Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus
by Mary Shelley
New York, Penguin Classics, 1985; lvi, 261 pp.
Reviewed by David W. Gill www.ethixbiz.com
It is still hard to fully appreciate Mary Shelley’s accomplishment. Frankenstein was her first book, begun
at age 18 and published at age 20. Her project was actually provoked by a light-hearted suggestion from
Lord Byron (with whom Mary and Percy Shelley were vacationing) that they should all try to concoct ghost
stories. Her work became the most famous gothic horror story, and science fiction, in English literature.
Victor Frankenstein goes off to university to study chemistry but he has already read widely in alchemy
and natural history. He is consumed with interest in learning the secrets of life. The movie versions of
Frankenstein give the scene of the creation of the monster a lot more pizzazz than Mary Shelley’s calm
description in the book. In any event, Victor Frankenstein is horrified by what he has created and rejects
his creature. The monstrous creature meets Frankenstein again after years of wandering, persecution,
and a remarkable self-education. He begs Frankenstein to create a partner for him so that he will not be
so utterly lonely. Frankenstein refuses; the monster kills some people; a wild pursuit ends in a deadly
chase over Arctic ice flows.
The big questions: is there ever a boundary (e.g., tampering with the creation of life) we should not cross?
If so, how would we recognize it? If we do bring about unfortunate consequences will we accept
responsibility for our actions and follow through wisely and courageously? Frankenstein makes a good
film; the book itself makes for a great reading/discussion group in today’s business/technology context.