I can’t believe that Mary Godwin (Shelley) was only 18 when she conceived this story. Not only that, but the basic idea and form behind it came over the course of a very abbreviated period. I think people lived faster in her time.
I think the origins of it as, perhaps, a piece intended for reading aloud come through clearly in the structure of the book. The way she divides the narrative is a precursor to the modern dividing up of storylines to keep readers’ interest. She doesn’t go as far as we do now, but the idea is there.
The creature gets such a bad rap! He really is a modern day Job, although this time, he knows exactly who to blame and is free to seek and demand not only an explanation but redress. But really, how could he know any better? Is his lack of inherent moral knowledge a statement about the quality of his soul or lack of one or does it reflect on mankind itself that devoid of acculturation we would be no better? I love that the book makes me think of these things and go back and forth on the issue.
