88 pages • 2 hours read
Mary ShelleyFrankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1818A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Victor Frankenstein, a scientist from Geneva, creates a sentient creature during his studies in Ingolstadt. Horrified by his creation, he abandons it, leading the creature to seek revenge on Frankenstein and his loved ones due to isolation and mistreatment. Their ensuing conflict drives them into a relentless, tragic pursuit in the Arctic. The novel includes references to suicide, violent death, and gross physical deformity.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is widely praised for its innovative narrative and profound exploration of human ambition and ethical boundaries. Critics commend its complex characters and Gothic atmosphere. However, some find the pacing uneven and certain plot elements implausible, which detracts from the overall impact. The novel remains a landmark in literary history.
Who Should Read Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus?
Readers who delight in Gothic fiction, existential themes, and exploring the consequences of unchecked ambition will enjoy Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Fans of Bram Stoker's Dracula or Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde will find similar atmospheres and moral introspections.
RecommendedReading Age
15+yearsLexile Level
1000LBook Details
Classic Fiction
British Literature
Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger
Identity: Gender
Natural World: Nurture v. Nature
Romanticism / Romantic Period