Themes Identified and Character Analysis in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Knowledge, social responsibility, society's view of beauty, and secrecyare major themes that occur in Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein. Shelleyis able to identity some of the most hideous of human characteristics inher characters, focusing on how easily an obsession can become a blinding,dangerous force. Frankenstein and his monster represent the good and thebad that can come from the reckless pursuit of knowledge. Frankenstein'sinability to accept his responsibility leads to endless suffering. Thispaper will examine how Shelley develops her characters throughout the noveland will also explore the important themes Shelley focuses on to make her We can clearly see how the theme of knowledge is intrinsically connectedwith scientific exploration in this story. This is significant becauseduring the nineteenth century, many new scientific endeavors included theability to "create artificial men and automations" (Johnson xiii).Additionally, favorite topics of the time included alchemy and galvanism.It is also important to note that Shelley adopted her father's belief thatsociety was a corrupting force. (xiii) According to Martin Garrett, author
The development of the monster character is quite amazing. What can stop the determined heart and resolved will ofman'" (8). The monster tells Frankensteinthat his "travels were long and the sufferings I endured intense" (124). He learns to be happy when they are happy and feelssadness when they are sad. Forexample, he chops firewood for the family "sufficient for the consumptionof many days" (96). Shelley emphasizes the grotesque nature of the monster by never givingit a name. This is significant because the monster feels the "bitterestsensations of despondence and mortification" of his deformity. Frankenstein is quick to tell Walton, "You seek for knowledgeand wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification ofyour wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been" (15). Additionally, we witness Frankenstein's irresponsibility when he lies tothe monster about creating a mate for him. It is evenmore shocking that he allows the girl to die. At this point in the novel, we become aware that the monsterhas power over Frankenstein. Nearthe end of the novel, when the ice becomes impenetrable, Walton chooseslogic over adventure and decides to return to England. Shelleywarns us all about the tragedy of Frankenstein when she says, "Frightful itmust be; for supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavorto mock the stupendous mechanism of the Creator of the world" (xxv).
Common topics in this essay:
De Lacey,
Frankenstein Frankenstein,
Discourse Chemistry,
Felix Instead,
Frankenstein Shelley,
Frankenstein Increase,
Walton Frankenstein,
Victor Frankenstein,
Similarly Frankenstein,
Walton Remember,
tells walton,
de lacey,
tells frankenstein,
de lacey family,
lacey family,
walton frankenstein,
frankenstein's irresponsibility,
moved pity monster,
acquirement knowledge,
reveals frankenstein's,
character frankenstein,
note monster,
monster tells frankenstein,
|
Acceptance Essays
