Cover of Frankenstein; or, The modern Prometheus

Frankenstein; or, The modern Prometheus

by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

A young scientist creates a grotesque creature in an unorthodox experiment. The first true science fiction novel and a meditation on creation and responsibility.

"Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a Gothic novel published in 1818. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a living creature from assembled body parts in an unorthodox experiment. When the creature awakens, Victor flees in horror, abandoning his creation. The conscious being must navigate a world that fears him, learning language and seeking connection, only to face repeated rejection. Embittered and alone, the creature confronts his creator with a desperate request that will set both on a dark path of vengeance and tragedy.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.

Language
English
On Project Gutenberg since
1 October 1993
Read in the last 30 days
182,729 times at Project Gutenberg

Listen to it: 3 recordings

More by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

See all: More by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

More from the shelf “Gothic Fiction”

See all: More from the shelf “Gothic Fiction”

Subjects and shelves