Page 4 - Mary Shelley

Themes
The risk of scien>fic research and the aSempt to go beyond human limits life are fundamental themes explored in this novel. Shelley’s is concerned with the use of science and technology for good or evil purposes,
Jus7ce and Revenge
The Monster wants personal jus>ce from his creator, and asks him to accept his responsability. When Frankenstein betrays him, he reacts developing an intense hatred and a desire for revenge. ACer the murder of Elisabeth, Victor Frankenstein becomes a second instrument of revenge. Also the community denies jus>ce to the Monster, in the name of security.
Prejudice and intolerance: The Monster is judged by his externl appearance only; actually the Monster is very intelligent and ra>onal, he learns language by himself, speaks in a sophis>cated manner and has deep emo>ons and feelings: eventually he regrets and feels remorse for his ac>ons,
The main themes in the novel are:
Knowledge and discovery:
Boris Karloff, as Frankenstein's monster
Characters
Frankenstein is seriously interested in scien>fic development and knowledge but he is also ambitous, arrogant and irresponsable. His ambi>on leads him to become arrogant; he abandons his crea>on; he does not feel responsable for his ac>ons that cause the death of so many people. He never admits his mistakes.
The monster is a tragic figure. He is the vic>m of human weaknesses and prejudice, cursed to be feared and hated by humans who can never accept him. As a reac>on he becomes destruc>ve and vengeful but in the end he feels sorry for his crimes and asks to be forgiven.