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Essays on Frankenstein

Hook examples for "frankenstein" essays, monster or victim hook.

Is Frankenstein's creature truly a monstrous villain, or is he a victim of society's rejection and cruelty? Dive into the moral ambiguity of this iconic character and explore the depths of his humanity.

Mary Shelley's Inspiration Hook

Discover the intriguing story behind the creation of "Frankenstein." Explore Mary Shelley's life, her influences, and how this timeless novel emerged from the challenges and tragedies she faced.

Scientific Ambition Hook

Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of scientific discovery leads to catastrophic consequences. Analyze the theme of scientific ambition and its ethical implications in the novel.

The Promethean Myth Hook

Frankenstein is often compared to the myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods. Delve into how the novel explores themes of creation, rebellion, and the consequences of playing god.

The Pursuit of Knowledge Hook

Examine the characters' quests for knowledge in "Frankenstein" and how their thirst for understanding the unknown shapes their destinies. Consider the fine line between discovery and obsession.

Ethical Dilemmas Hook

"Frankenstein" raises profound ethical questions about the responsibilities of creators, the treatment of the other, and the consequences of one's actions. Explore these dilemmas and their relevance today.

Monstrosity of Society Hook

Discuss how "Frankenstein" critiques societal norms and prejudices. Analyze how the creature's rejection by society shapes his behavior and leads to his transformation into a true monster.

Gothic Elements Hook

Explore the Gothic elements in Mary Shelley's novel, from eerie settings to themes of isolation and horror. Consider how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and meaning of the story.

Modern Scientific Ethics Hook

Draw parallels between the novel's ethical dilemmas and contemporary debates on scientific advancements, cloning, and genetic engineering. Reflect on how "Frankenstein" remains relevant in today's world.

Victim of Nature in Frankenstein

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Frankenstein Loneliness Quotes

The consequences of isolation and alienation: analysis of frankenstein by shelley, nature of revenge in the novel the frankenstein, the conflict between the creator and his creation in frankenstein, let us write you an essay from scratch.

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Good and Bad Sides of Frankenstein

Mary shelley’s frankenstein; self discovery, the reasons why the monster deserves sympathy in frankenstein, a novel by mary shelley, power reversal: the marxist view of frankenstein, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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Social Norms in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

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1818, Mary Shelley

Novel; Gothic Fiction, Horror Fiction, Science Fiction, Romance Novel, Soft Science Fiction

Victor Frankenstein, the monster, Robert Walton, Alphonse Frankenstein, Elizabeth Lavenza, Henry Clerval, William Frankenstein, Justine Moritz, Caroline Beaufort, Beaufort, Peasants, M. Waldman, M. Krempe, Mr. Kirwin

Shelley has been influenced by her parents, especially her father's "Enquiry Concerning Political Justice" and "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman". It also included ideas of galvanism, which have been extremely popular during the time the novel has been written.

Light and darkness, good and evil, fire, isolation, anger, unorthodox approach.

It has been the main theme of reanimating the dead, which became the pioneering theme in literary works, yet the most important and symbolic importance of this novel is the interaction between the scientist Victor Frankenstein and the nameless creature that he has brought to life. It can be summed up with the words of the monster: "I was benevolent and good, misery made me a fiend" (Shelley 90). It speaks of Victor's creating the being, yet it was the society that has created the monster.

The novel tells a story of a gifted scientist called Victor Frankenstein who manages to bring life to his own creation. The challenge is that his creation is not exactly what he has imagined. As a monster creature, he is rejected by his creator and mankind in general. The main idea is to see and explore regarding who the true monster is.

Mary Shelley was only 18 years old when she started Frankenstein . She was 20 years old when the book was published. The Frankenstein has been written in the shadow of a tragedy as Shelley has lost her newborn daughter. The most common misconception is that Frankenstein is the name of the monster, which has already become symbolic all over the world. In truth, the monster has no name at all. Frankenstein word comes from the name of the German castle not far from the Rhine River, literally meaning "Stone of the Franks''. It was the place where an odd alchemist called Konrad Dippel has tried to create an elixir of immortality. It was thought that it was Mary's father Percy Shelley who wrote the book since he also wrote the preface. The book has not been accepted by the critics and was called "absurd" and "disgusting" The full name of the book is Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus.

“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.” “Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it.” “I do know that for the sympathy of one living being, I would make peace with all. I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other.” “Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions, seems still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery, and be overwhelmed by disappointments; yet, when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures.” “How mutable are our feelings, and how strange is that clinging love we have of life even in the excess of misery!”

Although the story has been written a long time ago, it is still clear for contemporary readers because it can be related to scientific advancements, human relations, and AI. In a certain sense, it is the beginning of scientific fiction and the subject of "playing God". Mary Shelley's book is a warning to humanity and the scientists about responsibility with the main message being that science and technology can go way too far beyond the limitations. It proves that human beings must believe in the sanctity of our own being.

This book represents an essay topic for numerous academic fields from Data Science to Nursing and Education. Since it deals with ethics, responsibility, and being conscious about one's creations, it acts as the symbolic reflection of being the monster that we fear. The life of Victor Frankenstein is an example of scientists through decades, different countries and fields. It is a great warning for us all that we should not go too far.

1. Shelley, M., & Bolton, G. (2018). frankenstein. In Medicine and Literature (pp. 35-52). CRC Press. (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781315375670-4/frankenstein-mary-shelley-gillie-bolton) 2. Gigante, D. (2000). Facing the Ugly: The Case of" Frankenstein". Elh, 67(2), 565-587. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/30031925) 3. Sherwin, P. (1981). Frankenstein: Creation as catastrophe. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/pmla/article/abs/frankenstein-creation-as-catastrophe/40AFBF23476041ECF8A55827303A3D43 PMLA, 96(5), 883-903. 4. Heffernan, J. A. (1997). Looking at the monster:" Frankenstein" and film. Critical Inquiry, 24(1), 133-158. (https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/448869?journalCode=ci) 5. Guzman, A. (2013). International organizations and the Frankenstein problem. European Journal of International Law, 24(4), 999-1025. (https://academic.oup.com/ejil/article/24/4/999/606374) 6. Kunich, J. C. (2000). Mother Frankenstein, Doctor Nature, and the Environmental Law of Genetic Engineering. S. cal. L. rev., 74, 807. (https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/scal74&div=42&id=&page=) 7. Ginn, S. R. (2013). Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Exploring neuroscience, nature, and nurture in the novel and the films. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780444632876000099 Progress in Brain Research, 204, 169-190. 8. Holmes, R. (2016). Science fiction: The science that fed Frankenstein. https://www.nature.com/articles/535490a 9. Barns, I. (1990). Monstrous nature or technology?: Cinematic resolutions of the ‘Frankenstein Problem’. Science as Culture, 1(9), 7-48. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09505439009526278?journalCode=csac20) 10. Brooks, P. (1978). Godlike Science/Unhallowed Arts: Language and Monstrosity in Frankenstein. New Literary History, 9(3), 591-605. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/468457)

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Thesis Statement Example: Humanity in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Introduction:

Frankenstein is a gothic novel written by Mary Shelly, which poses many questions about the beliefs of the world at  that time. 

