Analysis of Romantic and Gothic Elements in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
This analysis explores the parallels between Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Romantic and Gothic literary elements, delving into themes of creation, hubris, nature, and the supernatural. The narrative revolves around Victor Frankenstein's pursuit of creating life, intertwined with Romantic ideals and Gothic motifs such as isolated settings, mysterious atmospheres, and themes of the sublime.
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FRANKENSTEIN THE MODERN PROMETHEUS MARY W. SHELLEY
Speakers Robert Walton in his letters to his sister Victor Frankenstein as he s aboard Walton s ship, he tells his of the events that led him to be where he is now and to have crossed paths with Walton The creature (Adam) Victor s creation
Literary Allusions Greek mythology the story of Prometheus and his creation of mankind. What similarities are found between the events of the story of Prometheus and of Frankenstein? Coleridge The Rime of the Ancient Mariner What similarities are found between the characters, events, and themes of Rime and Frank?
Victor Frankensteins Interests/Goals Agrippa, Magnus, Paracelsus, and galvanism Fascination with lightening Cheating death a noble goal Creating life a goal that shows Victor s hubris and leads to his ruin
Gothic Elements Secluded environs Storms Night Castles/ castle-like homes A sense of the grotesque and eeriness
Romantic Elements Doing something and/or going somewhere never done/touched by man
Frankenstein and Romanticism Elements of the Romantic Period found in the novel include the emphasis on the impossible, the magical, and on freedom [as well as] . . . the continued journey into the unknown, in science and exploration, and with the disarray of the world (Yahoo Answers, 2010).
Victors Romantic Nature Victor Frankenstein is a Romantic character to the extent that he reflected the romantic writers emphasis on a new way of seeing [the world and everything in it]. The Romantics believed that it was individual and collective visual imagination that would create a new understanding of the world and[ therefore,] lead to a more perfect version of human beings and the societies in which they lived. Victor is [also] the ultimate dreamer . . . preoccupied by otherworldly concerns and unattainable ideals (Smith, 2011).
Additional Romantic Elements Romanticism suggests [that] nature plays an important role (Smith 2011). In Frankenstein, this is found in the vividly described settings, in the reoccurring storylines about the balance (or imbalance) of life and death, and the importance of electricity (as with the oak tree scene). Smith (2011) also states, Frankenstein is clearly a novel about romantic [ideals] striving against the customary boundaries or limitations placed on our existence. This is first seen in the obvious example of Victor . . . pushing against his limitations as a human being by striving to play a God-like role by making the Creature.
The Creature Adam and Romanticism The Creature that Victor [creates] is engaged in his own struggle to experience [a] sublime connection with his environment and with other living beings. The Creature makes multiple attempts [at this] before he [finally] realizes that he is different from them. Almost all of his efforts are in vain (Smith, 2011).
Works Cited Smith, N. 2011. Elements of Romanticism in Frankenstein by Mark Shelley. Literature. Fiction. ArticleMyriad.http://www.articlemyriad. com/elements-romanticism-frankenstein/. Yahoo Answers. 2010. What are 3 Elements of Romanticism in Mary Shelley`s Frankenstein? Education and Reference. http://answers.yahoo. com/question/index?qid=200908281557 16AAGztLy.
