Book Review by Tyler Sacks, DHS Senior – Class of 2018
Lightning flashes. Coils spark. A large lifeform stirs on a slab that is surrounded with various gadgets and medical equipment. The creature sits upright and lets out a groan. He then stands, towering at 8-ft. tall, covered in dark green skin, with metal bolts protruding from either side of his head, which is covered in jet black hair. Everybody knows the monster’s name: Frankenstein. But few people know that the original monster had no name. And it could speak fluent English (as opposed to grunt incessantly). But these common misconceptions are just one of the reasons that Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, originally written in 1817 and then published in 1818, is a must read. Surprisingly, most of what popular culture has created surrounding the idea of Frankenstein is a loose interpretation of the novel. In Shelley’s original story, Dr. Victor Frankenstein studies the sciences until he learns to create human life. He labors for two years, eventually assembling a living creature from parts of deceased humans. He creates an 8-ft. tall monster with jet black hair and translucent skin (nowhere does it mention green skin). The monster escapes from Frankenstein’s lab almost immediately after coming to life and does not reappear until later in the novel. The doctor comes face to face with his creation while on vacation in the Swiss Alps later in the story. There the monster tells Dr. Frankenstein his tale of discovering the world. Frankenstein is a fascinating narrative that explores concepts of beauty and love, as well as creation and science. Mary Shelley’s writing style is unique and gripping She uses a variety of perspectives to tell the story, ranging from letters to a narration from the monster himself. Frankenstein is not a light read by any stretch, as it is filled with a multitude of complex underlying themes and messages. However, it is a classic for a reason, as it is the basis for the concept of the modern monster. Is it fitting that we now call the monster Frankenstein, after its creator? One must read the novel and decide if the creator of a monster is more monstrous than the monster itself.
