Question

What are the major themes in Volume I of Frankenstein

Answer 1

There are many themes in this fantastic novel by Mary Shelley, the wife of the famous Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. One of them is definitely the pursuit of knowledge, as Victor spends years alone learning, trying to get to the bottom of the meaning of life, and how to prolong it/give sb their life back. Another important theme is ethics and morals - is it moral to bring the dead back to life, or just leave them as they are? Love and marriage are also themes found in Volume I - family love, but also love between Victor and Elizabeth. Death and fear also have an important part throughout the novel, as Frankenstein's monster kills and makes people afraid of him.

Answer 2

The major themes of Frankenstein:
1. birth and creation: Frankenstein succeeds in creating a 'human' life form much like what God has done.
2. alienation: Victor chooses to alienate himself because of his desire for knowledge.
3. family: Frankenstein presents the value of the domestic circle. It demonstrates that lack of connection to either family or society leads to murder, tragedy, and despair.
4. dangerous knowledge: it is an insane pursuit of knowledge that proves to be dangerous. Victor's act of creation results in the destruction of everyone dear to him.