Theme Of Domestic Affections In Flerridge And Shelley

Levy, Michelle. “Discovery and the Domestic Affections in Coleridge and Shelley.” Studies In English Literature pp. 693-713

In her novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley characterizes characters individyals bsed on their domestic affections. In explaining the downfall of figures in the novel, such as Dr Frankenstein and his creature, Shelley includes the family background of each to show how a rejection of relations within the family corrupts decision making. In the “Discovery and Domestic Affections in Coleridge and Shelley,” Michelle Levy tries to show how Shelley uses the domestic relationships that an individual has, and the impact of such relationships with projects of discovery.

[be clearer about Shelley’s attitude to progress at the

She accomplishes this by showing readers how a lack of affection is evident in Walton and Frankenstein, both who sought “the honor of the discovery at almost any cost”. Levy highlighs Walton’s close attachment with his sister, which influences his decision to return home, while Victor, avoiding such ties with family, encourages Walton’s men to proceed, as they will “be hailed as the benefactors of their species.” Levy believes that Walton’s ability to show sympathy towards his sister’s suffering sharply distinguishes him from Frankenstein, who “entertains no concept of retreat,” glory from discovery seemingly being the purpose of life for him. As a result of her findings, Levy shows how Mary Shelley manages to critique the project of discovery in a time when science wasn’t held to any ethical

Shelley includes her stance on imperial ambitions in the novel. Growing up reading tales of exploration, Walton and Frankenstein were majorly influenced by tales of exploration and discovery. However in doing so, Shelley, though agreeing with those who discourage the reading of such tales among youth, tried to dramatize the impact of reading such tales instead of advising individuals to refrain from them, in contrast to those who took a similar stance. Seen through Victor’s saga including the creature, she reaffirmed the belief that children who read such literature “are prone to admire and to imitate everything like enterprise and heroism.” Both Walton and Victor being inspired by “The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner,” neither heeded the advice that the Mariner gave to the fellow groomsman regarding projects of discovery, Walton mistakenly believing the albatross as the cause of the Mariner’s problems, where Victor doesn't learn from the story entirely. Conversely, Levy shows the salutary effects that such novels can have on individuals, shown through the creature’s reading of “The Ruins of Empire.” Through such readings, he learns of how man can be “virtuous and and honorable”, yet “base and vicious”. Levy believes that, through telling their tales, Walton through letters and Frankenstein through journal entries, Frankenstein and Walton further “participated in