Your Face Shapes Your Destiny | Shelley's Frankenstein Explained

Essays on Physiognomy is a multi-volume work by Johann Caspar Lavater, first published in English between 1789 and 1798. It blends detailed analysis of facial features—such as eyes, brows, mouth, and nose—with silhouette and portraiture to interpret character and morality. Lavater's work was highly influential in the development of physiognomy, impacting early psychiatric thought, phrenology, and artistic portraiture. The book includes numerous engraved plates and portraits of notable figures like Descartes, Locke, Milton, Newton, Voltaire, and George Washington. It also features illustrations by artists such as Henry Fuseli and William Blake. Despite its popularity, Lavater's physiognomy has been criticized for cultural biases and pseudo-scientific foundations.

Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts. However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it. The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.

Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden. The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.

Written around 1603, 'Othello' is a tragedy that delves into the destructive nature of jealousy and the vulnerability of trust in relationships. The play follows Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, whose marriage to Desdemona is manipulated by his ensign Iago, leading to tragic consequences. Iago exploits Othello’s insecurities about his race and marriage, sowing seeds of doubt that ultimately result in the death of Desdemona and Othello's own downfall. The play is renowned for its exploration of racial and cultural issues, as well as its nuanced portrayal of human nature and the complexities of love and trust.