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Themes in
Frankenstein: Exploring
the Depths of Human
Nature
November 13, 2023

Contents
In Mary Shelley’s famous novel Frankenstein, the theme of human nature is
explored through the complex characters and their relationships with one
another. Throughout the story, Shelley delves deep into the emotional and
psychological depths of her characters, revealing the raw and often unsettling
aspects of humanity. This analysis of human nature is one of the key themes in
the novel, as Shelley forces the reader to question what it truly means to be
human.

One of the most prominent themes in Frankenstein is the exploration of the

absence of traditional family and the impact it has on the characters. The
absence of a mother figure in Victor Frankenstein’s life is a driving force
behind his scientific experiments and his desire to create life. Without the love
and affection of a mother, Victor is left feeling isolated and emotionally devoid.
His scientific pursuits become a desperate attempt to fill the void within
himself.

The idea of isolation is also seen in other characters, such as the creature
itself. Forced to exist without companionship or love, the creature is driven to
revenge and acts out against society. This exploration of the human need for
connection and companionship is a recurring theme throughout the novel,
highlighting the importance of emotional bonds in human nature.

Shelley’s Frankenstein is not only a literary exploration of human nature, but

also a commentary on the ethical implications of scientific advancements.
Victor’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and power without considering the
consequences is a warning about the dangers of unchecked scientific
progress. By creating a creature without considering the potential
consequences, Victor unleashes a force that he cannot control and that
ultimately leads to tragedy.

The themes of love and responsibility are also prevalent throughout the novel.
Victor’s neglect of his creation mirrors the neglect he experienced from his own
father, highlighting the cyclical nature of emotional abuse and its impact on
future generations. This examination of the power and responsibility of familial
love adds depth to the characters and raises important
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about the role of family in shaping our identities.

Nature’s Power and Influence

One of the main aspects of nature’s power is its ability to shape and define a

person’s identity. Victor Frankenstein, the novel’s protagonist, is deeply

affected by the natural world from a young age. He describes how his father
raised him “with the greatest care” and provided him with a loving and nurturing
environment. This early connection to nature and the affection he received from
his family shaped his scientific pursuits and his desire to understand the
mysteries of life.
However, as the story progresses, nature becomes a source of loneliness and
isolation for Victor. He willingly isolates himself from society to focus on his
scientific experiments, distancing himself from loved ones and friends. His
isolation in the natural world becomes a reflection of his inner turmoil and the
consequences of his actions.

The novel also explores the power of nature as a force of creation. Victor
believes that through his scientific experiments, he can create life, much like
nature does. This pursuit of knowledge and power goes against the natural
order, leading to catastrophic consequences. The creature he brings to life is
both a product of science and nature, and its existence challenges the
boundaries between the two.

Throughout the novel, Shelley uses nature to highlight the themes of fate
versus free will and the limitations of scientific exploration. The natural world is
often described as both beautiful and dangerous, mirroring the dual nature of
the characters themselves. Just as nature can be both nurturing and
destructive, the characters in Frankenstein are capable of love and affection,
as well as violence and destruction.

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Nature as a Source of Solace and Understanding

In addition to its power and influence, nature is also portrayed as a source of

solace and understanding in Frankenstein. Characters often find comfort or

gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their situations through their
interactions with nature.

For example, Victor frequently seeks solace in nature whenever he is overcome

with guilt or despair. In one poignant scene, he describes how he would
“wander in solitude” in the mountains, finding solace in the grandeur of nature.
This interaction with the natural world allows him to reflect on his actions and
regain a sense of perspective.
Nature also serves as a teacher and guide for the characters, providing them
with insights and wisdom. Victor’s childhood friend, Henry Clerval, is described
as having a deep love for nature and the romanticism it embodies. His
appreciation for the natural world helps him develop a keen eye for detail and
an understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things.

The Paradoxical Relationship Between Humans and Nature

Frankenstein delves into the paradoxical relationship between humans and

nature, showcasing both the ability of humans to harness nature’s power and
their vulnerability in the face of its immense force. The novel raises questions
about the responsibility humans have towards the natural world and the
consequences of tampering with its delicate balance.

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Overall, nature’s power and influence in Frankenstein is a key theme that

drives the narrative and shapes the characters’ actions. Mary Shelley’s
exploration of the complex relationship between humans and the natural world
offers a thought-provoking analysis of human nature and the consequences of
scientific exploration.

Monstrosity and Alienation

Throughout the story, Frankenstein’s creature is the key focus of the theme
of monstrosity. The creature, while having a physically monstrous appearance,
is actually an intelligent being capable of deep emotions and affection.
However, due to his appearance, he is rejected by society and struggles to find
his place in the world. This alienation is explored as a reflection of society’s
fear and intolerance towards those who are different.

Furthermore, the theme of alienation extends beyond the creature, with many
other characters also experiencing a sense of isolation. Victor Frankenstein
himself becomes alienated from his family and loved ones, consumed by his
obsession with creating life. His pursuit of knowledge and power drives him
away from his friends and family, leaving him lonely and disconnected.

The theme of alienation also manifests through the creature’s desire for
companionship. Initially, the creature is eager to bring love and affection into
his life, yearning for someone who will accept him for who he is. However, his
attempts to find companionship are met with rejection and violence, leading
him to become bitter and vengeful.

The theme of monstrosity in the novel also ties into the exploration of what it
means to be human. The creature, despite his physical appearance, possesses
emotions, desires, and a longing for connection that are inherently human. This
raises questions about the nature of humanity and the role that outward
appearance plays in defining someone as a “monster.”

In addition to exploring themes of monstrosity and alienation, Shelley’s

Frankenstein also delves into the ethics of scientific and literary creation. The
novel is set against the backdrop of the scientific revolution of the 19th century,
where advancements in science were seen as both exciting and dangerous.

Victor Frankenstein’s creation of life through scientific means serves as a

warning about the potential consequences of unchecked scientific progress.

The exploration of monstrosity and alienation in Frankenstein reflects the

anxieties and concerns of the Romanticism movement, which was
characterized by its emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the exploration of
the sublime. The monstrous and alienated figures in the novel, such as the
creature and Victor Frankenstein, embody the dark aspects of human nature
and serve as cautionary tales.

Science and Innovation

Victor sees himself as a child in his pursuit of creating something truly

remarkable. He is filled with a sense of wonder and curiosity, but what he fails
to consider is the moral and ethical implications of his actions. In his quest for
knowledge and power, he loses sight of the consequences and responsibilities
that come with playing god.

In the novel, the creature is often referred to as a “wretch” or a “monster,”

highlighting the fear and revulsion that society feels towards the unknown. This
fear is not only directed towards the creature, but also towards Victor himself,
who is seen as a mad scientist. Victor’s scientific experiment becomes a
symbol of the dangers of knowledge without understanding or emotional
guidance.

The novel also explores the idea of identity, as both Victor and the creature
struggle with their sense of self. Victor becomes consumed by his creation,
losing his own sense of self in the process. The creature, on the other hand, is
born into the world without a sense of purpose or understanding of his own
existence. Both characters are left searching for their place in the world,
leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

This theme of science and innovation is intertwined with other themes in the
novel, such as the power of nature, the role of women, and the consequences
of personal ambition. Through its exploration of the scientific revolution and the
impact of innovation on society, Frankenstein raises important questions
about the ethical use of knowledge and the responsibility of those who seek to
create and innovate.
 Morality and Responsibility

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the themes of morality and responsibility are

prevalent throughout the novel. These themes bring to light the depths of
human nature and the consequences of playing god.

From the very beginning, Victor Frankenstein’s isolation and ambition will have
a profound impact on the raising of his creature. Victor’s obsession with
creating life leads to the abandonment of his creation, creating a sense of
responsibility and guilt within him. The creature, left alone to navigate the world
without any guidance or understanding, seeks revenge on his creator and on
humanity at large.

Throughout the novel, Shelley raises questions about the responsibility of the
scientist and the consequences of meddling with nature. Victor’s scientific
creation brings about destruction and loss, highlighting the dangers of
unchecked scientific progress and the hubris of playing god.

The theme of morality and responsibility is also explored through the

characters of Victor and his family. Victor, driven by his ambition and desire for
scientific knowledge, neglects his family and friends. His isolation from his
loved ones results in a lack of understanding and support, leading to his
downfall.

The absence of strong female characters in the novel is also a reflection of the
societal understanding of morality and responsibility during the time period.
Women are often portrayed as passive and marginalized, limited to the roles of
mother and wife. This absence of strong female figures highlights the
limitations placed on women and the lack of agency they have in society.

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The Role of Nature and Science

Frankenstein is often seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of

scientific exploration and the consequences of playing god. The novel explores
the tension between nature and science, and the moral implications of seeking
to control and manipulate the natural world.

Victor’s scientific pursuits and his attempt to create life demonstrate the
potentially disastrous consequences of meddling with nature. His creation,
while initially perfect in its physical form, proves to be a monster consumed by
revenge and loneliness.

Shelley juxtaposes Victor’s scientific ambitions with the beauty and power of
nature. The natural world is depicted as a source of solace and healing,
contrasting with the destructive nature of Victor’s creation. This intertextuality
suggests that there is a balance to be found between science and nature, and
that the pursuit of scientific knowledge should not come at the expense of the
natural world.

