Wrapping Up Frankenstein...

1. Mary Shelley's thought provoking criticism forces us to evaluate our own addictions to science and technology, and how these addictions draw us further and further away from the peaceful processes of nature. It is baffling to me that such a young woman (what?!?!?!) was able to make these connections in an era that otherwise stiffled the questioning of society. If we think of Victor as a metaphor for science, or the abuse of science by man, we see just how destructive overreaching can be. Through his own selfish attempts to "perfect" the human race, in essence, he began to destroy it.

2. Poor Stuie! All he wants is a little love and companionship. When he is continuously denied this basic necessity, he reacts as a monster would...out of anger. Through this portrayal, Shelley paints a very accurate picture of the human condition. When we are neglected, we begin to defend ourselves (emotionally) in any way that we can. What happens to a person when they are refused the basics of love, communication, and affection? We should never underestimate the power of our emotions. They can motivate us, bring happiness, and destroy us.

3. As a society, how do we adapt to our stereotypes? When others lower their standards, do we lose our motivation to achieve? Do we become who people want us to be? As an audience, we are left to question Stu's motives in the killing of Will, Henry, and Elizabeth. Is he simply becoming the monster that everyone sees him as?

4. Mary Shelley, frustratingly, leaves us with an age old question: Is evil innate or is it created? Take a second to think of Stu's situation. If you were abandoned by your family, would society step up to help you, or would they shun you? We often see Stu acting on the defense...trying to protect himself from the criticisms and hateful actions of others. He mirrors the violence of his creator (Victor) and, out ignorance, destroys everything that he ultimately wants out of life (companionship). This is exactly why we see him react the way he does over Victor's death. He has destroyed the only person that he truly loves.

5. How does Frankenstein reflect all of the elements of a Gothic novel? What can be said about our misunderstood hero? WHO EVEN IS OUR HERO???