
When I read Frankenstein, I didn’t really see it as just a horror story. To me, it serves as a reflection on responsibility and the consequences of one’s actions. I found myself feeling frustrated with Victor because he creates the creature and then abandons it without taking responsibility. In my opinion, this moment is where everything begins to go wrong. If he had taken responsibility from the beginning, a lot of suffering in the story could’ve been avoided. I was also surprised by how much sympathy I felt for the creature. At the beginning, he simply wants acceptance and to be treated with humanity. However, after facing constant rejection and isolation, he becomes violent. This made me think about how people can change based on how they’re treated. If someone is continuously treated like a monster, they may eventually begin to act like one. Another important aspect of the novel, in my opinion, is the theme of isolation. I noticed that both Victor and the creature suffer from loneliness, though in different ways. Victor isolates himself because he’s obsessed with his work, while the creature is forced into isolation because society refuses to accept him. To me, it shows how important it is to have connection and support, and how damaging it can be when you don’t. I view the novel as more of a warning than just a story. It shows how dangerous ambition is if you don’t think about the consequences, and how one person’s actions can affect many others. It also made me think about what it really means to be human, especially when it comes to empathy and how we treat others.
Get the book! Check out Frankenstein at BMCC’s Library, where it is available in multiple editions both online and in print. You can also read it online or download it as an ebook from Project Gutenberg, which has digitized both the original 1818 edition and the revised 1831 edition of the novel.
About the author This review is by Harika G., who writes, “As an avid explorer of ideas, I dive deep into a range of subjects with a curious mind. Through insightful reflections, I connect personal experiences with broader themes, inviting readers to engage in thoughtful discussions. With a passion for learning and sharing, I aim to inspire others to explore new perspectives and embrace the power of knowledge.”

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