Mary Shelley is the author of Frankenstein. Her work is a foundational piece of Gothic literature and early science fiction.

The subtitle 'The Modern Prometheus' alludes to the myth of Prometheus and mirrors the theme of overreaching ambition. It emphasizes the hubris behind the creation of life.

The novel begins with Captain Walton's letters to his sister, which frame the entire narrative. This structure sets up multiple perspectives and layers of storytelling.

Victor Frankenstein is driven by his obsessive desire to overcome natural boundaries and create life. His ambition reflects a deep-seated urge to transcend human limitations.

The creature is never given a personal name and is typically referred to simply as 'the Creature.' This distinction is important, as 'Frankenstein' actually refers to the scientist who created him.

Frankenstein employs a frame narrative in which the story is recounted through multiple layers of narration. This technique allows readers to experience different perspectives and adds complexity to the storytelling.

One of the central themes of Frankenstein is the danger of unchecked ambition, as seen in Victor's relentless pursuit of forbidden knowledge. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of defying natural boundaries.

The creature learns about human society by observing people and reading books, which helps him understand human emotions and social norms. This self-education process is pivotal to his development and isolation.

The natural world in Frankenstein mirrors the inner turmoil of its characters and underscores the overwhelming power of the universe. This use of the sublime emphasizes the contrast between human ambition and nature's vastness.

Mary Shelley's own encounters with loss and isolation have a direct impact on the themes of Frankenstein. Her personal experiences lend depth to the exploration of responsibility and the perils of overreaching ambition.

Victor's obsessive experiments lead to tragic consequences, including the loss of loved ones. His personal downfall is a direct result of his inability to foresee the repercussions of his scientific endeavors.

The creature's profound loneliness drives his demand for a friend who can understand him. His plea for companionship highlights the intrinsic human need for acceptance and connection.

The subtitle 'The Modern Prometheus' makes a clear reference to the mythological figure Prometheus. This allusion underscores the themes of defiance and the dangerous pursuit of forbidden knowledge.

The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing knowledge without ethical restraints. It critically examines how scientific ambition can lead to unintended and tragic outcomes.

Elizabeth embodies traditional domesticity and compassion, which sharply contrasts with Victor's obsessive and isolating pursuits. Her character serves to highlight the costs of neglecting interpersonal relationships.

Shelley uses light and darkness to evoke complex themes, using light as a metaphor for enlightenment and hope, and darkness as a representation of despair and the unknown. This interplay deepens the reader's understanding of the characters' internal conflicts.

Victor Frankenstein's inevitable decline is rooted in his own hubris and excessive ambition, which are classic traits of a tragic hero. His inability to foresee the consequences of his actions illustrates the concept of hamartia, or fatal flaw.

Isolation is a critical theme in Frankenstein, affecting both Victor and the creature in profound ways. Their respective seclusions lead to misguided decisions and ultimately contribute to the tragic unfolding of events.

The layered narrative in Frankenstein forces readers to question the truthfulness of each account. By presenting events through multiple subjective lenses, Shelley blurs the line between reality and perception.

The fusion of Romantic and Gothic elements in Frankenstein enriches its thematic complexity. These literary devices not only evoke intense emotion and atmospheric tension, but they also enhance the critique of unchecked ambition and the limits of human understanding.