1. Obsession and Ambition: Victor, driven by ambition and a desire to surpass others in scientific achievement, becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life. He believes he can unlock the secrets of nature and become a god-like figure.
2. Gathering Materials: He gathers materials from various sources, including graveyards, hospitals, and even the bodies of executed criminals. These materials include human flesh, bones, and various organs.
3. The Secret Process: The novel doesn't provide a detailed scientific explanation of Victor's process. It's deliberately left vague to emphasize the ethical and moral implications of tampering with life. However, we know he uses electricity as a crucial component in animating his creation.
4. The Birth of the Monster: After months of tireless work, Victor finally brings his creation to life in his laboratory. The creature is described as grotesque and enormous, with a towering frame, yellow skin, and black hair. Its eyes are "watery," and its mouth "a rictus."
5. Horror and Abandonment: The sight of his creation fills Victor with horror and disgust. He abandons the monster in his laboratory and flees in terror.
It's important to note: The monster is not born evil, but rather becomes so due to its isolation, rejection, and the cruelty it faces from society.
Key Takeaways:
* Victor's ambition, not science itself, is the driving force behind the creation.
* The process of creation is kept deliberately vague to emphasize the ethical concerns surrounding playing God.
* The monster is not inherently evil, but its actions are shaped by its experiences and the way society treats it.
Shelley's novel is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of tampering with the natural order.