# Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus

> 1818 novel by Mary Shelley

**Wikidata**: [Q150827](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q150827)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/frankenstein-or-the-modern-prometheus

## Summary
*Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is an 1818 novel by English writer Mary Shelley, widely regarded as a foundational work of Gothic fiction, science fiction, and horror literature. The novel, written in an epistolary format, explores themes of scientific ambition, moral responsibility, and the consequences of playing god, introducing the iconic character of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, the "Frankenstein monster."

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus*
- **Author**: Mary Shelley (1797–1851), an English writer known for pioneering Gothic and speculative fiction.
- **Publication Date**: January 1, 1818 (with a revised edition published on March 11, 1818).
- **Genre**: Gothic fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and epic literature.
- **Format**: Epistolary novel, written as a series of letters.
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1801–1922).
- **Inspiration**: Co-written with Percy Bysshe Shelley and influenced by discussions with Lord Byron during a stay in Geneva.
- **Themes**: Scientific hubris, moral dilemmas, artificial life, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
- **Notable Editions**: The novel has been widely translated and adapted, with editions in multiple languages, including French (*Frankenstein ou le Prométhée moderne*), Spanish (*Frankenstein o el Prometeo modern*), and German (*Frankenstein oder Der moderne Prometheus*).
- **Cultural Impact**: The novel has inspired countless adaptations in film, television, and literature, cementing its status as a literary landmark.
- **Awards**: Recognized as a seminal work in Gothic and science fiction literature.
- **Related Works**: Preceded by *Valperga* (a historical novel by Mary Shelley) and followed by *History of a Six Weeks' Tour* (a travel book by Mary Shelley).
- **Identifiers**:
  - ISBN: 9795, 2927367, 2870926
  - OCLC: 455198, 1071540, 630
  - Library of Congress Control Number: n84007242
  - Open Library ID: OL450063W
  - Google Knowledge Graph IDs: /g/11cs0b5j4d, /g/11c1nmz5hj
  - Wikidata ID: Q465821, Q102260654, Q20669641, Q24925, Q132311, Q2367164

## FAQs
**What is *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* about?**
*Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is a novel by Mary Shelley that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient being through an unorthodox scientific experiment. The novel explores themes of scientific ambition, moral responsibility, and the consequences of playing god, as Frankenstein's creation seeks revenge on its creator for abandoning it.

**Who wrote *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus*?**
The novel was written by Mary Shelley, an English writer born in 1797. She is best known for this work, which she co-wrote with her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and was influenced by discussions with Lord Byron during a stay in Geneva.

**When was *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* published?**
The novel was first published on January 1, 1818, with a revised edition released on March 11, 1818.

**What genre does *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* belong to?**
The novel is classified under multiple genres, including Gothic fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and epic literature. It is also an epistolary novel, written as a series of letters.

**What themes does *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* explore?**
The novel explores themes of scientific hubris, moral dilemmas, artificial life, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It delves into the ethical implications of creating life and the responsibilities that come with such power.

**How has *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* influenced literature and popular culture?**
The novel has had a profound impact on literature and popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations in film, television, and literature. It has cemented its status as a literary landmark and a foundational work in Gothic and science fiction literature.

**What are some notable adaptations of *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus*?**
The novel has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and other literary works. Some of the most notable adaptations include the 1931 film *Frankenstein* starring Boris Karloff and the 1994 film *Mary Shelley's Frankenstein* directed by Kenneth Branagh.

**What is the significance of the title *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus*?**
The title references the Greek myth of Prometheus, who defied the gods by giving fire to humanity. Similarly, Victor Frankenstein defies natural laws by creating life, leading to his downfall. The subtitle highlights the novel's exploration of the consequences of playing god.

**What is the structure of *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus*?**
The novel is written in an epistolary format, meaning it is composed as a series of letters. This structure allows for multiple perspectives and adds depth to the narrative, as the story is told through the correspondence of different characters.

**What is the cultural impact of *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus*?**
The novel has had a lasting influence on literature and popular culture, shaping the Gothic and science fiction genres. It has inspired countless adaptations and reinterpretations, cementing its status as a literary landmark and a foundational work in these genres.

## Why It Matters
*Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is a seminal work that redefined Gothic and science fiction literature by blending scientific inquiry with moral and philosophical questions. Mary Shelley's exploration of themes such as scientific hubris, moral responsibility, and the consequences of unchecked ambition has influenced generations of writers and thinkers. The novel's enduring popularity and numerous adaptations in film, television, and literature have cemented its status as a literary landmark. It laid the groundwork for modern themes of artificial life, ethical dilemmas, and the responsibilities of creators, making it a foundational text in the study of literature and ethics. The novel's impact extends beyond literature, shaping cultural narratives and inspiring discussions about the ethical implications of scientific advancements.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering Gothic and Science Fiction**: *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is a foundational work in Gothic and science fiction literature, introducing themes of scientific ambition and moral dilemmas.
- **Epistolary Format**: The novel is written as a series of letters, adding depth and multiple perspectives to the narrative.
- **Cultural Impact**: The novel has inspired countless adaptations in film, television, and literature, cementing its status as a literary landmark.
- **Influence on Literature**: The novel has influenced generations of writers and thinkers, shaping the Gothic and science fiction genres.
- **Exploration of Ethical Themes**: The novel delves into the ethical implications of creating life and the responsibilities that come with such power, making it a foundational text in the study of literature and ethics.
- **Multilingual Adaptations**: The novel has been translated into numerous languages, including French, Spanish, and German, showcasing its global cultural significance.
- **Awards and Recognition**: The novel has been recognized as a seminal work in Gothic and science fiction literature, receiving numerous awards and accolades.

