Ink & Lust (On HIATUS)

Chapter Three

Chapter three ~ Frankenstein's monster

He looks just like a dream,
The prettiest boy I've seen.
————————————

In the late 18th century, a literary genre emerged that embraced mystery, darkness, and the supernatural—this was the Gothic novel. These tales explored the eerie and uncanny, often set in eerie castles, isolated landscapes, or ancient ruins, where secrets lurked in every corner. The Gothic genre introduced readers to haunted protagonists, gloomy atmospheres, and the exploration of themes such as the duality of human nature, the unknown, and the supernatural.

One of the most renowned novels within this genre is "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, a haunting tale of a scientist's ambition and the consequences of playing God. This groundbreaking work highlights the perils of unchecked scientific curiosity and delves into themes of isolation, society's rejection, and the ethical implications of creation.

In the crowded lecture hall, I was perched on the edge of my seat, eyes fixed on the Professor at the front, completely engrossed in the discussion. It was a miracle that got him to talk about today's topic. Today's topic was the Gothic novel, which always sent a shiver down my spine, especially considering it was the very topic we'd been assigned for our project. Cheers to those who didn't miss classes today.

"Are you all following?" Professor Williams asked. "Because I won't be repeating this topic" He sighed, His voice resonating through the room. My pen, already jotting down the important things I could capture.

Professor Williams continued, pacing back and forth. "Gothic literature is all about eerie settings, haunted characters, and twisted stories that grab you with a mix of horror and... the unknown." He paused, stared ahead of the class as if remembering something, then smiled and continued "The Gothic novel wasn't just all spooky tales; it was a peek into the strange and the unsettling, a mirror reflecting our deepest fears. Like I said, Think of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein,'" Professor Williams urged, pointing to a projected image of the novel's cover. "This masterpiece challenges the limits of human ambition, showing us the consequences of playing with the forces of nature."

"Who can tell me about this book?" He asked. A pause lingered as the professor looked around the lecture hall. Finally, a tall, lanky boy rose from his seat, adjusting his glasses with a hint of self-assuredness. "Shelley's narrative centers on Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist driven by an ardent quest to unlock the mysteries of life and death," he began, his voice clear and precise. "Through unconventional experiments, Victor achieves the unimaginable: he brings to life a grotesque being, infamously referred to as Frankenstein's monster. Yet, the aftermath of this creation plagues both the scientist and his monstrous creation, unearthing profound themes of isolation, abandonment, and the quest for identity."

Prof. nodded approvingly at the articulate student before turning his attention to the rest of the class. "An excellent summary, Mr. Thompson. Now, can anyone expand on the significance of the creature's quest for identity ?"

A hand shot up from a young woman near the back. "Yes, Miss Rodriguez," the professor acknowledged.

She began, "The creature's journey towards self-discovery adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Despite being an artificial creation, the monster grapples with the same fundamental questions of existence and purpose that humans do. It raises poignant questions about the nature of humanity and societal perceptions of 'otherness.'"

The lecturer smiled, appreciating the thoughtful response. "Well said, Miss Rodriguez. Indeed, Shelley masterfully weaves a tale that goes beyond the macabre and delves into the intricate threads of the human experience. Now, let's explore another facet of the Gothic novel – the theme of morality and ethical boundaries. How do the characters in 'Frankenstein' navigate these moral dilemmas?"