MYSTERY IN MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN

Stephanie Walker & Matthew Wakhu

Mrs. Munoz

3rd Period

2000 AP TEST PROMPT

Many works of literature not readily identified with the mystery

or detective story genre nonetheless involve the investigation of a

mystery. In these works, the solution to the mystery may be less

important than the knowledge gained in the process of its

investigation. Choose a novel or play in which one or more of the

characters confront a mystery. Then write an essay in which you

identify the mystery and explain how the investigation illuminates

the meaning of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize

the prompt.

UNDERSTANDING THE PROMPT

Simply put, the student must identify the mystery

of the novel and explain how it affects the work as a

whole and what it means to the story.

More specifically, how does mystery in

Frankenstein pertain to and affect the plot of the

novel?

IN RELATION TO FRANKENSTEIN

The mysteries of science are explored and expanded by Victor’s

obsessive work in the field of anatomy and his attempts “to create

life”.

As the creature lives near the De Lacey’s and explores the

natural world, he is rejected by society for his abnormalities. In

his lonesome, the creature is forced to learn the mysteries of

love, affection, and family and the unfortunate truth that he

cannot experience compassion, causing him to commit malicious

acts and exact his vengeance on his creator.

VICTOR AND HIS MYSTERY

“From this day natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the most

comprehensive sense of the term, became nearly my sole occupation”

(Shelley 29).

“…I beheld the corruption of death succeed to the blooming cheek of

life…” (Shelley 30)

“Although I possessed the capacity of bestowing animation, yet to

prepare a frame for the reception of it, with all its intricacies of fibers,

muscles, and veins, still remain a work of inconceivable difficulty and

labor” (Shelley 32).

Each quote is connected to Victor’s interest in the “mystery” of science.

THE CREATURE AND HIS MYSTERY

“I heard of the slothful Asiatics; of the stupendous genius and mental

activity of the Grecians; of the wars and wonderful virtue of the early

Romans--of their subsequent degenerating--of the decline of that mighty

empire; of chivalry, Christianity, and kings” (Shelley 84).

“There was none among the myriads of men that existed who would

pity or assist me; and should I feel kindness towards my enemies? No:

from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and,

more than all, against him who had formed me, and sent me forth to this

insupportable misery” (Shelley 97).

Each quote is connected to the creature’s exploration of the world and

the mysteries of human nature.

THESIS

In Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, the concept

of mystery, in relation to Victor and the Creature, is

explored throughout the story as a depiction of

modern curiosity towards sciences and the reality of

human nature. This thirst for knowledge is simply an

obsession over anatomy, leading to the creation of

life. The revelation about human nature leads to self-

awareness and allows for criticism of society and its

norms.

SIGNIFICANT MOMENTS

Frankenstein’s curiosity with the mysteries of

science and his obsession to explore the possibilities

of animation. He explores deep into the mystery of

anatomy and animation of a body, resulting in his

successful creation of life.

When Frankenstein’s creature becomes self-aware

and intelligent. The creature becomes

knowledgeable and learns the mysteries of human

nature and society’s outlook and attitude towards

outcasts.

ALLUSION IN FRANKENSTEIN

"Remember, that I am thy creature; I ought to be

thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom

thou drivest from joy for no misdeed” (Shelley 69).

Just like God created mankind and the universe,

Victor created the Creature. There are many

allusions, biblical or not, laced throughout the novel.

IRONY IN FRANKENSTEIN

"You are my creator, but I am your master; -obey!" (Shelley

122).

In this quote, the creature asserts dominance over the man

who gave him life. Despite this feeling of superiority, Victor

maintained some form of control over the creature as he was

the only person capable of creating a female companion for

the creature. Mary Shelley may have chosen irony to

demonstrate the effect of the world on the creature’s mindset.

FORESHADOWING IN FRANKENSTEIN

"How dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge

and how much happier that man is who believes his

native town to be the world, than he who aspires to

become greater than his nature will allow"(Shelley

31).

This quote foreshadows not only Victor’s success in

his work but it also hints at the tragic consequences

to follow.

CITATIONS

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Ed. Stanley

Appelbaum and Candace Ward. New York: Dover

Publications, 1994. Print.