Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Essay Questions

Kels Davis

Grayzel

HIST 1110

First Essay

02/26/18

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Written in 1818, when Mary Shelley was just 18, Frankenstein, continues to be an example of the romantic movement in WHERE?. The story has been told and retold to the point of possible convolution and Frankenstein is a well-known monster (although that isn't the monsters name) in pop-culture, movies, and Halloween decorations. This pivotal series explores questions of science, progress, nature, religion, humans, as well as good and evil. FINISH WITH A THESIS-ISH THING

P1: HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The 1800’s-1850’s brought us romanticism which was a movement that favored emotion and imagination of the human soul as opposed to the logic and reason stressed during the

Some major themes in her book are nature, religion and science, three things that can work together or clash. Some forward thinkers of the enlightenment used the new logical mathematics and science of nature to reaffirm the validity of religion. Only a god could organize such a world, whereas others feared they contradict each other and that is was these rules of nature that made it seem unnecessary to have a god in the first place. Something significant about this is that science is in Mary’s book and in her world, seen as simultaneously good and bad, Something to be revered and feared. Its powers can create awesome things or bring about destruction. Frankenstein's monster embodies both of these attributes. The role of nature in Frankenstein is also dual. Nature can give life just as quickly as it takes it. It can be serene and joyful or cruel and

In the book, Victor says,“Whence, I often asked myself, did the principle of life proceed? It was a bold question, and one which has ever been considered as a mystery; yet with how many things are we on the brink of becoming acquainted, if cowardice or carelessness did not restrain our enquiries.” (pp 30). Victor sees himself as the one who is brave enough to create life and in doing so he would be famous and the person people read about. To him, there apparently wasn’t in line that shouldn't be crossed in regards to what things a man should attempt but only those who were too scared to try. However, this all changes once his creation becomes a reality. “The Different accidents of Life are not so changeable as the feelings of human nature. I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. Previous I had to tag myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation, but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.”