- Butler's main focus is on the differences between the revisions Shelley made on her novel Frankenstein. Her first main argument is that the revised version published in 1831 focuses more on the religious aspects of creation and Frankenstein's remorse for his actions rather than the original theme of mechanic vs. vitality.
- She gives evidence to the divided opinions around the concept of creation and if it was merely scientific or if there was some entity responsible. The article discusses the major debates in 1814-19 between Lawrence and Abernethy, two Professors at London's Royal College of Surgeons, on the origins of life and nature.
- Butler demonstrates how the friendship between Shelley and Lawrence, the Professor who defended the position of the materialist, is a possible reason for the novel's original focus on this point.
- The next main discussion that Butler focuses on is concerning the species of the creature and if it should be deemed something sub-human. Butler makes note that never in the text is the creature called a different species. She also makes it clear that the creature is, more or less, a type of survival story, similar to that of Robinson Crusoe.
- The last main point made throughout the article is the focus on the parent-child relationship and how that plays a major role in the overall significance of the novel. Butler argues that Shelley includes Lawrence's views on the importance of the parent-child relationship in really creating a true "human experience." This can be seen when follow the story of the creature and how he does not have a parent, thus making him into the daemon he is called. However, this can be argued in that the daemon is very human in that he is able to make a life for himself and survive without the assistance of a human parent.
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