Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, follows Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a living being from dead body parts. The story explores themes of ambition, isolation, and the consequences of playing God. As the creature seeks acceptance, he faces rejection and ultimately turns vengeful, leading to tragic outcomes for Victor and his loved ones. This abridged version makes Shelley's classic accessible for readers of all ages, capturing the essence of the original narrative. Ideal for students and fans of gothic literature, it provides a concise overview of the key events and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

Key Points

  • Explores the themes of creation, responsibility, and isolation in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
  • Follows Victor Frankenstein's tragic journey after creating a living being from dead parts.
  • Highlights the creature's struggle for acceptance and the consequences of societal rejection.
  • Abridged version suitable for readers seeking a concise understanding of the classic novel.
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41 pages
Literature
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41 pages
Literature
169
/ 41
by
Mary
Shelley
Coleridge Community Schools
Book
NO'
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M.
_________
L
_
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_----------
----
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----
..............
1
..
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....
.....
.
Abridged
and
adapted
by
T.
Ernesto
Bethancourt
Illustrated
by
James
McConnell
A PACEMAKER CLASSIC
Fearon
Education
a division of
David
S.
Lake
Publishers
Belmont
, California
Property Of
CoL-:·.L
--
W\lf-ll
Co:Y..Ii.:nmi
t
Schoo
ls
Pacemaker
Classics
The
Adventures
of
Tom
Sawyer
The Deerslayer
Dr. Jekyll
and
Mr.
Hyde
Frankenstein
Great Expectations
Jane
Eyre
The Jungle Book
The
Last
of
the Mohicans
The
Moonstone
Robinson
Crusoe
A Tale
of
Two Cities
The Three Musketeers
The Time Machine
Treasure
Island
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Two Years Before the Mast
Copyright ©
1986
by
David
S.
Lake
Publishers,
500
Harbor
Boulevard, Belmont, California
94002.
All
rights
reserved.
No
part
of
this
book
may
be
reproduced
by
any
means,
transmitted,
or
translated into a machine language without
written
permission
from
th
e publisher.
Library of Congress
Catalog
Card
Number: 84-62178
ISBN 0-8224-9257-1
Printed in the United States
of
America
1.9876543
Contents
Introduction
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Opening Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Chapter
1.
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Chapter 2
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Chapter 3 . . .
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Chapter 4
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Chapter 5 . . .
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28
Chapter 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 32
Chapter 7 ...................
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Chapter
8 40
Chapter 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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45
Chapter
10
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51
Chapter
11
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Chapter
12
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Ending Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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65
Introduction
Frankenstein is probably one
of
the
best-known
horror stories
in
the
world.
Many
people
have
heard
the
story
of
the
"mad
doctor" who uses dead
bodies to
create
a
monster
that
turns
bad
and
kills
people.
Many
movies
have
been
made
of
the
Franken-
stein
story.
In
most
movies,
the
story
has
been
changed.
When
you
read
the
book, you
may
find
some surprises.
For
example,
"Frankenstein"
is
the
name
of
the
scientist-not
the
name
of
the
monster.
The
monster
has
a personality
that
also
might
surprise
you. And
Frankenstein
himself
is
not
just
a
"mad
scientist
."
He
hopes to help people
with
his
work.
Most people
don't
know
that
Frankenstein was
written
to
win
a bet. One
evening
in
1816,
Mary
Shelley,
her
husband,
and
a friend were
sitting
around
the
fire.
They
were
telling
ghost stories.
They decided to see who would be
the
first to
write
a new
kind
of
horror
story.
The
other
two people
never
finished
their
stories.
But
Mary Shelley be-
gan
writing
the
next
day.
In
a
short
time,
she
had
written
a
horror
story
that
would
never
be for-
gotten.
v
/ 41
End of Document
169

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FAQs

What motivates Victor Frankenstein to create the monster?
Victor Frankenstein is driven by an insatiable desire for knowledge and the ambition to conquer death. He believes that by creating life, he can unlock the secrets of existence and achieve greatness. However, his obsession blinds him to the moral implications of his actions, leading to disastrous consequences. When he finally animates the creature, he is horrified by its appearance and abandons it, setting off a chain of tragic events.

How does the creature respond to Victor's rejection?
The creature, initially innocent and seeking companionship, is devastated by Victor's rejection. As it faces constant fear and hostility from humans, it becomes increasingly isolated and embittered. This transformation from a hopeful being to a vengeful monster illustrates the profound effects of societal rejection and the longing for acceptance. The creature's actions ultimately lead to tragic outcomes for Victor and his loved ones.

What are the consequences of Victor's ambition in the story?
Victor's ambition to create life leads to catastrophic consequences, including the deaths of his loved ones. His initial excitement turns to horror when he realizes the creature's potential for violence and revenge. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral responsibilities that come with scientific exploration. Victor's failure to take responsibility for his creation ultimately results in his own downfall.

What themes are prevalent in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein?
Key themes in Frankenstein include the pursuit of knowledge, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of isolation. The novel examines the moral implications of scientific advancement and the responsibilities of a creator towards their creation. Additionally, it explores the impact of societal rejection on the individual, highlighting the creature's tragic journey as a reflection of human fears and prejudices. These themes resonate with readers, prompting reflection on the ethical dilemmas of modern science.

How does the setting influence the events in Frankenstein?
The setting of Frankenstein plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and the characters' experiences. From the icy landscapes of the Arctic to the dark, foreboding laboratories, the environments reflect Victor's inner turmoil and the creature's isolation. The contrasting settings emphasize themes of ambition, despair, and the search for belonging. The natural world often mirrors the emotional states of the characters, enhancing the gothic atmosphere of the story.