Frankenstein

Definition

Frankenstein is a novel written by Mary Shelley, first published in 1818, that explores themes of creation, responsibility, and the consequences of defying natural order. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient creature through an unorthodox experiment, ultimately leading to tragic results. This narrative not only represents a pivotal moment in Romantic literature but also engages with the concept of the sublime by highlighting the awe and terror of human ambition and the natural world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mary Shelley conceived the idea for Frankenstein during a summer spent in Switzerland with poets Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, which inspired her exploration of creation and its consequences.
2. The creature in Frankenstein is often misunderstood; it seeks acceptance but is shunned by society due to its appearance, reflecting themes of alienation and isolation.
3. Frankenstein can be seen as a critique of unchecked scientific ambition, warning against the dangers of pursuing knowledge without considering ethical implications.
4. The novel addresses the duality of creator and creation, raising questions about responsibility and the moral obligations one has towards their own creations.
5. Frankenstein has had a profound influence on both literature and popular culture, leading to numerous adaptations and interpretations across various media over the years.

Review Questions

• How does Mary Shelley's Frankenstein reflect key themes of Romanticism, particularly regarding emotion and nature?
  • Frankenstein embodies Romanticism through its emphasis on intense emotion and the connection between humanity and nature. Victor's obsession with his scientific pursuits illustrates the Romantic critique of reason and rationality, while the creature's experiences reveal deep feelings of loneliness and despair. The novel also portrays nature as both beautiful and terrifying, encapsulating the Romantic fascination with the sublime and the complex relationship humans have with their environment.
• Discuss how the concept of the sublime is represented in Frankenstein and how it contributes to the overall message of the novel.
  • The sublime in Frankenstein is evident in both Victor's ambition to transcend natural boundaries through creation and the awe-inspiring landscapes that serve as backdrops for his journey. The vastness of nature often contrasts with human endeavor, illustrating both beauty and terror. This interplay emphasizes that while human creativity can lead to extraordinary achievements, it can also result in profound consequences that highlight our vulnerability in the face of nature's power.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Frankenstein on contemporary discussions about ethics in science and technology.
  • Frankenstein remains relevant today as it prompts critical conversations about ethics in scientific advancements, particularly in fields like genetic engineering and artificial intelligence. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities that come with creation; it warns against the potential consequences of disregarding ethical considerations in pursuit of knowledge. This discourse encourages ongoing reflection on how society balances innovation with moral obligations towards humanity and the environment.

Related terms

Romanticism: An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, often reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

The Sublime: A concept in aesthetics referring to an overwhelming sense of beauty or grandeur that can invoke both awe and fear, often linked to nature's power.

Gothic Literature: A genre characterized by elements of horror, supernatural occurrences, and dark romanticism, often set in gloomy landscapes or antiquated settings.