Themes In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

In Mary Shelley’s book Frankenstein, many themes are presented throughout the story. However, through the impact of historical events during the 19th century, Victor’s relationship with the monster, and the influence of Victor’s mother, causes both Victor and his monster to grow hatred between each other. Therefore, the idea of revenge is the most prominent theme in the book. The 19th century was a time where literature transferred from the romantic, uplifting writing style to a dark, horror-based, demonic way of writing. Along with the publishing of Victor Frankenstein, in 1818, the story behind Dracula and several other horror stories. Events such as the War of 1812, slavery, and the tension leading up to the Civil War can be related …show more content…
The feeling of revenge towards one another begins when Victor abandons his monster. Victor leaves him with nothing except one change of clothes and a pair of boots. The monster, with the brain capacity of an infant, has no one to guide or teach him how to speak, learn, write etc. Once the monster learns how to read, from watching the DeLacey family, he finds Victor’s notepad in the pocket of his jacket and discovers his creator’s thoughts on creating him. After reading his notepad, the monster plans to kill everyone who despises him for his hideous looks. Soon after the monster’s killings of Victor’s family members, Victor strives to gain revenge on the monster for his killings (Shmoop editorial team). Although Victor never gains revenge on the monster, the monster fulfills his revenge plan on Victor by killing his wife on their wedding night. “I shall be with you on your wedding night.” (Shelley, Mary, p. 149) presents the theme of revenge that Shelley is portraying throughout the book between the monster and Victor. Not only does Victor’s relationship with his creation spark revenge, but Victor’s mother also impacts the way Victor approaches his