I have finished Frankenstein and been left wondering – is it science fiction or some sort of philosophical fiction? While Victor’s Aggripa-like creation of the creature could certainly be described as science fiction (in lay terms), I feel like it is more like a springboard to discuss philosophical questions such as: nature vs. nurture; good man vs. good citizen; and, morality and ethics in science. To me it makes more sense to classify it as some sort of philosophical fiction since it was in conversation with many contemporary (and old) authors, books, and social questions and seemed to dwell on it, mull it over, page after page. But on the other hand, many science fiction books make a social/political commentary. Suvin’s definition of science fiction may provide clues and a convincing argument to classify Frankenstein as science fiction, as he states, “SF can thus be used as a hand-maiden of futurological faresight in technology, ecology, sociology, etc” (379).
Nature vs. Nurture
Victor clearly had a normal upbringing yet he becomes maddened over his creation; the creature has the most impoverished “upbringing” yet aspires to be accepted. Had Victor nurtured the creature, would the creature have turned out differently (as the creature sometimes purports)? Or would there have always been some dark side within the creature? Is this dark side any darker than Victor’s that he shielded so carefully from his family, friends, and acquaintances?
Good Man vs. Good Citizen
Victor is certainly not a good citizen or a good man. Instead of confessing, confiding in others about the creature and his deeds, he remains silent until his deathbed (though tortured and conflicted throughout). His silence costs the lives of his brother, Justine, and ultimately Elizabeth. His moral turpitude knows no limits, and every time I think he is going to redeem himself, he shies away. However, it could be argued that his creature was a good man (albeit his lapses into murder) and aspired to be a good citizen. It is interesting that Shelley paints this picture between a desirable man of wealth and means and a detested homeless man and that it is the detested one who seems to have greater moral fiber.
Morality and Ethics
While Victor’s self-serving morality and ethics are questionable at best throughout, my biggest question is why did the creature not create his companion himself? Clearly, the creature had the mental capacity to do such and the physical brute to acquire the materials needed. This seems like a question that is begging to be asked but dared not asked. Did the creature posses greater moral and ethical values than his creator? Or was he equally depraved, vindictive perhaps? While we find Victor’s process of creation abhorrent, how does it compare to the results of in vitrio fertilization or cloning? I wonder what Shelley would have thought of that!
Survey says …
So back to my original question, is Frankenstein science fiction or (some sort of) philosophical fiction? After some thought, I think it is both. While she asks the (same) old questions (we still ask!), her innovative approach allows readers to envision (or at least question) a different reality (than what is almost empirically presented) where the creature might have a name and some sort of better justice might be served.
I think to pigeon hole it into one single genre is of great disservice and dilutes Frankenstein’s value, as entertainment and a social/philosophical commentary. What I find particularly interesting is the enduring quality of both despite changing times and audiences.
One a much lighter side (macabre humor), will someone please bring Shelley back to life so we can ask her all these questions?!
