Romanticism In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Or The Modern Prometheus

In Mary Shelley’s romantic novel Frankenstein Or The Modern Prometheus, she conveys many of the themes of the romantic period such as the romantic view of nature. Her novel follows the life of Victor Frankenstein as he develops an interest in natural physiology which gives him the inspiration to create the monster. The monsters creation affects many of the characters, and creates misery and grave consequences. Throughout Shelley’s novel many of the character’s ignorance, foolishness, or overconfidence blinds them from the harsh reality of the world. At the beginning of Shelley’s novel it follows Robert Walton, an aspiring explorer who wishes to head toward the North Pole to gain prominence, as he writes letters to his sister. In his first

When the monster escapes from Frankenstein’s apartment and into the woods, he discovers an abandoned fire, “ I found a fire which had been left by some wandering beggars, and was overcome with delight at the warmth I experienced from it. In my joy I thrust my hand into the live embers, but quickly withdrew it out again with a cry of pain,” (91). In this act the Monster shows his lack of knowledge of the natural world by this childish act caused by curiosity of nature. Next, as the Monster builds a stable shelter next to the family of cottagers he develops the want to interact with them, “But when I contemplated the virtues of the cottagers, their amiable and benevolent dispositions, I persuaded myself that when they should become acquainted with my admiration of their virtues, they would compassionate me, and overlook my personal deformity” (118). Even though the Monster was rejected many times, he was still hopeful that he may in some way receive kindness from these people that he thought of as more than strangers. He would hope that instead that the people would look past the unnatural deformity of his face and instead accept him through his benevolent personality. In conclusion, the monster seeked for the comfort of things or people that he did not understand. Through his ignorance he felt the consequences of emotional damage on his person from these events that made him

After the Monster murders Elizabeth, Frankenstein chases after the Monster out of revenge and hatred, “I swear; and by thee, O Night, and the spirits that preside over thee, to pursue the daemon who caused this misery until he or I shall perish over mortal conflict” (190). In this statement Frankenstein swears himself to the destruction of the Monster out of hatred without thinking of the hardships nature will deliver him. He blindly chases the Monster without concern of his personal well being. Walton attempt to convince his crew to head north while they are trapped in ice, “ Did you not call this a glorious expedition? And wherefore was it glorious? Not because the way was smooth and placid as a southern sea, but because it was full of dangers and terror; because at every new incident your fortitude was to be called forth and your courage exhibited; because danger and death surrounded it, and these you were to brave to overcome” (201). Walton’s want for the pride of reaching the North Pole and completing Frankenstein’s wish blinded him from the dangerous nature that stood in front of him, and the will of his crew. Frankenstein’s reckless and foolish actions brought despair on himself and the people he cared about, and Walton’s actions centered around getting himself honor and not helping the people who rely on