The text details the story of Victor Frankenstien, a scientist who pushed the field of science by creating a living creature, known as the monster, with dead matter. Throughout the text we see the story of both Victor Frankenstien and his creation of the monster. Along with this we see their interactions between them, themselves, and others with acts of emotion, murder, and ect.

Thesis Statement: With the novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelly utilizes her two main characters to show what it truly means to be human, through each of the bodies and souls of the characters. 

Topic Sentence: Firstly we see two types of humanities represented in these two characters, humanity's presence and its absence through the cognitive aspects of their characters. 

Evidence (include citation): “After days and nights of incredible labour and fatigue, I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter.” (Shelly 31)

Through: Through Victor’s intense self-dignity within his inner dialogue he often thinks very highly of himself.

Effect: With that oftentimes the interpretation is that Victor is claiming himself to be higher than others. 

Meaning: Being higher than others and bestowing life represents a character or at least an ideology that one is godly, above humanity or in general inhumane.  

Evidence: ”I spent the winter in this manner. The gentle manners and beauty of the cottagers greatly endeared them to me; when they were unhappy, I felt depressed; when they rejoiced, I sympathized in their joys” (Shelly 79)

Through: Through the monster and his acts of empathy the character is shown as realistic.

Effect: It is that realistic effect that gives the character a sense of humanity.

Meaning: With that human aspect of empathy the monster is characterized as human or at least human-like.

Topic Sentence: Absence is shown in Frankenstein due to his soul and character even though his human corporal body.

Evidence (include citation): “I was now about to form another being, of whose dispositions I was alike ignorant; she might become ten thousand times more malignant than her mate and delight, for its own sake, in murder and wretchedness.” (Shelly 120)

Through: Through Victor’s dialogue it is shown that when he creates something he often holds disdain for the creature.

Effect: With this, a sense of level or rank appears where Victor is higher than his own creation. 

Meaning: The sense of a higher being than his own creation, that which is meant to portray humanity, displays Victor as once again above humanity or inhumane. 

Evidence: “I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abortion, to be spurned at, and kicked, and trampled on.” (Shelly 165)

Through: However through this dialogue, he often shows times of distress and woe. 

Effect: Within these moments we see a character stricken with low self-esteem to a large point.

Meaning: When Victor is this low he regards himself as below humanity “an abortion” so below it is inhumane.

Topic Sentence: While humanity’s absence is shown in the monster’s corporal body, it is present in his character, through the soul.

Evidence (include citation): “A flash of lightning illuminated the object, and discovered its shape plainly to me; its gigantic stature, and the deformity of its aspect more hideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed me that it was the wretch, the filthy dæmon, to whom I had given life.” (Shelly 50)

Through: Through a line of imagery a representation of the monster is shown.

Effect: The depiction is meant to be otherworldly and “more hideous than belongs to humanity.”

Meaning: Through visuals alone, the monster is depicted as just that, an inhumane monster.

Evidence: “Could they turn from their done one, however monstrous, who solicited their compassion and friendship” (Shelly 93)

Through: However through the actions and depictions of the monster there is a different light shown.

Effect: Compassion and friendship are both human traits that go against the corporal depiction of the monster.

Meaning: Meaning, as the quote says, however monstrous the monster is human.

While Frankenstein is a very broad text that covers a lot of concepts and ideas, controversial or not one important thing the text looks at is what it means to be human. Early on the book makes a statement on humanity via the characters Victor and his monster. Victor is a human that often shows triviality on what it means to be human through his soul, however, is directly human through his body. Whereas the monster is depicted as inhumane through the body through the character and soul of the character makes a human being. 

In short, Mary Shelly depicts humanity through the corporal bodies of both of these characters. In doing so Mary Shelly reveals what it truly means to be human after all. It is in the content of the character and the soul of the person.

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Frankenstein - Free Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Frankenstein is a novel by Mary Shelley, often heralded as one of the first pieces of science fiction, exploring themes of creation, ambition, and the moral implications of scientific advancement. Essays on “Frankenstein” could delve into these themes, the character analysis of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature, and the novel’s enduring legacy in literature and popular culture. Moreover, discussions might extend to the novel’s influence on the genre of science fiction and horror. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Frankenstein you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Novel “Frankenstein” : Roles of Gender

Throughout reading the novel Frankenstein, I thought it was indeed interesting how Mary Shelley incorporated themes of gender and the aspect of creation. Mary Shelley uses her own life experiences to shape her works and to gain ideas to integrate social issues into her work. Mary Shelley portrays the problems and incorporates them throughout the book and touches on the aspect of social hierarchies of gender, which inherently value men over women. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, issues of gender and […]

Who is the Real Monster in Frankenstein

Monsters in literature are normally characterized as a creature that possesses some type of inhuman qualities or deformities, is perceived as evil, and has no compassion for mankind. The term monster can also refer to a person who has done a terrible thing in life that poorly affects others around them. In literature, outcasts are people who are not wanted and are rejected by society. In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, many readers label the creature as a monster […]

The American and the French Revolutions

The right of revolution was an idea proposed by Enlightenment Philosopher John Locke, which inspired and challenged the colonies in America and the people of France to revolt. Displeased with their current positions with their governments, they mustered up the courage and strength to challenge authority. Through their battles and hardships, both revolutions sought a government that mirrored the Enlightenment beliefs of natural rights, power of the people, and equality. With those goals in mind, they demonstrated the idea that […]

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Gothic Elements in Frankenstein

Mary Shelley lived and wrote her novel Frankenstein during the peak of the romantic era of literature in the early 1800's. She shows this as her work reflects many of the key elements that are associated with romanticism. In Frankenstein, Shelley also utilizes many of the elements of gothic literature. Shelley uses many of the conventions aligned with romantic and gothic literature in Frankenstein's setting, subject matter, characterization, and plot to portray her overall tone and mood in the novel. […]

Physical Appearance in Frankenstein

The main theme in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is the importance of appearance which correlates to the idea of acceptance in modern society. Today's society, as well as in the society of Frankenstein, people judge one often solely on their looks. Social prejudice is often based on looks, whether it be the pigments that make up someone's skin color, the facial features that one has and the clothes that a person wears. Society makes rapid judgments based on these and other […]

Differences between French, Russian and American Revolutions

A revolution is a successful attempt made by a large group of people to change / challenge the political system of their country. People who are willing to engage and take action in a revolution are trying to fix the struggles in justice, reminding people not to forget the future against the past. People who want to change the political system are looking out for the future of their country. Revolution was the only way average people or citizens felt […]

Frankenstein Revenge

In her novel ?Frankenstein?, Mary Shelley shows that both Frankenstein and his creature are obsessed with revenge through their strong emotional language and obsessive actions, yet neither of them wins and gets revenge in the end. After Victor Frankenstein is threatened by the creature after destroying his nearly complete bride, Frankenstein states that he “?burned with rage to pursue the murderer of my peace and precipitate him into the ocean. I walked up and down my room hastily and perturbed, […]

