Education as a Pharmakon in Mary Shelley`s Frankenstein

Abstract

A literary criticism is presented of the novel "Frankenstein," by Mary Shelley, particularly examining the education of the monster and of Frankenstein. The monster`s self-directed education is considered as is the way in which his mastery of language is a pharmakon, or a good and bad thing that leads to his self-destruction by making him more sorrowful. The monster`s encounter with the De Lacey family and his feeling that he is close in resemblance to Satan.