Frankenstein

Definition

Frankenstein is a novel written by Mary Shelley, first published in 1818, that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient creature through unorthodox experiments. This work is often seen as a foundational text of both Romantic literature and the Gothic genre, raising questions about creation, responsibility, and the darker aspects of human ambition, which are crucial themes in Romantic art and literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mary Shelley conceived the idea for Frankenstein during a summer spent in Switzerland with Lord Byron and others, when they challenged each other to write ghost stories.
2. The creature created by Victor Frankenstein is often misidentified as 'Frankenstein' itself; the actual name refers to its creator.
3. Frankenstein explores themes such as the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of playing God, making it a cautionary tale about scientific exploration.
4. The novel presents a deep emotional connection between creator and creature, emphasizing loneliness and rejection experienced by both.
5. Frankenstein has been interpreted as a reflection of societal fears about technological advancement and ethical responsibility in science.

Review Questions

• How does Mary Shelley's Frankenstein reflect the key themes of Romanticism through its portrayal of nature and emotion?
  • Frankenstein embodies Romanticism by highlighting the power of nature and human emotion. The vast landscapes in which Victor Frankenstein finds himself serve not only as a backdrop but also as a reflection of his internal turmoil. The novel illustrates how the beauty of nature can evoke strong feelings while contrasting them with the consequences of Victor's scientific hubris. This interplay between human emotion and natural beauty underscores Romantic ideals about the sublime and the individual's connection to the world.
• Discuss how Frankenstein can be categorized within Gothic literature and what elements contribute to its classification.
  • Frankenstein qualifies as Gothic literature through its use of horror elements, emotional depth, and exploration of taboo subjects such as life, death, and creation. The eerie atmosphere surrounding Victor's laboratory and the terrifying encounters with the creature create tension typical of Gothic settings. Additionally, themes like isolation, madness, and moral ambiguity amplify the sense of dread throughout the story. These elements combined with an emphasis on the darker aspects of human nature align Frankenstein with other notable works in Gothic literature.
• Evaluate how Frankenstein serves as a commentary on the ethical implications of scientific advancement in relation to Romantic ideals.
  • Frankenstein critiques the ethical ramifications of scientific progress by illustrating Victor's obsession with creation without consideration for moral responsibility. This reflects Romantic ideals that emphasize introspection and caution against blind ambition. The tragic consequences of Victor's experiments expose a tension between humanity's desire for knowledge and the potential horrors that come with it. By examining these themes, Shelley invites readers to reflect on their own relationship with science and technology while advocating for a balanced approach that respects both human emotion and ethical considerations.

Related terms

Gothic Literature: A genre characterized by elements of horror, the supernatural, and an emphasis on emotion, often set in dark and mysterious locations.

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, nature, individualism, and a reaction against the industrial revolution and rationalism.

Prometheus:

A figure from Greek mythology who defied the gods by giving fire to humanity, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and its potential consequences, much like Victor Frankenstein's quest for creation.