Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, first published in 1818, is one of the most fascinating and enduring texts of modern literature. The ideas of an ungodly discovery, an experiment gone wrong and hideous results still excite and intrigue modern audiences of both the novel and the many films it has spawned since the dawn of the movie era.

Few people, however, realise the full meaning and complexity of the Frankenstein story. Aside from her undeniable originality (in literature at least), Mary Shelley deserves credit for the wealth of moral, social and religious issues she raises in her short text: part of the lasting appeal of Frankenstein lies in its ability to ask questions which are still of relevance to us all, even in this modern world which is - on the surface at least - so different to that which Shelley knew.

There is so much to say that one site cannot hope to say it all. This site - most of it written by A/S Literature students - looks at issues which surround the text, certain seminal features of it, and some of the questions it raises.

WARNING: We promise no definitive answers; the text gives very few. Everything here is interpretation - some very personal, some more objective, but in every case unavoidably coloured by the views and ideas of the writer. Remember that finding your own answers is more important than learning someone else's, and that sometimes the questions, and thoughts they provoke, are more important than 'answers' anyway. Enjoy.

Further information can be found at here