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Frankenstein by Mary Shelley was first published in 1818 with the title Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus
. Few works of literature have been as innovative or influential as Shelley’s novel, as it stands as a foundational work in not just one, but two literary movements: the Gothic and science fiction genres. Nor can many other works come close to its extraordinary power to stay in the forefront of the public consciousness. More than 200 years after its publication Frankenstein is consistently near the top of the list of the most taught books in classrooms, while it also inspires a seemingly endless stream of adaptations in film and other formats.The novel follows the ambitious but reckless scientist Victor Frankenstein, who, driven by ambition to overcome death and unlock the secrets of life, creates a human-like creature from reanimated body parts. The story unfolds through a series of letters and narratives, recounting Victor’s journey and the consequences of his creation. Set against the backdrop of Europe in the late 18th century, the novel explores themes of unbridled ambition, the dangers of isolation, parental responsibility, and the nature of goodness. The icy landscapes of the Alps and the Arctic North, the gloomy atmosphere of Ingolstadt, and the desolate expanses where the creature roams contribute to the novel’s evocative setting. Frankenstein is often considered a reflection of the cultural and scientific anxieties of the time, with the Industrial Revolution and advancements in science raising questions about the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration. The novel remains relevant today, prompting discussions on the consequences of unchecked ambition and societal rejection of the “other.”
While Frankenstein has inspired numerous film adaptations in the past century, rarely have these dramatizations stuck closely to the details in Shelley’s work. Typically, filmmakers have—not unlike Frankenstein in the creation of his monster—taken bits and pieces from original story (emphasizing some specific themes or characters from the novel while ignoring others) and infused them with their own ideas.
While this practice has resulted in a few abominations, it has also led to some memorable works that celebrate and enhance the 1818 novel and help keep it in the mainstream of popular consciousness. The first film to follow this à la carte approach to the novel to popular success was the iconic 1931 adaptation directed by James Whale featuring Boris Karloff as the monster. More recently, the 2025 version directed by Guillermo del Toro starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi also won praise for taking this pick-and-choose approach to adapting Shelley’s novel. An offbeat but highly regarded example of this can be seen in a 1997 episode of the popular science-fiction television series The X-Files entitled “Post-Modern Prometheus.”
Read the free full text, the full book summary, an in-depth character analysis of the Monster, and explanations of important quotes from Frankenstein.
