Ideas about Frankenstein

Frankenstein” was composed during a time of major scientific developments; this

is evident as science plays a central role in the story. Shelley’s “‘Frankenstein” is
based on the dogma of the Romantic Movement to create a world in which the
protagonist’s desires for the omnipotent powers of God and creation have bypassed
all ideas of conventional authority. Victor’s reflective words: “how dangerous is
the acquirement of knowledge,” can be seen as her warning of the dangers of
disrespecting authority and the order of things. Shelley’s use of epistolary narrative
adds a subliminal layer and speculates at the consequences of what Frankenstein
has done; her warning is present throughout the story, forcefully questioning the
ideas of scientists and science during the Romantic era, this reinforces the dangers
of humanity’s desires for playing the role of ‘Creator’. The narrative,
“Frankenstein” is one that allows the audience to realise a different side to the
story as readers are able to understand the reasons behind the monster’s murders,
thus allowing further depth in the exploration of the human nature because of the
different views presented in the novel. Frankenstein overflows with letters, notes
and journals as Walton’s letters envelop the entire tale; Victor’s story fits inside
Walton’s and the monster’s inside Frankenstein’s. This is an important aspect of
the structure of the book as the various writings serve as a concrete manifestation
of attitudes and emotions within the characters. Victor’s warning to Walton: “avoid
ambitions of science and discoveries” is symbolic of Shelley’s hatred of the
‘visionaries’ of the French and Industrial Revolution. Similarly, Scott expresses his
heedfulness of the state of the human race. In particular global warming, the
development of genetic engineering and nuclear weapons during the Cold War.
During this time people were fearful of imminent doom by nuclear war, whilst at
the same time fearful of the rapid developments science had made in the field of
genetics and the controversy raised by its applications. Shelley’s warnings are
enhanced by the juxtaposition of Victor Frankenstein’s relationship with nature to
that of his creation, whereas Victor, due to his unhealthy immersion in science is
“numb to its charms”, and results in his near constant solitude. Frankenstein’s
creation a more intimate connection with “the pleasant showers and sunny warmth
of spring,” and many human qualities that Frankenstein lacks, this characterisation
captures Romantics idolisation of nature, cautioning us against the dehumanising
effect of removing ourselves from nature and natural order. We can see the
reflections of Shelley’s beliefs and the beliefs of Romantics in the novel
“Frankenstein,” which looks to the social conventions of the time in order to warn
us of the punishment for transgressing into the realm of God. Scott also draws
upon the social conventions of his time. The dark scenes represent Scott’s
interpretation of the darkness within society, which in turn represents the
ruthlessness of a material society.

Mary Shelley's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft (pictured above), was one of the
earliest feminists. She is most remembered for writing A Vindication of the Rights
of Woman, which is one of the first books on feminist philosophy. She advocated
for women to get an education, to marry whom they choose, and to resist the men
that tried to oppress them. Wollstonecraft's advocacy for women's rights influenced
many other women, including her daughter Mary Shelley, who would eventually
write Frankenstein, which contains many feminist themes. Below is a list of
articles which highlight the feminist perspective in the novel.