Family Relations and Alienation in “Frankenstein”

In today's fast-paced world, it is important to build connections and relationships with people and society. Being able to bond with surroundings, is key for living a healthy and happy life. Family is what helps humans build their foundations and are able to learn and succeed with the support of them. In Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, the lack of connection the characters have to either their family or society leads them to murder, hopelessness and tragedy. Specifically Victor and his […]

Shelley about Romanticism Versus the Enlightenment

In the novel, "Frankenstein," Mary Shelley uses various elements of both mysterious and romantic literature to convey her indictment of the Enlightenment thinking over the use of her characters displayed throughout the novel. Being written in the time of the Romantic era, Shelley uses vivid language to portray her objection of the Enlightenment age as it influenced many people to use logical reasoning and science to disregard barbarism and superstition from the World. In Frankenstein, Shelley's response to this ideology […]

Frankenstein Dangerous Knowledge

Isolation is a dangerous act. Whether it is forced by the ones around us or a choice made by us to be alone isolation separates the victim from society damaging them emotionally. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the monster, Frankenstein's monster, comes to know the true act of isolation. The monster was not only cast out by the townspeople but by his creator. Their prejudiced views of the monster as only that, a monster, turned him into what they truly sought […]

Frankenstein Isolation

One theme presented in Marry Shelley's book Frankenstein is the theme of isolation. Right from the beginning, someone has felt isolated from someone else. The three characters consistently developed the theme of isolation are Victor, the Creature, and Elizabeth. Though the three experience isolation, their isolation experience differs. Unlike the Creature and Elizabeth, Victor chose to isolate himself from people. This is evidenced from right when he was working on his research and when he tries to create a life. […]

Dark Romanticism

“Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality” (Edgar Allan Poe). Dark Romanticism is a literary movement that made waves that still resonate today within modern horror and pop culture, from Frankenstein to Dracula many recognizable names came from this era of writing. From the subjects covered by the many influential authors of the era to how it still has a place within modern writing, Dark Romanticism, a writing movement that began in […]

Feminism Represented through Frankenstein Characters

Frankenstein is known all over for being about a monster that loses control and kills people, but no one talks about some of the topics that Mary Shelley portrays in the novel. This book seems male dominant. The females play a big role, but not in the way that big roles are usually played. Women seem to hide from playing a part in Frankenstein, but Mary Shelley finds a way to display feminism in the book and that is how […]

Discrimination and Prejudice in Frankenstein

During our human history, prejudice and discrimination have existed. Prejudice refers to the irrational and inflexible attitudes that members of a particular group hold about members of another group (Sibley and Duckitt 248). Prejudices are either harmful or positive. Both forms of prejudice are usually preconceived by the people who hold them and are extremely difficult to alter (Stephan, Cookie and Stephan 33). The negative form of prejudices leads to discrimination- unjust behaviors that holders of negative prejudice direct against […]

Philosophy of Dualism and Materialism in “Frankenstein”

In Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, the philosophies of dualism and materialism can be found through the story's main characters, Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. Throughout the novel, the decisions that both make and their justifications for those decisions are rooted in both dualistic and materialistic ideas. In the scene leading up to the creation to the Creature as well as the scene itself, much of Victor's decision to even try such a feit stems from a materialistic standpoint, using science […]

The French Revolution Within Frankenstein

Almost twenty years after the end of the French Revolution, Mary Shelley published her gothic horror novel, Frankenstein, in 1818. Shelley grew up with parents who were intellectual radicals (Sterrenburg 143). Yet, she was detached from radicalism and opted for a more conservative perspective (Sterrenburg 143). She did a vast amount of readings on the French Revolution (Sterrenburg 143). By extensively studying the ideas around the revolution, it is not a surprise that they appear embedded through her work, more […]

American, French and Mexican Revolutions

When it comes to the American Revolution, there was one individual that gave American people an idea of what they should be fighting for. John Locke’s idea of “life, liberty, and estate” heavily inspired Thomas Jefferson’s “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” when fighting against the British. So why did the Americans revolt? What beliefs did they have? One thing the American, French, and Mexican revolutions have in common is that their governments were corrupt. The Colonists called for […]

The Role of Science in Frankenstein

Mary Shelley tells a story of a scientist who creates a hideous creature in the novel Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein is an amazing, smart scientist who admired human anatomy, and soon decided to create his own creature. Who is more at fault for the monsters behavior, Victor or the monster? If you were in the monsters position would you become a murderer for revenge? The monster is often viewed as the antagonist, however is Victor Frankenstein the reason many people in […]

Frankenstein and Gothic Literature

The character's identity and outward appearance interferes with the norms of the hierarchical societies in which they live. Thus, preventing them from experiencing life outside of the isolated confinement they are subjected to. While experiencing a constant conflict with acceptance it strikes the curiosity inside them. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the experience of loneliness and obsession of science drives Victor Frankenstein to assume the role of God by reanimating a corpse. The horror presented derives from the source of control […]

Creation of Life in “Frankenstein”

The next major aspect of the novel that I would like to focus on is the creation of Frankenstein. This will include dissecting the experience into pieces, such as the use of technology, the role of God and religion and the reason behind creating the monster. In the novel, technology is used in correlation with the creation of Frankenstein. Victor says, I collected bones from charnel houses; and distributed, with profane fingers, the tremendous secrets of the human frame (Shelley […]

Foster’s Chapter “Every Trip is a Quest” in “Frankenstein”

In Foster's Chapter, Every Trip Is A Quest , he implies that every journey is a quest and every quest has to have a quester, a place to go, a stated reason to go there, challenges and trials along the way, and a real reason to go. When a character goes on a quest, he goes with intentions on fulfilling the originally stated reason, but once he is on the quest, he never ends up going for that originally stated […]

Economic Crisis Druing the French Revolution

The economic issues made by the French kings additionally added to the Revolution. Amid the eighteenth century, the French government spent more cash than it gathered in expenses. By 1788, the nation was bankrupt. Arthur Young, an Englishmen, and spectator, who ventured out to France from 1787 to 1789 furiously portray the living conditions of the workers in his book Travels in France (Campbell, 18). The measure of expense every individual must pay is out of line. Landholders found in […]

The History of Frankenstein in Film

From the dawn of the cinematic age, both horror and science fiction films have been shown throughout every cinema available. More common, however, were films based upon previously written works such as books or plays as they were easy to adapt from one medium to another. In 1910, Edison studios released what would inevitably lead to a cultural shift around the plot of one of the most famous, if not the most famous gothic novels: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818). The […]

Isolation: Frankenstein and the Heart of Darkness

As humans we are naturally inclined to socialize with each other. There are times when we don’t want to be surrounded by others and just by ourselves, but prolonging that isolation can be detrimental to one’s psyche. Isolation can lead to stress levels rising, poor sleep, immune system dysfunction, and even cognitive depreciation (Psychology Today). In Heart of Darkness ?by Joseph Conrad, we see through Marlow’s eyes the descent of the antagonist Kurtz due to prolonged isolation in the wild […]

Technology and Morality in Shelley’s “Frankenstein”

