Frankenstein
Mary Shelley began her first novel in Geneva in 1816, this book, Frankenstein, waslater published in 1818. The text is an example of Gothic literature, incorporatinggruesome references, supernatural occurrences and a dark and eerie setting. The textalso contains characteristics of a science fiction text, this being an imaginative use ofscientific knowledge. The story is based around a man who usurps the Gods andMother Nature to create and sustain human life, hence the alternate title of theModern Prometheus. The text follows this man, Victor Frankenstein, his life, themonster he creates and the consequences of his machinations. It is set in Geneva inthe 18th century, however the author cleverly blocks the exact years in which theaction takes place, leaving her free to alter historic details. Many of the themes inShelley's novel may be loosely based on her own personal experiences in life andparallels between the central characters and Shelley herself are evident throughout thetext. These parallels exist mainly to create meaning and promote a sense of realism in Throughout Shelley's life there were two men who had a huge influence onher being; her father, William Godwin, a
his conversation was full ofimagination; and very often, in imitation of the Persian and Arabic writers, heinvented tales of wonderful fancy and passion. I have one want which I have never been able to satisfy; and theabsence of the object of which I now feel as a most severe evil. By the timeFrankenstein was re-printed in 1831, Shelley had lost four of her five children andevery man in her life except her father and her one remaining son, Percy Florence. One man'slife or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of the knowledgewhich I sought for the dominion I should acquire and transmit over the elemental foesof our race. Through parallels in her story, between central charactersand with Shelley herself and influential people in her life, the author is able to conveythese meanings and also portray a sense of realism in the character construction. This first child appearsto be represented by the monster in Shelley's novel. The relationship between Henry and Victor isshown on page 68, it is representative of the relationship between Percy and Byron;"Clerval had never sympathised in my tastes for natural science; and his literarypursuits differed wholly from whose which had occupied me. Godwin, as her father hadsome part in the creation of her life but both men can be given some credit for herliterary fame. Shelley's children also had some influence on the novel and are representedthrough William Frankenstein and the monster. There are parallels that exist within the text between central characters, notjust between characters and the influential people in Shelley's life. "2 By her father, hercreator, Shelley was neglected and to some extent abandoned and very lonely.
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Acceptance Essays
