By introduction and notes by Karen Karbiener Mary W. Shelley - Frankenstein (Barnes & Noble classics)

by Philip Anderson

A 2,200+ word academic essay exploring the use and meaning of outsiders in 'Frankenstein'. The essay's main focus is on Victor Frankenstein and the Creature, but the essay also deals with the other outsiders that Shelley presents. Fully sourced with academic citations.

216 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2013

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

i last read this in high school and wow this hit so much harder than it did when I was 15. poor creature being:(

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like everyone else whose first exposure to Frankenstein is the generic Universal Monsters adaptation, I was surprised to see the monster written so eloquently. This is truly one of the most vulnerable and interesting characters in classic literature. To be honest, I read this because of the upcoming Guillermo Del Toro adaptation, and safe to say I'm glad I did! Especially since this is going to be one of the more "book accurate" depictions of the monster and story in cinematic history. I'd check it out or re-read before the release of the film!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate how much I enjoyed this book. For a classic written in 1818, it's crazy readable. You can tell that Mary Shelley was definitely going through something when writing this, and after learning a bit about her background, I absolutely dislike her husband and understand the book even more. I recommend that you read a bit about her life; it will give you a different perspective.

Victor is the type to throw himself on a couch dramatically while screaming into the cushions after having a horrible day, which he pretty much does throughout the entire book, moaning and laying about after being unable to make the most rational decisions known to man. I can't help but complain about Victor being a terrible man and parent. I felt so bad for “the monster/daemon,” who did nothing but exist, only to have their creator feel regret. It was very sad.

To me, this book is meant for when you're near the ocean on a cloudy day, wanting to stare out across the distance and contemplate your existence.

[Joana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really easy to follow for a classic. I LOVED the pacing and the story’s progression. Mary Shelley's writing is captivating.

I was also really intrigued by Mary Shelley’s life story.

[izzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

mary shelley you would’ve benefited so well from therapy

[celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is one of my first classics ive ever read and let me tell you when i say it was so beautifully written. i absolutely LOVED how the story was paced and the ending was so well done. i feel as though it represents our own world in a way. where someone is distrusted only because of the way they look. people tend to overlook things if they dont find you pleasant looking. and the fact that even victor was disgusted by the “monster” he very much created says a lot. he did sit down and listen to what the monster had to say but still disregarded it even though the experiences that the monster went through were so saddening. this book clearly presents how one is not created evil, and rather its the events that influence it.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely tragic in every sense of the word. I honestly wasn’t prepared for how different this story was compared to what Hollywood made it out to be. The movies never came close to capturing the depth, pain, and brilliance of this book. The writing is hauntingly beautiful and dreadfully heartbreaking all at once.

Listening to the story unfold was breathtaking. I was completely stilled by how Frankenstein’s creature saw the world—his innocence turning to despair as he realized how cruel people could be. His hatred wasn’t born out of evil, but out of rejection and loneliness. It’s gut-wrenching to think he never asked to exist, yet he spent his entire life yearning for compassion, a friend, a partner… something Victor himself also longed for, in his own way.

And that scene where the creature begs Victor to create another like him? Ugh. I understood Victor’s hesitation, but it was still devastating to see the creature’s hope crumble.

The ending left me speechless. It’s tragic and mesmerizing. One of those endings that lingers long after you finish. Mary Shelley didn’t just write a horror story—she wrote a masterpiece about humanity, isolation, and the monster that exists in us all.

[Gnomereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggle with the classics sometimes because the pacing and flow can feel a little unfamiliar to me, but I really loved Frankenstein. Mary Shelley did a great job with the emotion in this story. There were so many complex themes and this had me questioning morals and the human nature verses the obsession of progress just for the sake of progress. It was excellent and had me feeling all the things by the end.

I also highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Dan Stevens. I listened while I read and his delivery was phenomenal. It’s a great way to take in this book if you also struggle with the classics at times.

[Alex :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost a 5 star book — despite the wonderful prose, there was something off, maybe with the pacing? That could’ve been my own fault, since I finished the book pretty quickly. Despite this and the few other frustrations I had with Frankenstein, Shelley’s sentiments, characters, and plot were extremely moving.
Want to read the 1818 version soon ;)

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this version because of Karbiener's notes.

[faria · Rating 2 out of 5]

maybe i should accept i’m too stupid for classics and move on