In Frankenstein, Shelley addresses her concerns regarding human advancement by using a framed narrative that includes parallels, foils, and allusions in order to express that many people are unaware of the consequences of their actions because their hubris and ambition blinds them. This tends to disrupt the balance of society. Shelley’s framed structure leads us gradually to the central ideas of her novel and has us question our own society as a whole. The intention of each narrative in the […]

Victor Frankenstein in “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist in the 18th century. The story begins with a letter from Captain Walton to his sister. The first letter is dated 17--. In Walton's letters, he tells his sister of his encounter with the scientist Victor Frankenstein. Victor becomes consumed with discovering the secret of creating life. In his pursuit of this knowledge, Victor creates a living creature made of body parts of corpses. Victor is successful in creating life, but […]

How Technology Changed Society

Technology has dramatically changed society in ways people never imagined. Before the dawn of modern-day technology, life was troublesome and everyday tasks like chores or transport consumed too much of humans’ effort and time. Now, because of technology human can communicate, transport, and work faster than ever. Due to the efficiency of tech, humans’ lives have been eased tremendously and almost all humans live in comfort. In the 21st Century, technology and human life are inseparable; society these days depends […]

Frankenstein Book Review

In the book “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, it is clear to lay the blame upon Victor Frankenstein. The definition of blame is the assignation of responsibility towards someone/something for a fault or wrong. Victor’s love and passion for science led to a monstrous idea and ended up killing three people. While his pride was a driving force, abandoning the creature was not a smart move. Due to the fact that his idea was matched with the act of doing gives […]

Frankenstein: the Cruelty he Faced

For centuries, society has placed stereotypes on those individuals who are different. Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein is an example of one specific stereotype, which is the discrimination of a person because of a physical deformity. Frankenstein shows how social prejudices against physical deformities can automatically classify a person as bad or monstrous. In gothic novels, visual codes were used to identify good from bad and socially acceptable from socially unacceptable. By using these codes, it was possible to tell if […]

Frankenstein Critical Analysis

In Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, isolation is a motif, or recurring idea with symbolic importance, revealed throughout the story between two characters, Victor Frankenstein, and his scientifically animated monster, the Creature. They both engage in acts and narratives of projecting the consequential dogma of isolation, that inevitably isolation results negatively and perpetuates misanthropy. Victor on one hand is an obsessive personality, lost in his studies he removes himself from very much human contact and engaging society. It results in his […]

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How To Write an Essay About Frankenstein

Introduction to mary shelley's frankenstein.

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is a seminal work of Gothic literature that explores themes of creation, responsibility, and the nature of humanity. In the introduction of your essay, set the stage by briefly summarizing the novel's plot, which centers around Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. Highlight the novel's key themes, such as the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, the quest for knowledge, and the moral implications of playing God. This introduction should provide a snapshot of the novel’s key elements and the thematic explorations you will delve into, laying the groundwork for a critical examination of Shelley's work.

Analyzing Themes and Characters

In the body of your essay, focus on a detailed exploration of the novel's central themes. Discuss the theme of creation and the consequences of Victor Frankenstein's pursuit of scientific discovery without ethical boundaries. Analyze the creature’s development and his quest for identity and companionship, which turns into a desire for revenge against his creator. Explore the novel's exploration of isolation, both self-imposed and societal, as experienced by Victor and his creature. Additionally, examine the characters' relationships and how they contribute to the novel's themes, using specific examples from the text to support your analysis. Each paragraph should focus on a different theme or character, weaving a comprehensive understanding of Shelley’s narrative.

The Novel's Context and Shelley's Writing

It's important to contextualize "Frankenstein" within its historical and literary background. Discuss the significance of the novel being written during the early 19th century, a time of significant scientific advancement and romantic literary movement. Explore how Shelley’s personal experiences and the scientific context of her time influenced the themes and style of "Frankenstein." Additionally, consider the novel's structure, narrative technique, and use of symbolism and imagery. This part of the essay should demonstrate an understanding of how "Frankenstein" not only reflects the time in which it was written but also contributes to the genre of science fiction.

Concluding Reflections

Conclude your essay by summarizing the key points of your analysis and reaffirming the novel's significance in literary history. Reflect on the enduring relevance of "Frankenstein" in modern times, particularly in discussions about scientific ethics, the boundaries of human endeavor, and the consequences of technological advancement. Consider the novel's impact on readers and its role in shaping subsequent literary and cultural narratives. A strong conclusion will not only encapsulate your insights but also underscore the novel's continued importance, encouraging readers to reflect on its themes in the context of today's world.

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104 Frankenstein Essay Topics & Examples

Looking for Frankenstein essay topics? You’re in the right place! Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein continues to be one of the most read books 200 years after it was written.

❓ Top 10 Frankenstein Essay Questions

🧟‍♂️ frankenstein essay themes, 👹 frankenstein essay characters, 📚 literary devices in frankenstein, 🏆 best frankenstein essay examples, 📃 good frankenstein essay topics, ✍️ frankenstein research paper topics.

In your Frankenstein essay, you might want to analyze good vs. evil characters in the novel. Another option is to write about the Monster and his role in the book. The theme of humanity is also worth focusing on. Whether you’re planning to write an argumentative or critical analysis essay on Frankenstein, this article will be helpful. Here we’ve collected Frankenstein essay questions and answers, writing tips, and top Frankenstein essay examples. Go on reading to learn more!

• Why did Mary Shelley write “Frankenstein”?
• Where does “Frankenstein” take place and what role does setting play in the novel?
• What genre is “Frankenstein”?
• Why is Frankenstein called the modern Prometeus?
• Who is the real monster in “Frankenstein”?
• What is the main theme of “Frankenstein”?
• What natural phenomena influenced Frankenstein?
• What do Victor and Walton have in common in “Frankenstein”?
• Why does Frankenstein feel he has the right to take the life of his monster?
• How has Victor changed by the end of “Frankenstein”?

💡 Frankenstein Essay Prompts

Writing a Frankenstein essay can be easy if you know what to write about. That’s why we gathered some ideas to get your essay started. You might want to write about the writing style of the novel, genre, symbols, characters, themes, or imagery. In general, we can divide all the topics into three categories: themes, characters, and literary devices.

Appearances

The monster in Frankenstein is judged based on his grotesque appearance. Many pieces of literature have the idea of appearances as a prevalent, e.g., Little Zaches , Great Zinnober , The Hunchback of Notre Dame , etc.

If you’re assigned to write a compare and contrast essay, you might want to compare the monster and, for example, The Picture of Dorian Grey and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

In the novel, Victor Frankenstein states he was destined to create the monster. Think, if his actions were a matter of fate or he had a choice? Or is he just using destiny as an excuse? How did Victor’s actions cause his and monster’s isolation? Argue about fate in Frankenstein. Analyze how man’s choice can impact his life.

Forgiveness

Even though that seems like everyone in Mary Shelley’s novel is seeking revenge, try to take a closer look and see the theme of mercy and compassion.

Does Victor feel sympathy for the monster he created? Does the monster seek compassion and forgiveness from society? Think about these questions when you will write your Frankenstein essay outline.

