I can't help but think of the similarities between Frankenstein's Monster and AI. Both are human-created intelligences that learn to understand us by observing our behavior and writings.
That’s essentially what the novel was about - a story of technological development outpacing moral development.
I think the story is moreso the moral implications of being withheld from love or community. Hence the second act focussing on the doctor, starting with him being accused of murder, and shunned by society. It's also effectively the entire plan of the monster. The technological development aspect of the story as far as I'm concerned is set dressing for everything else.