Frankenstein: Commercial facts
13 lenses on commercial facts for Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Count lenses are exact for our text. AI lenses are our reading and cite only quotes that passed a word for word check.
Jump to: L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 L6 L7 L8 L9 L10 L11 L12 L13
L1. Total word count. Count
1818, 75,165 words. See the full lens on the book page.
L2. Chapter count and average length. Count
1818, 75,165 words. See the full lens on the book page.
L3. Length against modern norms for the genre. Both
75,165 words. Modern gothic and horror often runs 70,000 to 90,000 words, so this is in the usual range today. These ranges are rough trade norms, not rules.
At 75,165 words across 28 chapters, Frankenstein is longer than modern gothic horror (typically 70,000 to 90,000 words) but shorter than epic fantasy. For 1818, it was substantial. Modern readers may find the middle section (chapters 15 to 19) on the creature's education lengthy, though it is essential to the creature's characterisation and the book's moral argument.
L4. First published as a serial or a volume? Research
1818, 75,165 words. See the full lens on the book page.
Facts from outside the text (sales, serial history, adaptations, sequels, most quoted lines). Coming in a later phase, with sources and dates.
L5. Serial instalment breaks and how each ends. Both
The book was not serialised in its original form. However, it divides naturally into five acts: Walton's discovery (chapters 1 to 4), Victor's rise and fall (chapters 5 to 14), the creature's education and revenge (chapters 15 to 20), Victor's second creation and pursuit (chapters 21 to 27), and the Arctic climax (chapter 28). Each section ends with a cliffhanger or revelation.
Chapters: Ch 4, Ch 14, Ch 20, Ch 27, Ch 28
To seek one who fled from me. (Ch 4, para 14)
Prepare to hear of occurrences which are usually deemed marvellous. (Ch 4, para 36)
It is well. I go; but remember, I shall be with you on your wedding-night (Ch 24, para 15)
L6. Sales and reviews in its day. Research
Facts from outside the text (sales, serial history, adaptations, sequels, most quoted lines). Coming in a later phase, with sources and dates.
L7. Adaptations: film, TV, stage, count and type. Research
Facts from outside the text (sales, serial history, adaptations, sequels, most quoted lines). Coming in a later phase, with sources and dates.
L8. Sequels and series. Research
Facts from outside the text (sales, serial history, adaptations, sequels, most quoted lines). Coming in a later phase, with sources and dates.
L9. Modern books in the same mould (comps). AI
Modern comps include The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells (scientist's hubris), Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (creation's consciousness), and The Creature from the Black Lagoon (misunderstood monster). In contemporary gothic: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell share atmosphere and moral complexity. In science fiction: Neuromancer by William Gibson explores creation and responsibility.
L10. Who it would be shelved for today. AI
Today, Frankenstein would be shelved as gothic horror, science fiction, and classic literature. It appeals to readers of dark fantasy, philosophical fiction, and literary horror. It is taught in schools and universities as a foundational text. Modern readers seeking atmospheric dread, moral complexity, and ambitious prose will find it rewarding. It suits adult and mature teen audiences.
L11. Content notes. AI
Content notes: death of a child (William), execution of an innocent woman (Justine), multiple murders, grief and despair, isolation and madness, themes of abandonment and rejection. The creature's suffering may distress sensitive readers. No graphic violence or sexual content. The Arctic setting includes danger and exposure.
Chapters: Ch 11, Ch 12, Ch 20, Ch 25, Ch 27
William is dead!—that sweet child, whose smiles delighted and warmed my heart, who was so gentle, yet so gay! Victor, he is murdered! (Ch 11, para 4)
I did confess, but I confessed a lie. I confessed, that I might obtain absolution; but now that falsehood lies heavier at my heart than all my other sins. (Ch 12, para 22)
Thus spoke my prophetic soul, as, torn by remorse, horror, and despair, I beheld those I loved spend vain sorrow upon the graves of William and Justine, the first hapless victims to my unhallowed arts. (Ch 12, para 33)
L12. A modern pitch line and blurb. AI
Pitch: A young scientist discovers the secret of life and creates a living being, only to abandon it in horror. Pursued by his creation across the frozen Arctic, Victor Frankenstein must confront the consequences of ambition unchecked by responsibility. A gothic masterpiece exploring the price of knowledge and the humanity of the monstrous.
Chapters: Ch 8, Ch 9, Ch 28
After days and nights of incredible labour and fatigue, I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter. (Ch 8, para 4)
It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. (Ch 9, para 1)
He sprang from the cabin-window as he said this, upon the ice raft which lay close to the vessel. He was soon borne away by the waves and lost in darkness and distance. (Ch 28, para 82)
L13. Title style against genre norms. AI
The title is straightforward and author-centric, naming the creator rather than the creation. This was unusual for gothic fiction of 1818, which often used sensational subtitles. The simplicity reflects the book's focus on Victor's moral journey rather than the creature's monstrosity. Modern genre titles tend toward more dramatic phrasing, making this title feel classical and restrained.
Ask Frankenstein a question about its craft (free beta)
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