Victor Frankenstein

While reading the novel, you will see how Frankenstein’s character develops from a mad scientist who pretended to become a God to a man, feeling guilty for creating such a monster. You might want to analyze Frankenstein’s character in your paper.

The monster

Also, you can examine the monster character who is intelligent but beaten by society due to his appearance. Explore how society can be prejudiced to anyone different. You can find out examples in other literary works to compare and contrast with Frankenstein’s monster.

Point of view

If you’re still looking for more Frankenstein essay topics, consider writing about points of view in the novel. Here’s the deal: most stories stick with one narrator, while Frankenstein is an exception.

You will learn about the story through Frankenstein and the monster’s perspectives, through Walton’s letters, and a third-person narrator. You can’t be sure which story (if any) is true. And your job as a writer, join all the events together and try to find the truth.

Think, only the monster or only Frankenstein narrated this novel, how it would change?

Frankenstein essay symbolism

When you are composing your Frankenstein essay titles, think about essential symbols in the novel. If you turn out the full title of the book, you will find a connection to Greek mythology. Prometheus gave fire to humanity, thus gave them knowledge.

And, like Prometheus, Victor also wished to bring knowledge and life when he created the monster. But, at the same time, the monster also learned the power of fire and realized that it could bring danger along with the light.

Frankenstein essay irony

Another topic example you may use in your writing is the irony. Victor Frankenstein tried to create life but also brought destruction through the monster he created.

If you still have no idea of how you can incorporate irony into your essay, check our Frankenstein essay examples to help you cope with writer’s block.

