Frankenstein Contents
- Social / political context
- Religious / philosophical context
- Literary context
- The Bible: Creation: see Religious / philosophical context
- The Prometheus myth
- The doppelganger
- The monster's reading: Plutarch, Milton and Goethe
- The Romantics: Coleridge, Lamb, Southey, de Quincey
- Introduction
- Title page to the first edition
- Preface
- Volume 1
- Volume 2
- Volume 3
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein text guide
The story of Frankenstein is well-known all over the world. Although it was the original invention of Mary Shelley, since its publication in 1819 it has been told and re-told in many different genres including comic books, plays and films.
This tale of a scientist who creates a being out of the parts of dead bodies and brings it to life has acquired an almost mythical status, providing a terrifying image of terror of a semi-human monster at large in the world. It also sounds a warning about the dangers of scientific experimentation. Frankenstein is often mentioned in discussions of such contemporary controversies as genetic engineering
This text guide will help you explore the themes and symbolism in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, in addition to the original context in which it was written.
Mary Shelley
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Context of Frankenstein![]() |
Dive in to the Frankenstein text guide
Synopses and commentary - Scene by scene synopsis, commentary and analysis of the entire novel.
Characters in the novel - Detailed analysis of the important characters in Frankenstein and the role they play.
Frankenstein Timeline - Helpfully puts history, literary events and Shelley's life side by side so you can make sense of events.
Themes and significant ideas - Research themes and significant ideas that feature in Frankenstein.
Frankenstein e-book - Read the book and research the text, all for free and online.
How to do well in your essaysDecide what the key words of the question are, and underline them. Want more essay and exam tips? |
Are you a teacher?We have something for you as well! Free downloadable Frankenstein worksheets ready to be printed and used in class. |
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