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Theme Of Enlightenment In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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Mary Shelley’s, Frankenstein; The Modern Prometheus, is a novel of astounding acclaim. The underlying message can not be found, simply by turning the pages. Shelley’s true intentions require a deep and in depth analysis of the themes portrayed. Her use of Frankenstein and his creation to display a bigger, broader, and even disturbing picture. The rejection of a proverbial movement. A question can be posed once these things are acknowledged. Did Shelley reject the “Enlightenment” with her book? The Enlightenment was a period of time where, the very principle of thinking was rethought. Established and untouched ways, became the subject of scrutiny. Men began to unravel answers that previously didn’t have a question. Everyday life for people began to shift. That shift went towards a life of reason, and methodology. Shelley’s work is a direct product of this environment. “Frankenstein” and the “Enlightenment”, go hand in hand. Understanding one is imperative to understanding the other. Parallels from the book and the time period can be drawn, rather easily. One of those would be scientific curiosity. Shelley displays her fear of this movement rather vividly. In her book, Frankenstein is driven by his desire to advance his knowledge. He doesn’t care what the cost maybe fro him or others. Loved ones are abandoned, his personal health is neglected, the outside world is shunned. Frankenstein throws his morals to the wayside, all for scientific advancement. This madness for

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