol of light and fire. Light and fire are symbolic because “What could not be expected in the country of eternal light?” asks Walton, displaying a faith in, and optimism about, science. In Frankenstein, light symbolizes knowledge, discovery, and enlightenment. The natural world is a place of dark secrets, hidden passages, and unknown mechanisms; the goal of the scientist is then to reach light. The dangerous and more powerful cousin of light is fire. The monster’s first experience with a still-smoldering flame reveals the dual nature of fire: he discovers excitedly that it creates light in the darkness of the night, but also that it harms him when he touches it” (Barnes and Noble, 2006). The Novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley is an excellent novel that demonstrates important themes and real life situations. It shows how selfishness can affect your life just like Frankenstein’s decision of creating the monster affected his life. This novel teaches many facts of life that can be pondered on and are valuable lessons. Frankenstein inspires all their readers and is a novel that should be read not only once, but examined thoroughly for significance and daily life situations. Works Cited Unknown. (2006). Barns and Noble. Retrieved November 22, 2007, from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Web site: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/frankenstein/themes.html.