• Dr Frankenstein & His Monster: Compare & Contrast His need to exert vengeance for the death of Elizabeth and Henry proves that he had a desire for a family but chose not to work on it.
• The Dangers of Science in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Her assertion is that science is equal to power, the power to create. Frankenstein reads like a warning to the modern world about the dangers of science.
• Romanticism in Frankenstein: The Use of Poetry in the Novel’s Narrative Although the dark and horrific motifs of Frankenstein may appear to contrast with the bright tones and subjects of such poetry, there is a clear connection, as established in the text, between the poetry of […]
• “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley The monster then travels to Geneva and meets a little boy called William in the woods, where he hopes that the young boy who is not yet corrupted by the views of older people and […]
• Macbeth & Frankenstein: Compare & Contrast In the being of the play, we assume that Macbeth is akin to the king, a loyal soldier, and a person “full of the milk of human kindness”.
• Who Is More Human Than the Monster of Frankenstein? By opposing the monster created by a scientist and the creator, Victor Frankenstein, the author alludes to the true meaning of being a human beyond the mere form of existence but rather living by virtues.
• Frankenstein: The Theme of Birth Frankenstein is a ruthless man who can stop at nothing in his pursuit of knowledge, and when he discovered the secrets of life, he uses it to create a monster.
• Homosexuality in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley However, at the same time, these breaks from the traditions incited a response reaction in favor of more traditional social roles in other areas, such as the refutation of male sexual relationships to the extent […]
• Feminism in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Mary Wollstonecraft expressly makes her stand known in advocating for the rights of the women in her novel, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, but her daughter is a bit reluctant to curve a […]
• Ethics as a Theme in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley From the novel, it is evident that humans drove the monster into a state of madness when they subjected it to hatred and rejection, and thus the monster’s madness emerged due to the treatment it […]
• Social Issues in “Frankenstein” Film Frankenstein’s monster represents the mangled and depressed soldiers returning from the war only to find an economy in crisis, given that the Great Depression was in the offing after the war.
• Victor Frankenstein vs. the Creature: Compare & Contrast While discussing the main characters, one is to keep in mind that the creator of the monster Victor Frankenstein and his creature are the principal figures of the novel.
• Not Born a Monster: Nature vs. Nurture and the Creature in “Frankenstein” Among the things, the novel implicitly refers to the age-old nature vs.nurture debate about whether one’s personality is defined by the inborn qualities or the upbringing one receives in the course of one’s life.
• The Role of Women in Frankenstein This shows that the woman presented to us has a strong character that enables her to deal with the enormous loss in her life.
• Responsibility in “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelly Despite the description of a being created by Frankenstein as a wretch and the evil that he commits, he causes the feeling of sympathy.
• Frankenstein & the Context of Enlightenment The public was becoming more and more involved in the debates being waged, particularly as newspapers and other periodicals became more prevalent with the introduction of the printing press, introducing and maintaining widespread discourse in […]
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as a Tragedy Another tragedy in the novel appertains to the difficulties that faced Victor and his family after the creation of the monster.
• Theme of Knowledge in Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley The milieu in which the novel, Frankenstein; The Modern Prometheus is situated served as a warning to people that the technological developments brought about by the quest for knowledge could bring about the very threat […]
• Ethical Issues in the Novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley The paper looks at the ethical issues that the author highlights in her paper, such as the promotion of artificial life to help in the development of the discussions of this paper. Victor Frankenstein is […]
• Science & Nature in Frankenstein & Blade Runner A novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a romantic work that reflects the consequences of “blind science” and human ambition, and Blade Runner by Ridley Scott depicts the industrialized society and world of the future […]
• Ethics of Discovery in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” The extent and horrific nature of the experiments encouraged the international community to prohibit scientific and medical experiments that cause harm to people in a treaty that would be called the Geneva Convention.
• Doctor Frankenstein: Hero, Villain or Something in Between? Even though he sets out to find and destroy the monster that he created, he knows that the challenge he is facing is much great.
• Responsibility in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Although Victor Frankenstein seems to be responsible for the wretch’s behavior due to his egoism, departure, and fears, the impact of the creature’s individuality cannot be ignored in the story.
• Scientific Responsibility in “Frankenstein” by Shelley Shelley uses the anguish of both Frankenstein and the Monster to warn readers of the negative consequences of the pursuit of knowledge.
• Roles of Education & Family in Frankenstein In the story, the family serves as one of the major socializing agents in society. The role of love in the family is an additional theme that can be depicted in the story.
• Innocence of Frankenstein’s Monster The name of the novel as Frankenstein conceals the major occurrence of the novel, hence, masking the intentions of the writer at first.
• Nature of Child in Shelley’s “Frankenstein” These behaviors include understanding love and care, the role of parents, and fears of sharing affection. Victor believes that he should reflect his parents’ love for him to the creature.
• Mary Shelley’s Fears in “Frankenstein” Mary Shelley’s creation is often spoken about as a philosophical work telling about the influences of industrialization and technological progress on the society and the ideas about the values of life and death, the argument […]
• Loneliness & Isolation in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein In addition to making him and his creature be isolated, Viktor does not accept the idea of duty and responsibility for his actions because of his inability to understand what it means to be responsible […]
• Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” (1994) For instance, the Arctic scenery, the subtle fact that the creature can converse in the human voice and is smart and able to experience pain, the series of events related to William’s death and the […]
• Science and Integrity in Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Human experimentation is a violation of integrity and scientific norms, notwithstanding the fact that Dr. To conclude, the topics of science and integrity in Dr.
• Frankenstein: Monster’s Appearance & Visual Interpretations However, to my mind, the difference in the contexts of the novel and famous film can be neglected as the monster’s appearance is repulsive enough.
• The Novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley: Critical Analysis The themes of creation and vengeance are illustrated to give a clear perspective of Mary’s main aim in writing her book.
• Science and Society in “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley Many scientists and scholars tried to view the problem of the connection between Frankenstein and science from the perspective of the feminist vision as the novel is written by a woman.
• “Frankenstein” vs. “Great Expectations”: Compare and Contrast The book seems to make use of previous writings like Paradise Lost one of the books that the monster reads, Shakespeare and Don Quixote for instance, the Arabian lover and the sequence of the monster’s […]
• “Frankenstein and Critique of Imperialism” by Gayatri Spivak What the author sets out to do is to expound on the intensity of imperialism in the story. There are several themes in the novel, but the central questions that the article seeks to addresses […]
• Frankenstein Attempts to Generate a Socially or Politically “Appropriate” Additionally the paper respond to the questions: does the film expel, discipline, or otherwise “manage” the elements of the film that might conflict the sanctioned meaning and whether these elements end up subverting or overwhelming […]
• Frankenstein Murderer: Hero Analysis and Careful Study of the Case Knowing that the monster intended to cause yet more destruction in the world and who the monster was likely to target, Frankenstein’s deliberate refusal to do anything to help his creation comprises another instance of […]
• Artificial Intelligence and Frankenstein’s Monster: Article Review These models learn from the world around them and might eventually become sentient, and it is far from certain that they will decide to be benevolent to humans.
• Frankenstein’s Search of Companionship in Shelley’s Novel Frankenstein’s point is to establish his social life through the fulfillment of his ambition, and the monster seeks the unconditional love that a family can provide.
• The Novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley: Impact of Galvanism Galvanism is the technique of resurrecting a corpse and advancing Luigi Galvani’s research on using electricity to advance and extend life.
• Curse and Blessing in “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley The idea that knowledge can be a curse is portrayed because the creature that the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, has created relying on his knowledge harms himself and his family.
• Scientist’s Role in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein The great issues of the day were the main focus of articles as well as the works of fiction that were becoming much more popular as the price of books fell.”The Victorian novel, with its […]
• Responsibility as a Theme in Frankenstein In sum, through the character of Victor, Shelley portrays that a person matures when he can accept responsibilities for his actions and their consequences.
• Motifs and Themes in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” Moreover the paper also describes the concept of education and upbringing of child through the analysis of charter of Frankenstein in the novel.
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Critical Analysis Hetherington’s “The Creator and Created Review of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” demonstrates that Shelley’s religious views and lifestyle influence Frankenstein and that Mary’s modernity may be replicated in chronicles to comprehend their meaning.
• Frankenstein’s Monster: Analysis The creature can be compared to a baby who tries to examine the world it lives in, and its actions are just contractions to the cruelty of the world.
• Main Themes in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” The purpose of the presented study is to discuss the perception of moral and ethical aspects in the field of scientific discoveries by Frankenstein.
• Frankenstein: The Hidden Monster Is Worse Than the Apparent One She does this by employing the first definition as it applies to the monster, but then employs the second definition to apply to the doctor, suggesting that the hidden monster is far worse than the […]
• Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’: Chapter 18 Analysis This paper takes a critical look at the inclusion of chapter 18 in the publication entitled ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley and its significance in enabling a better understanding of the drama in the chapter. It […]
• The Symbol of Fire in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley The fire symbolizes the ambivalent nature of the creation: one the one hand, it grants rebirth and creates life, one the other mercilessly punishes people. The fire in the novel is the ultimate power regulating […]
• Frankenstein: a Deconstructive Reading In the story, Frankenstein assumes the position of the creator while the monster is the created being. As a creator who is ready to sail in the glory that his work will bring him, Frankenstein […]
• Frankenstein: Influences of “The Prometheus” and “Paradise Lost” This is echoed in the novel, as Victor Frankenstein is said to create life against the laws of nature and is punished for it.
• The “Frankenstein” Novel by Mary Shelley I predict that from the early moment when Frankenstein creates the creature, he will become the monster in his life, leading to madness, while no one will accept the creature because people are usually afraid […]
• “Frankenstein” and “The Possibility of Evil”: Evil Theme The main difference between the stories of Frankenstein and The Possibility of Evil is based on the evil aspect and the type of horror represented.
• Shelley’s Frankenstein: What It Means to Be Human The contestation was largely influenced by the Enlightenment led by the philosopher David Hume, who argued that there were different species of people and non-European species were “naturally inferior to the whites”.
• “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley Review The feelings conveyed in the book are incredibly gentle and pure, and the depictions of family life are of the most affable and straightforward, with a father who is alluring and deep.
• Romantic Characteristics in “Frankenstein” In the novel, there are at least two features of Romanticism that are not discussed in the overview: the illustration of grotesque and the theme of individual versus society.
• Social Topics of Shelley’s Frankenstein Novel The main characters of Frankenstein are Victor and Robert, who constantly seek adventures and want to discover the unique parts of the world.
• Conflict in “Frankenstein” Novel by Mary Shelley The novel’s main conflict revolves around negligence of responsibility in the name of ambition and the consequences of such actions. Refusing to take responsibility for producing a monster, the scientist loses his loved ones at […]
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: Divine and Satanic Hetherington adequately concludes that Victor Frankenstein is a symbol of God through the creation of a new being, and the monster is a symbol of Satan due to his deeds.
• Metaphors in Frankenstein By creating an unnatural monster and endowing life to the dead objects, Victor denied one of the main laws of nature.
• Evaluation of “Frankenstein” Critiques The narrative of the novel uses elements of superstition, but the writer acknowledges that giving life to the lifeless matter could potentially be possible. The author clearly distinguishes between “the marvelous and the effects of […]
• The Novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley Later, the reader can understand that the main hero feels quite lonely and pays much attention to his research and studies to cover this inner loneliness caused by the loss of his beloved ones.
• Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley He finds Victor and blames the creator for leaving his child alone and requires a woman to compensate for the cruel behavior.
• Genetics, Reproductive and Cloning Technology in “Frankenstein” If Mary Shelley was for the idea of cloning technology, I think her novel would have ended up with Frankenstein creating a female companion for the monster to compliment the theme of love in the […]
• The Feminine Roles in the ‘Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus’ by M. Shelley Shelley develops the theme of feminism in the course of the book by revealing the evil attributes of the creature and how the women fall victim of the creature.
• Monsters, Reflection of Creators: Frankenstein and Mr. Hyde The research introduces the authors’ symbolic concepts of strangeness which address alienation and desire and, which happen in the unconscious state of the creator’s Victor and Dr.
• Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and H.G. Wells’s “The Island of Dr. Moreau” Frankenstein and Wells’s recognize outcomes of genetic engineering and scientific experiments that lose locus of control and result in to unexpected outcomes that add a new dimension of the body of knowledge to the literature […]
• Modern-Day Treatment of Frankenstein: New Variations of the Classic Novel Frankenstein’s monster would be a creature that would be hard to wipe out of the face of the earth and would be made of cells that are highly replicating within hours to form new monsters […]
• The Novel Protagonist Victor Frankenstein Destiny Victor did not realize that God created humanity and took care of creature, while Frankenstein sought for the success of scientific experiment: “From the beginning, the creature is unloved: Victor, in his flight and subsequent […]
• Shelley’s Frankenstein: Double Vision of the Hero The rest of the novel refers to a nameless creature who is simply addressed as “the monster” [O1] and the one, who is created by Victor.
• Kipphardt’s “In the Matter of J. R. Oppenheimer” and Shelley’s “Frankenstein” In Kipphardt’s play, it is possible to pursue the development of Oppenheimer’s outlook on the value of the invention of the nuclear weapon.
• Comparison of Victor and the Creature in ”Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley Victor Frankenstein, the main character of the story, intentionally adopts the position of God in his attempt to overcome the forces of life and death and place them directly in the hands of man.
• “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley and “Blade Runner” by Ridley Scott: Comparative Analysis The texts under consideration picture the events of different periods of time and have absolutely different settings, but both Frankenstein and Blade Runner express the desire of a human to have powers of God.
• Feminist Ideas in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” One of these issues and the subject of this paper is the theme of feminism in Shelley’s novel. It is time to separate unchangeable morals from local manners”.- Mary Wollstonecraft in A Vindication of the […]
• “Frankenstein“ the Book by Mary Shelley Though the true nature of the Monster is virtuous and kind, he is treated like a beast, like a devil and even his creator addresses to him as to “it” “For this I had deprived […]
• The Ladies of Frankenstein: The Gender in Literature It is widely understood that Mary Shelley wrote for the female public, even though she originally wrote the novel on a wager among friends.”She fitted character and plot to the tastes of the public, especially […]
• Frankenstein: The Novel or the Movie? The Star Wars or the War of the Worlds did bring to life the characters that were locked in the pages of the novel.
• Scientist’s Role in “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelly Every action and character in the novel, in this manner, is linked to and affected by the role of the scientist protagonist Victor Frankenstein.
• Humor and Technology in “Young Frankenstein” Film One of the debates of the day was the question of the proper role of the scientist in the contemporary age, addressed in the novel Frankenstein written by Mary Shelley.
• “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus” by Shelley He studied in Ingolstadt where he discovered the secrets of life, which he uses to create a monster. He does this in secret since he is aware of the dangers of his experiment.
• Stylistics of Frankenstein by Mary Shelly The name of the main character of the novel, who has created the living monster from the insentient substance, became a special sign that in a course of time widened its meaning.
• What Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Say About Community? Hyde was not eager to become a part of the community and he tended to avoid communication with members of the society he lived in.
• Mary Shelley’s Novel Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus This is the main theme that the writer explores; in this way, she prompts the readers to think about the causes of misfortunes that struck many innocent people.
• Mary Shelley’ “Frankenstein” Story Analysis The creation is not a monster because it has human habits and affection. From the start of the story, Frankenstein’s creation is misjudged due to the way it looks.
• Themes in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Literature Analysis In connection to the previously discussed topic of the status of the female in the modern world, one can conclude that the world in which the public sphere of rationality and science becomes dominant naturally […]
• Mary Shelley’s Monster in Frankenstein Literature Analysis Statement of the Research The underlying principle of this research undertaking is to examine the character traits of Frankenstein as a monster.
• “The Marriage of Heaven and Hell” and “Frankenstein” In this essay, the author seeks to confirm that in the two books, the role of the devil is the same.
• Frankenstein: Critical Reflections by Ginn & Hetherington The complexity of the novel and its meaning is often compared to the challenging and full of struggles life the writer herself.
• Frankenstein: Novel & Movie Comparison It also points to have a warning note to it in the subtitle against the over-ambition of the modern man and the impacts of the Industrial Revolution and French Revolution containing both enormous assurance and […]
• Romantic Era Literature: “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley The Romantic era of art and literature is a movement which started in Europe at the end of the 18th century, peaking around the time between 1800 and 1840.
• Frankenstein’s Historical Context: Review of “In Frankenstein’s Shadow” by Chris Baldrick Baldrick’s ‘In Frankenstein’s Shadow’ is an indispensable input to what is promptly gaining primacy as decisive and learned compromise regarding the integral nature of Mary Shelly’s narrative to the comprehension of the two concepts of […]
• “On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer” vs. “Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus” : Compare & Contrast Giving readers the sense of being immersed in the world of the Greeks and the Trojans, or in the world of any fine literature, is a goal for many writers.
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Roger Corman, 98, Dies; Prolific Master of Low-Budget Cinema