## Body

### Overview and Background
*Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is an 1818 novel by English writer Mary Shelley. It is widely regarded as a foundational work of Gothic fiction, science fiction, and horror literature. The novel was written in an epistolary format, meaning it is composed as a series of letters, which adds depth and multiple perspectives to the narrative. The novel explores themes of scientific hubris, moral dilemmas, artificial life, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

### Author and Collaborations
The novel was written by Mary Shelley, an English writer born in 1797. She is best known for this work, which she co-wrote with her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and was influenced by discussions with Lord Byron during a stay in Geneva. Mary Shelley's contributions to speculative fiction and Gothic literature have had a lasting influence on global storytelling. Her other notable works include *The Last Man* (1826) and *Falkner; or, The Man Who Could Not Lie* (1837).

### Publication and Reception
*Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* was first published on January 1, 1818, with a revised edition released on March 11, 1818. The novel was initially published anonymously, with Mary Shelley's authorship revealed in later editions. The novel was met with mixed reviews upon its initial publication but has since been recognized as a seminal work in Gothic and science fiction literature.

### Themes and Exploration
The novel explores themes of scientific hubris, moral dilemmas, artificial life, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It delves into the ethical implications of creating life and the responsibilities that come with such power. The novel's exploration of these themes has influenced generations of writers and thinkers, shaping the Gothic and science fiction genres.

### Cultural Impact and Adaptations
The novel has had a profound impact on literature and popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations in film, television, and literature. Some of the most notable adaptations include the 1931 film *Frankenstein* starring Boris Karloff and the 1994 film *Mary Shelley's Frankenstein* directed by Kenneth Branagh. The novel has been translated into numerous languages, including French (*Frankenstein ou le Prométhée moderne*), Spanish (*Frankenstein o el Prometeo modern*), and German (*Frankenstein oder Der moderne Prometheus*), showcasing its global cultural significance.

### Genre and Classification
The novel is classified under multiple genres, including Gothic fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and epic literature. It is also an epistolary novel, written as a series of letters. The novel's exploration of themes such as scientific ambition and moral dilemmas has influenced generations of writers and thinkers, shaping the Gothic and science fiction genres.

### Related Works
*Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is preceded by *Valperga* (a historical novel by Mary Shelley) and followed by *History of a Six Weeks' Tour* (a travel book by Mary Shelley). These works showcase Mary Shelley's versatility as a writer and her contributions to various literary genres.

### Identifiers and Technical Details
The novel has been assigned numerous identifiers and technical details, including:
- ISBN: 9795, 2927367, 2870926
- OCLC: 455198, 1071540, 630
- Library of Congress Control Number: n84007242
- Open Library ID: OL450063W
- Google Knowledge Graph IDs: /g/11cs0b5j4d, /g/11c1nmz5hj
- Wikidata ID: Q465821, Q102260654, Q20669641, Q24925, Q132311, Q2367164

### Awards and Recognition
The novel has been recognized as a seminal work in Gothic and science fiction literature, receiving numerous awards and accolades. Its enduring popularity and numerous adaptations in film, television, and literature have cemented its status as a literary landmark.

### Legacy and Influence
*Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* has had a lasting influence on literature and popular culture, shaping the Gothic and science fiction genres. It has inspired countless adaptations and reinterpretations, cementing its status as a literary landmark and a foundational work in these genres. The novel's exploration of themes such as scientific ambition and moral dilemmas continues to resonate with readers and inspire discussions about the ethical implications of scientific advancements.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. BnF authorities
3. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
4. [Frankenstein (Book, 2008) [WorldCat.org]](https://www.worldcat.org/title/frankenstein/oclc/690445527&referer=brief_results)
5. [Formats and Editions of FRANKENSTEIN, OR THE MODERN PROMETHEUS. [WorldCat.org]](https://www.worldcat.org/title/frankenstein-or-the-modern-prometheus/oclc/1164364066/editions?referer=di&editionsView=true)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. [Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL450063W/Frankenstein_or_The_Modern_Prometheus?edition=key%3A/books/OL4425332M)
8. BBC Things
9. [Source](https://www.gutenberg.org/files/41445/41445-h/41445-h.htm)
10. Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley | Project Gutenberg. Project Gutenberg
11. [Source](https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/entertainment/books/best-last-lines/)
12. Goodreads
13. [Frankenstein MBTI Personality Type - Literature](https://www.personality-database.com/profile?pid=2&cid=11&sub_cat_id=630)
14. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute