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Frankenstein literary analysis
How did mary shelley portray the creature
Literary analysis about frankenstein
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Mary Shelley uses Dr. Frankenstein in her book, Frankenstein, to discuss what constitutes humanity as opposed to monstrosity. Through Dr. Frankenstein’s digression from humanity, Shelley illustrates how a consuming pursuit of knowledge leads to the degradation of the quality of life, reducing a person to a monster.
In the beginning of the book, Dr. Frankenstein is an ambitious, learned young man. He has found fulfillment in life by seeking after knowledge. He describes reading Cornelius Agrippa as “a new light seemed to dawn upon my mind…” (Shelley 24). He is at the peak of his mental development at this point, where his desire for knowledge is not overpowered by a consuming desire for the secrets of life and the universe. He appreciates
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the value of knowledge “the ambition of the inquirer seemed to limit itself to the annihilation of those visions on which my interest in science was chiefly founded.” (Shelley 32). Dr. Frankenstein here is studying abroad in Ingolstadt and reveling in the wisdom, knowledge, and power of the professors and fellow students who also shared his love for information. But too soon, his love becomes a burning passion that smoulders into a blazing fire that consumes not only Dr. Frankenstein but also those he loves. When reading the works of Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, Paracelsus, and others of greater import, Dr.
Frankenstein awoke his passion for natural science and through this, awoke his own doom. Reflecting on the ideas of earlier philosophers transformed Dr. Frankenstein into a philosopher himself, intent of ferreting out the secrets of the universe. This problem was only exacerbated by the discovery of how to animate lifeless matter “I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter. The astonishment which I had at first experienced on this discovery soon gave place to delight and rapture” (Shelley 38). He should have felt horror and disgust at discovering something not meant to be unearthed. None of the other philosophers or scientists had delved that far into the depths of knowledge before, and instead of feeling apprehension, Dr. Frankenstein enjoys and rejoices in his good fortune, beginning the downward spiral. Now his love for knowledge, instead of an asset to his studies, is a detriment. He cannot focus on his classes because he devotes his time to perfecting his being. He cannot enjoy nature and refresh his soul with its beauty. He cannot appreciate the company of friends - he even deplores society’s companionship, even from his friend Clerval “but I was unable to contain myself… I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly” (Shelley …show more content…
47). From this point on, Dr.
Frankenstein falls further and further down the path to insanity. He treats the creature he has made with contempt and does not even listen to its entreaties. His friends and family are killed off by the creature’s revenge, but still he blames the creature for its malicious intent rather than assuming responsibility. At last, in the confrontation between Dr. Frankenstein and his creature, the transformation is complete. The creature has matured above the normal human level, accepting his station in life and making small demands with enormous conciliations. Meanwhile, Dr. Frankenstein cannot abide to even look the creature in the eyes and continues to rage at it for the faults which he placed in the creature through his own negligence. Dr. Frankenstein becomes less than human by his desire for knowledge - it turns him into the
monster. Shelley illustrates through the downward spiral of Dr. Frankenstein’s life just how awful a consuming desire for anything can be. Shelley argues for balance between all areas of life, and as a Romantic, she advocates for nature’s healing powers. However, Dr. Frankenstein did not heed the wisdom of his elders and friends, and allowed his desire to kill not only himself but also everyone he loved. Shelley’s warning is clear through the use of the second person point of view. She goes to great lengths to provide a frame story that allows her to speak directly to the reader, cautioning the reader against any form of imbalance. The horror of Dr. Frankenstein’s degradation is meant to frighten readers into following Romantic belief and applying balance to every aspect of life. Through Dr. Frankenstein’s journey, the reader is expressly warned against imbalance. An all-consuming desire for anything, Shelley argues, leads to the downward spiral from humanity to monstrosity. Dr. Frankenstein allows his desire to grow unchecked, eventually leading to his demerit from respected scientist to lowly wanderer reduced to a monster.
We again view his ignorance and irresponsibility when after spending two years of work on his creature he disowns and abandons the creature. He runs out of the room after seeing the creature come to life. He fled the room because he thought the creature was so hideous, even though he had chosen all the best body parts for its creation. When Frankenstein returns to the house when he “became assured that my enemy had indeed fled, I clapped my hands for joy”(55). Even after all his work he is ecstatic that this horrible beast has left him.
