Short(ish) Synopsis: Although the story is familiar to a lot of people, there are some details that are in the movies only, and not the books. But I’ll start from the beginning. Victor Frankenstein discovers the secret to life, but he will not tell you (the reader) what it is. He creates a monster, but is immediately sickened by it, so he makes the monster leave. Shortly thereafter, Victor receives news that his youngest brother, William, has been murdered (guess who?). He rushes home and catches sight of his creation, and becomes convinced that the monster did it (Spoiler: He’s right). Justine Moritz, a girl who had been adopted into the Frankenstein household, is accused of murdering William. Victor realizes that if he tells everyone a monster did it, people won’t believe him. Justine is executed and Victor feels guilty so he goes to the mountains for a getaway, to which the monster approaches him and admits to the murder. The monster begs for a companion as grotesque as he is. Victor refuses at first, but the monster tells him what he’s been doing after Victor banished him. He found a family and began to watch their interactions with one another. From them, he learned to speak and learned what love is. He was sure that this family would accept him for who he is. But they don’t. They are mortified and immediately move out once the monster reveals himself. The monster knows that no one will ever love him, so he wants a companion who is as grotesque as he is so he will be loved. Victor is persuaded and begins work on his monster’s “bride.” One night, though, Victor catches his monster grinning at him, and is overwhelm by doubts and destroys his work. The monster is furious, and vows to be with Victor on his wedding night. The monster kills Victor’s traveling companion, Henry. Victor is accused for the crime, but is acquitted later. Eventually, Victor marries a girl named Elizabeth and, true to his word, the monster kills her. Victor vows to find the monster and get revenge. He is found by Walton, a sea captain (who has been narrating the story the whole time). Victor becomes ill while on the ship, and one day Walton finds the monster weeping over the body. The monster assumes that his creator has died (he has) and says that because his creator has died, he can also end his suffering. After he says that, he departs to the ice to die.
Differences From Movies: There are symbols and motifs in this book, but I didn’t find them as interesting as how different this story is from how the movies portray the monster. After finishing this book, I’m always careful to note the difference between Frankenstein and Frankenstein’s monster. There’s quite a list I made mentally of all the differences I made between the book and the supposedly “accurate” movie Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. Alas, I have forgotten some, but here is a list of the more obvious differences between the book and movies/TV shows (in general).
Monster’s Qualities in the Book Monster’s Qualities in Movies
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Victor Frankenstein is different too. He actually has a story. He isn’t some crazy scientist. He has a love interest and does not have an assistant named Igor. He actually has no assistant at all. Igor wasn’t introduced until 1931.
Final Thoughts: Frankly, if Mary Shelly were alive today, I think she wouldn’t be very happy with what her beautiful novel has become. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Well, I didn’t like the beginning because I had no idea who Walton was and thought I would immediately start out in Frankenstein’s narrative. Overall though, this is an amazing story. To think that such a young person could produce something so original is awesome. No, not “totally rad” awesome. Like, I’m-actually-in-awe-awesome.
If you come across any other differences between the “real” and “modern” Frankenstein story, let me know. I was literally yelling at the screen as I watched the movie. I strongly hope I’m not the only one.
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