He had hundreds of horror, science fiction and crime films to his credit. He also helped start the careers of Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola and many others.

By Aljean Harmetz

Roger Corman, who for decades dominated the world of B movies as the producer or director of countless proudly low-budget horror, science fiction and crime films, died on Thursday at his home in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 98.

His death was confirmed in a statement by his family posted late Saturday on his official Instagram page.

Mr. Corman produced more than 300 films and directed roughly 50 of them, including cult classics like “A Bucket of Blood” (1959), “The Masque of the Red Death” (1964), “The Wild Angels” (1966) and the original “The Little Shop of Horrors” (1960), which he shot for $35,000 in two days on a set left over from somebody else’s movie.

When he got tired of directing, he opened the door to Hollywood for talented young protégés like Francis Ford Coppola (“Dementia 13”), Martin Scorsese (“Boxcar Bertha”), Jonathan Demme (“Caged Heat”), Peter Bogdanovich (“Targets”) and Ron Howard (“Grand Theft Auto”).

Mr. Corman “was able to nurture other talent in a way that was never envious or difficult but always generous,” Mr. Scorsese said of him. “He once said: ‘Martin, what you have to get is a very good first reel, because people want to know what’s going on. Then you need a very good last reel, because people want to hear how it all turns out. Everything else doesn’t really matter.’ Probably the best sense I have ever heard about the movies.”

Among the others Mr. Corman nurtured was Jack Nicholson, who was 21 when Mr. Corman gave him his first movie role, the lead in “The Cry Baby Killer” (1958), and 23 when he had a small part as a masochistic dental patient in “The Little Shop of Horrors.” Before he went on to stardom, Mr. Nicholson acted in eight Corman movies and wrote three of them, including “The Trip,” an uncautionary tale about LSD.

Bruce Dern and Peter Fonda were also part of the Corman repertory company, working together in “The Trip” and “The Wild Angels.” An unknown Robert De Niro played Shelley Winters’s heroin-addicted son in “Bloody Mama” (1970). The first script by Robert Towne, who later went on to write the Oscar-winning screenplay for “Chinatown,” was Mr. Corman’s nuclear-catastrophe love triangle, “The Last Woman on Earth” (1960). In order to earn his fee, Mr. Towne was also required to play the movie’s second lead, a handsome young man who is killed by the Last Woman’s jealous husband.

