Frankenstein (Grades 9–1) York Notes

Walton, Victor and the monster all share a desire for knowledge and discover much that is disturbing and dangerous in their pursuit of knowledge.

Walton complains of a lack of companionship and the theme of isolation also connects Victor and his creation, who are both alienated from society.

Justine, the monster, the Turkish merchant and Victor are all suspected of crimes. Shelley criticises the unfairness and corruption of the justice system.

Victor becomes obsessed by the idea of creating life but is also aware that his experiments are morally wrong and is terrified by his increasingly destructive creation.

Mankind is frequently shown to be more monstrous than Victor’s creation. It is the monster’s treatment by humans that makes him act like a monster.