In conclusion, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein shows readers how irresponsibility and the excessive need for knowledge can cause suffering among others as well as oneself. Victor never intends to cause such harm; however, he is not cautious and observant with his actions, which ultimately leads to his classification as a tragic hero. The desire to learn is most definitely a wonderful trait to have, as long as one’s knowledge doesn’t reach the extent that Victor Frankenstein’s unfortunately does.
As Frankenstein is enroute to his pursuit of gaining more knowledge, he states, “I wished, as it were, to procrastinate all that related to my feelings of affection until the great object, which swallowed up every habit of my nature, should be completed” (Shelley 41). Frankenstein’s decision in allowing his intellectual ambitions to overpower everything else in his life leads him to be blinded to the dangers of creating life. He isolates himself from his society when creating the monster, letting himself be immersed in his creation while being driven by his passions, allowing nobody to be near him. The fact that he allows this creation of a monster to consume his total being reveals how blinded he is to the immorality of stepping outside the boundaries of science and defying nature. His goal in striving to achieve what wants to in placing man over nature makes him lose his sense of self as all he is focused on is the final product of his creation. He starts to realize his own faults as after he has created the monster, he becomes very ill and states, “The form of the monster on whom I had bestowed existence was forever before my eyes, and I raved incessantly concerning him” (48). His impulsive decision to make the monster leads him to abhorring it as it does not turn out to be what he has expected. Because he chooses to isolate himself in creating the
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelly explores the concept of the body, life, ‘the self’ and most of importantly humanity, which is repeatedly questioned throughout the novel. The definition of humanity is the quality of being humane or in other words someone that can feel or possess compassion. Despite all the facts against the “monster” in “Frankenstein” he is indeed what one would consider being human. Humanity isn’t just about ones physical appearance but also includes intellect and emotion. Some people argue that the “monster” is not a human for he was not a creature that was born from “God” or from a human body. That being said, the “monster” is not only able to speak different languages, he can also show empathy - one of many distinct traits that set humans apart from the animals. Both the “monster” and his creator, Victor, hold anger and feel a sense of suffering throughout the novel. Victor is a good person with good intentions just like most individuals, but makes the mistake of getting swept up into his passion of science and without thinking of the consequences he creates a “monster”. After completing his science project, he attempts to move forward with his life, however his past – i.e., the “monster” continues to follow and someone haunt him. While one shouldn’t fault or place blame on Frankenstein for his mistakes, you also can’t help but feel somewhat sympathetic for the creature. Frankenstein just wants to feel accepted and loved, he can’t help the way he treats people for he’s only mimicking how people have treated him, which in most cases solely based on his appearance. Unlike most of the monsters we are exposed to in films past and present, the character of the “monster” ...
The popular 1931 version of Frankenstein, based on Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, depicts an anti-exploration and anti-intellectual philosophy. In Frankenstein there are criticisms for the immoral behavior that is involved with progress, the natural tendency for humanity to attempt to be greater than God and the pursuit of knowledge. Frankenstein, the doctor, aims to create a man in his own image. His personal ambitions drove him mad and into isolation. He leaves school in pursuit of better facilities and free rein to test, create and revise.
Before his depression began, Frankenstein wanted to expand his knowledge about science and natural philosophy during the prime of his life. By doing so, Frankenstein’s father, Alphonse, wanted him to dedicate his time at the University of Ingolstadt. While at the University, Frankenstein began to pursue
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a nineteenth century literary work that delves into the world of science and the plausible outcomes of morally insensitive technological research. Although the novel brings to the forefront several issues about knowledge and sublime nature, the novel mostly explores the psychological and physical journey of two complex characters. While each character exhibits several interesting traits that range from passive and contemplative to rash and impulsive, their most attractive quality is their monstrosity. Their monstrosities, however, differ in the way each of the character’s act and respond to their environment. Throughout Frankenstein, one assumes that Frankenstein’s creation is the true monster. While the creation’s actions are indeed monstrous, one must also realize that his creator, Victor Frankenstein is also a villain. His inconsiderate and selfish acts as well as his passion for science result in the death of his friend and family members and ultimately in his own demise.
Victor Frankenstein finds himself exploring the world of science against his fathers wishes but he has an impulse to go forward in his education through university. During this time any form of science was little in knowledge especially the chemistry which was Victors area if study. Victor pursues to go farther than the normal human limits of society. “Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow” (Chapter 4). He soon finds the answer he was looking for, the answer of life. He becomes obsessed with creating a human being. With his knowledge he believes it should be a perfe...
In gothic novels tragic figures are symbols of pain to the characters. Victor Frankenstein brings misfortune to his loved ones, which concludes to his overall tragedy. Ironically the monster in this novel is Frankenstein the creator not the creature. He has seven victims including himself and his fall is due to his ambition to be superior.
The monster of the novel is often misattributed with the name, “Frankenstein.” However, Victor Frankenstein can ultimately be considered the true monster of this tale. His obsession would lead to the corruption of his soul and the creation of two monsters—one himself, and the other, the creature. In attempting to take on the role of God, nature would become a monster to Victor and destroy his life. These elements of monstrosity in Frankenstein drive the meaning of its story.
Victor Frankenstein is originally a happy character that loves to learn and read a large variety of books. He was a fiery individual who sought to understand all knowledge; regardless of how practical the information was. Evidence of this is when his father tells him not to worry about fictional writers like Cornelius Agrippa. Yet, Frankenstein states, “But here were books, and here were men who had penetrated deeper and knew more. I took their word for all that they averred, and I became their disciple” (21). Frankenstein embodies the movement in science to understand everything, and that is not necessarily a good thing (Storment 2). Frankenstein only understands that this train of thought is bad when he reaches the pinnacle of knowledge and produces the creature. The fruits of Frankenstein’s labor end up costing him the lives of his friends and family, as well as his own sanity. The feeling of guilt thrives in Frankenstein because he knows his work was the direct cause of the chaos in his life. In Frankenstein’s case, his goal of total enlightenment led to his pitiful demise. Frankenstein’s creature was not originally a monster. He is born with good intentions and is a gentle- although atrocious looking- being until he learns of the sins of the human race. The ultimate factor in the creature’s progression from harmless to
With the advancement of technology and science, we are now able to genetically modify animals. Mary Shelley found a way to make science an epitome, and confirms what could happen if science is taken too far. In conclusion, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is considered to be a historical novel, based on scientific advancements. In this novel Shelley depicts her own definition of human nature, by showing the creature and the ways that humans react to him. The novel also showed the differences between morality and science.
...Frankenstein and the creature. The situations that each character experience are lessons about how seeking prohibited intelligence comes with extreme consequences. Frankenstein is a Gothic novel which means it involves the supernatural; however, because it contains religious qualities it is more appealing to the common people’s idea of knowledge. Mary Shelley achieves her goal of informing the audience that man should not seek or possess the level of knowledge that God acquires. One should learn from the situations present in the novel because life comes with an enormous amount of knowledge; going after the unknown is an act of rebellion against God.
Mary Shelley’s gothic novel Frankenstein is a novel narrated by Robert Walton about Victor Frankenstein and the Monster that he creates. Frankenstein grew up surrounding himself with what he loved most, science. He attended Ingolstadt University where he studied chemistry and natural philosophy, but being involved in academics was not enough for him. Frankenstein wanted to discover things, but did not think about the potential outcomes that could come with this decision. Frankenstein was astonished by the human frame and all living creatures, so he built the Monster out of various human and animal parts (Shelley, 52). At the time Frankenstein thought this creation was a great discovery, but as time went on the Monster turned out to be terrifying to anyone he came in contact with. So, taking his anger out on Frankenstein, the Monster causes chaos in a lot of people’s lives and the continuing battle goes on between the Monster and Frankenstein. Throughout this novel, it is hard to perceive who is pursuing whom as well as who ends up worse off until the book comes to a close.
Frankenstein has been interested in natural science since childhood and has described himself to “always have been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature”(Shelley 25), which foreshadows his future aspiration to create life, and