The Power of Love and Relationships

Another important theme in Frankenstein is the power of love and

relationships. The novel explores the consequences of Victor’s lack of familial
and romantic bonds, and how it contributes to his downfall.

Victor’s isolation and absence of meaningful relationships contribute to his

descent into darkness. By neglecting his loved ones, Victor loses touch with his
own humanity and becomes consumed by his scientific pursuits.

On the other hand, the creature’s desire for love and acceptance drives his
destructive actions. The creature’s loneliness and longing for companionship
lead him to seek revenge on Victor and his loved ones, as he believes they have
denied him the love and acceptance he desires.
Through the exploration of these themes, Shelley invites readers to reflect on
the moral implications of our actions, the responsibilities we have to ourselves
and others, and the consequences of neglecting our connections to the natural
world and to each other.

Fate and Free Will in Literature

Victor Frankenstein, the novel’s protagonist, is driven by a desire for

scientific discovery and knowledge. However, his pursuit of this knowledge
leads him down a dangerous path, ultimately resulting in the creation of the
creature. Victor’s actions are driven by his free will, but the novel raises
questions about whether he is also a victim of fate. While he has the power to
create the creature, he is also forced to confront the consequences of his
actions.

The creature himself is also a victim of both fate and free will. Created as an
abandoned and rejected being, he is forced to navigate the world without any
understanding or affection. Throughout the novel, the creature seeks revenge
on his creator and on humanity as a whole. His actions can be seen as a
consequence of his circumstances, driven by his desire to be acknowledged
and loved. However, he also makes conscious choices, such as when he
decides to spare the life of Victor’s friend.

In Shelley’s novel, the theme of fate and free will is further explored through the
intertextuality with other famous works of literature. The creature, for example,
compares himself to both Satan and the Ancient Mariner, raising questions
about his own moral compass and the influences that shape his actions.

Furthermore, the theme of fate and free will is also evident in the relationships
between characters, particularly in the context of marriage and family. Victor’s
decision to create the creature, for example, stems from his fear of traditional
reproduction and his desire to control the process of life. This raises questions
about the role of fate in the creation of life and the larger implications of
scientific knowledge.

Overall, Frankenstein examines the complex relationship between fate and

free will. The novel suggests that while characters may have the ability to make
choices, their actions are often influenced by external forces and
circumstances. The consequences of these actions can have profound
emotional and moral implications, highlighting the depths of human nature and
the inherent conflicts that arise from scientific knowledge and ambition.

FAQ

What are some of the themes explored in Frankenstein?

Some of the themes explored in Frankenstein include the dangers of

unchecked ambition, the pursuit of knowledge, the role of science in society,
the question of nature versus nurture, and the consequences of loneliness and
isolation.

How does revenge play a role in Frankenstein?

Revenge is a significant theme in Frankenstein, as the creature seeks

revenge on Victor Frankenstein for creating him and abandoning him. This
desire for revenge drives much of the creature’s actions throughout the novel.

What does Frankenstein reveal about human nature?

Frankenstein reveals the darker aspects of human nature, such as the capacity
for cruelty and the pursuit of power at all costs. It also explores the themes of
loneliness, isolation, and the need for companionship, highlighting the innate
desire for connection that exists within all human beings.
What is the significance of nature versus nurture in Frankenstein?

The theme of nature versus nurture is significant in Frankenstein, as it raises

questions about the extent to which a person’s actions are determined by their
innate nature or by external influences. The creature’s development and actions
throughout the novel demonstrate the complex interplay between these two
factors.

How does Frankenstein explore the dangers of unchecked ambition?

Frankenstein explores the dangers of unchecked ambition through the

character of Victor Frankenstein, who becomes consumed with his desire to
create life and is ultimately destroyed by his own ambition. The novel serves as
a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of pursuing knowledge and
power without considering the ethical and moral implications.

What are the main themes explored in Frankenstein?

The main themes explored in Frankenstein are ambition, the pursuit of

knowledge, nature vs. nurture, isolation, revenge, and the responsibility of
creation.

How is revenge portrayed in Frankenstein?

Revenge is portrayed in Frankenstein through the actions of the creature. After

being rejected by his creator, the creature seeks revenge by murdering Victor
Frankenstein’s loved ones.

By Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for
studying aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. He
 works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics.
His scientific research has been published in the most
reputable international magazines. Alex holds a BA in English
and Comparative Literature from the University of Southern
California < https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-
southern-california/> , and a TEFL certification from The
Boston Language Institute.

View all of Alex Koliada, PhD's posts. <

https://afs.org.au/careers/author/alex-koliada>

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