In addition to being remembered for the opportunities he gave young filmmakers, Mr. Corman was renowned for his ability to make movies with almost no money and even less time. In 1967, for example, Boris Karloff owed Mr. Corman two days’ work. According to Mr. Bogdanovich, “Roger said: ‘I want you to take 20 minutes of Karloff footage from “The Terror,” then I want you to shoot 20 more minutes with Boris, and then I want you to shoot another 40 minutes with some other actors over 10 days. I can take the 20 and the 20 and the 40, and I’ve got a whole new 80-minute Karloff film.’”

The result was the critically praised “Targets,” in which Mr. Karloff played an aging horror film star who confronts a deranged Vietnam veteran on a murderous rampage at a drive-in theater where one of his movies is playing.

From 1954 to 1970, Mr. Corman produced or directed dozens of movies for American International Pictures, most of them on a handshake deal with the fabled B-movie impresario Samuel Z. Arkoff. Budgets started at $29,000. “The Wild Angels,” considered a big movie, cost $360,000.

Bringing Bergman to the Drive-In

In 1970 Mr. Corman formed his own production and distribution company, New World Pictures. What he did next surprised Hollywood: He became the American distributor of Ingmar Bergman’s “Cries and Whispers.” The film earned Bergman nominations for Academy Awards in 1974 as writer and director; its cinematographer, Sven Nykvist, won an Oscar.

In his autobiography, “How I Made a Hundred Movies in Hollywood and Never Lost a Dime” (1990, with Jim Jerome), Mr. Corman explained that he did not want his new company “to be identified, even stigmatized, by exploitation filmmaking.” So he booked Bergman into drive-ins, and New World went on to distribute films by Akira Kurosawa, François Truffaut and Federico Fellini.

“Cries and Whispers” made a profit of more than $1 million in American theaters. Nonetheless, the name Roger Corman forever remained, in the words of the film critic David Thomson, “a synonym for blithe exploitation.”

Roger William Corman was born on April 5, 1926, in Detroit. The son of an engineer, he assumed that he would be an engineer, too.

Even during the Depression, his parents, William and Anne (High) Corman, and their two sons — Roger was 18 months older than his brother, Gene — lived comfortably. But his father had to take a major cut in pay, and to Roger it was obvious that the wolf was lurking around the next corner.

“I have always assumed that somehow shaped my attitude toward money,” Mr. Corman reflected in his autobiography.

Driven west by the harsh Michigan winters, the family moved to Southern California. After excelling at Beverly Hills High School, Roger spent a year as an engineering student at Stanford University in the middle of World War II, then spent his sophomore and junior years at the University of Colorado as a cadet in a Navy program.

He returned to Stanford when the war ended, graduating in 1947 with a degree in electrical engineering. But after working for just four days as an electrical engineer, he quit engineering forever.

He was hired as a messenger at 20th Century Fox for $32.50 a week and eventually rose to story reader. But, he wrote in his memoir, “I knew I was going to be a writer, producer or director of motion pictures, and I needed more background in the arts of the 20th century.” He enrolled at the University of Oxford on the G.I. Bill to study the work of T.S. Eliot and D.H. Lawrence.

After six months at Oxford and six months in Paris, he came home and sold a chase-across-the-desert script to Allied Artists for $3,500. He was so unhappy with the finished film, “Highway Dragnet,” directed by Nathan Juran, that he decided to become his own producer.

An Inauspicious Start

With the $3,500, a borrowed one-man submarine and $6,500 raised from a dozen friends, he was almost ready to film “Monster From the Ocean Floor,” a movie about a man-eating mutant spawned by atomic testing. But he needed another $2,000 and a director. He got both by offering the directing job to a young actor, Wyott Ordung, if Mr. Ordung, who also appeared in the film, would put up the last $2,000.

On his first few movies, Mr. Corman produced, thought up the story, drove the equipment truck and filled in as a stunt driver. Knowing nothing about directing but needing another outlet for his energy, he became his own director in 1955 with “Five Guns West.” For the next 15 years, he directed almost all the films he produced.

He earned his first taste of respectability and the favor of European critics with a series of horror films based on Edgar Allan Poe stories, most of them starring Vincent Price. The series began with “House of Usher” in 1960, with a script by the science-fiction writer Richard Matheson, and culminated in 1964 with “The Masque of the Red Death,” photographed by Nicolas Roeg, and “The Tomb of Ligeia.”

Mr. Corman liked to call himself an outlaw filmmaker, and many of his movies celebrated outlaws: Peter Fonda as the head of a nihilistic motorcycle gang in “The Wild Angels,” with real Hells Angels riding their choppers alongside the actors; and Shelley Winters as the incestuous head of a murderous family in “Bloody Mama.”

In preparation for “The Trip” (1967), he spent seven hours hugging the ground beneath a redwood tree in Big Sur while tripping on LSD for, he said, the first and only time.

“The Wild Angels,” “Bloody Mama” and “The Trip” were all denounced by critics, and they all made money. One of Mr. Corman’s few commercial failures was his most deeply felt film, “The Intruder” (1962), the story of a rabble-rousing white supremacist. Mr. Corman gave the role of the Northern bigot who spreads hatred in a Southern town to a young stage actor, William Shatner. When no studio agreed to be his partner, Mr. Corman, a self-proclaimed lifelong liberal, provided most of the $80,000 budget and distributed “The Intruder” himself.

New World, New Honors

By 1970, Mr. Corman was burned out by directing and by his peripatetic bachelor life. That summer he completed the last movie he would direct for 20 years, “Von Richthofen and Brown,” about the World War I German flying ace known as the Red Baron and the Allied pilot who shot him down. (His next directorial effort, the 1990 science fiction-horror hybrid “Frankenstein Unbound,” was also his last.)

On Dec. 26, 1970, at the age of 44, Mr. Corman married Julie Halloran, a former Los Angeles Times researcher whom he had been dating off and on for six years. With his wife and his brother as co-producers, he formed New World Pictures.

At New World, he was responsible for “The Student Nurses,” “Private Duty Nurses” and “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden,” an intelligent and disturbing adaptation of Hannah Green’s semi-autobiographical novel about a teenage girl with schizophrenia, which received an Academy Award nomination for its screenplay, by Gavin Lambert and Lewis John Carlino.

He sold New World in 1983, keeping the valuable film library, and promptly created a new production and distribution company, Concorde-New Horizons. In 1997 he sold Concorde-New Horizons and its library for $100 million.

He is survived by his wife, Julie, and his daughters, Catherine and Mary, according to the statement from his family.

Mr. Corman remained active into the 21st century. He produced for Netflix “Splatter” (2009), a three-part online horror series with a difference: Audience votes determined which characters would be killed. He produced intentionally cheesy monster movies like “Sharktopus” (2010), “Piranhaconda” (2012) and “CobraGator” (2016) for the Syfy channel.

He received an honorary Oscar in 2009, and in 2011 he was the subject of a well-received documentary feature, “Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel,” directed by Alex Stapleton.

Interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter in 2013, Mr. Corman was philosophical about his life’s work. “Motion pictures have always been part art and part business,” he said. “If I have a burning vision, it’s to keep on working.”

Peter Keepnews and Yan Zhuang contributed reporting.