Read this summary of the story of Frankenstein. Frankenstein is a story about a man, Victor Frankenstein, who is so driven by his desire to uncover the secret of life that he uses his scientific knowledge to bring to life a monstrous being. Despite pouring all of his hope and energy into the effort, Victor is horrified by the creature he has created and abandons it. The creature, though hideous, still has human feelings and behaviors and acts out its feelings of rejection. In the events that follow, the creature turns against Victor and directly or indirectly causes harm to many of the most important people in Victor’s life. Victor’s life is forever changed as he is consumed by guilt for creating the monster and by the desire to stop the creature from inflicting more violence. Finally, exhausted by his mental and physical battle against the monster and all it represents, Victor dies. The story of Frankenstein is an allegory that conveys the idea that those who intentionally defy divine or natural law bring serious consequences upon themselves and others.

Based on this summary of Frankenstein, which theme is most developed in the story through the use of allegory?

Pride is essential to success in one’s life.

Ambition can lead to one’s downfall.

Failure happens despite one’s best intentions.

Humility is the source of one’s strength.