What is the main theme conveyed through the actions of the characters?

Interesting question! There are numerous themes conveyed throughout the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Some of the most prevalent themes focus on the consequences of education and knowledge, which are evaluated through the lives of the creature and Victor.

Regarding the creature's education and knowledge, Shelley portrays the pursuit of knowledge as flawed and perhaps what even turned the creature into a monster. For example, when the creature was first created, he did not know...

Interesting question! There are numerous themes conveyed throughout the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Some of the most prevalent themes focus on the consequences of education and knowledge, which are evaluated through the lives of the creature and Victor.

Regarding the creature's education and knowledge, Shelley portrays the pursuit of knowledge as flawed and perhaps what even turned the creature into a monster. For example, when the creature was first created, he did not know about his “lower status.” He merely wanted contact with others. As a result of his learning about others' opinions of him, such as the French cottagers, the creature started viewing himself as monstrous. As the creature himself states:

“I cannot describe to you the agony that these reflections inflected upon me: I tried to dispel them, but sorrow only increased with knowledge. Oh, that I had for ever remained in my native wood, nor known nor felt beyond the sensations of hunger, thirst, and heat!”

Victor, the creator, also experiences this regret and double-sided sword of education. For example, it was education that caused Victor to make the creature. When Victor left for school, he soon became exposed to the “god-like science,” which led to the making of the creature. Also, he neglected his family and friends to spend countless hours alone making the creature. As a result, he lost focus of all other values and over-prioritized the importance of knowledge.

Thus, throughout the book, Shelley evaluates the impact of knowledge through the characters’ lives. Although education can be beneficial, Shelley illustrates that it can also lead to destruction and grief if over-prioritized.