'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, published in 1818, is a landmark Gothic novel that explores themes of ambition, creation, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God. Victor Frankenstein, a young man from Geneva, grows up in a loving and supportive family. He is deeply interested in science and becomes obsessed with understanding the secrets of life. After studying at the University of Ingolstadt, Victor discovers the method for creating life and becomes consumed with the idea of building a living being.
However, when he finally brings the creature to life, he is horrified by its monstrous appearance. Overwhelmed by fear and disgust, Victor abandons the creature and flees, leaving it to fend for itself.
Victor's ambition leads to his downfall, and the novel explores the consequences of overreaching human limits. The novel raises questions about the inherent nature of beings and whether the creature was born evil or became that way due to its treatment by society.
The quest for forbidden knowledge and the consequences of scientific hubris are central to the narrative. In our times of Artificial Intelligence, the theme is of striking actuality.