Frankenstein context Flashcards
Men and women representation
Male – public, possess knowledge and freedom to move with money, profession and women
Female – private sphere of domesticity, simple work, connection with religion and angels, possessed by men, nurturing imagery with children or simple plant
Shelley’s father, William Godwin – intellectual father, whilst she recieved criticisms as she was a woman
Mary Wolfcraft – feminist, radical mother, vindication for the rights to women
Shelley makes this gender division – Justine (trapped) compared to Victor, however, does push through these boundaries with representing Victor as hopeless, Lord Byron, marketing that all men are hopeless
The Gothic:
Genre of literature combining horror, death and romance which originated in 18th century but prevailed in the 19th century – illustrated but not fully embraced
Elements of:
Dark settings
Extreme landscapes like rugged mountains
Passionate, willful villain hero – evil deeds leading to downfall of character
Heroine with a tendency to faint
Hero’s identity revealed later
Horrifying events or the threat of it: gloom, mystery, suspense
Chapter 4, pg 52
Ancient Science:
Mainly originated from 1493 to 1521 which evokes a sense of religion and magic such as the mystery of the creature
Elements of:
Alchemy – turning materials into gold
Cornelius Agrippa (1486-1535) who believed God gave magic to Christians
‘New Light’ knowledge – reading things that couldn’t really happen - ‘sad trash’ ‘such nonsense’
‘Fatal impulse’ - deflecting responsibility, constantly hones in and out of himself
‘Secrets of nature’ ‘raising ghosts or devils’
Romanticism:
Focuses on the irrational and the subjective, focuses on artistic spirit rather than rules – such as the divine, the sublime, the genius, and rejecting classism and rationalism. Originated in the late 18th centuy and is mainly seen in literature or art
Elements of:
‘A spirit the magnificent appearances of this’ - inner beautification
‘Sublime shapes of the mountains, change of the seasons’ - appreciation of nature
‘Heroic songs (…) write many a tale of enchantment’ - heroism, creativity
However, can be argued that this sensibility is killed with the characters that represent them as they become too idealistic
Shelley utilizes the flourishing ideology of Romanticism as when Victor constantly attempts to violate nature, he is always overcome by its power and through the ‘immense mountains and precaps that overhung me on every side’ allows him to be renued by nature.
Galvanism:
The effects of electrical current passing through body causing muscle contraction
Elements of:
Chp 13 ‘when I was about 15..
Thunderstorms, tree
‘Unlimited powers’ ‘mimic the earthquake’ ‘mock the invisible world’ - a recognition of nature, man and God
Shown in her 1831 preface as an influence
Originally proven through an experiment with frog legs with metal being contrasted by electricity – thought they were being brought back to life – electrophysiology
THE SUBLIME
cannot rationalize how you feel you just do
Edmund Burke’s philosophical enquiry – experiences of extreme emotions – he saw nature as the most sublime object, inspiring awe and
Emotional thoughts that transcend thought or words or language
Instrumental power
Power of status, in theory, control of conversation
Interrupts
Takes turns longer and more often
Use of rhetorical devices
Doesn’t respond to adjacency pairs
Agenda setting and use of discourse markers to hold the floor
Allocates next speaker
Influential power
Focuses on passion more than control, tries to gain influence
More quickly, loudly
Trying to prove and be heard
Gesticulating, agitated
Little figurative language (tricolonic structure)
When first published
When F first published, criticized because of being considered to contain ‘no lesson of conduct, manners, or morality’ - goes against the established order, revealling Shelley’s awareness of societal injustice and a desire for reform
The Influence of the Enlightenment and Romanticism
Cue: The novel is deeply influenced by both Enlightenment ideals (rationality, science, and progress) and Romanticism (emotion, nature, and the sublime). Victor Frankenstein is initially driven by Enlightenment values—his obsession with pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge—while the novel contrasts this with the Romantic focus on the power and beauty of nature.
Significance: The clash between these philosophical movements is key to understanding Victor’s ambition and the moral consequences of his actions. The novel questions the cost of scientific progress and warns against neglecting the emotional, ethical, and natural aspects of life.
Walton’s Letters as a Frame Narrative
Cue: The novel opens and closes with letters written by Robert Walton, an Arctic explorer, to his sister. These letters frame the narrative and introduce themes of ambition, exploration, and isolation.
Significance: Walton’s ambition mirrors Victor’s, setting up the novel’s key themes from the beginning. His letters provide a perspective of an outsider who, like Victor, seeks knowledge and greatness, offering a forewarning of the dangers of unchecked ambition. The frame structure also helps to create suspense, as Walton introduces Frankenstein’s tragic tale.
Victor’s Obsession with Alchemy and Science
Cue: Victor’s early fascination with alchemists like Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus, combined with his later studies of modern chemistry and physiology, shows his desire to unlock the secrets of life. He seeks forbidden knowledge beyond the limits of normal science.
Significance: Victor’s obsession with these early, mystical forms of science cues readers into his willingness to pursue knowledge at all costs, even when it goes against conventional morality. His rejection of ethical boundaries is a major cue toward his later downfall and the creation of the creature.
The Gothic and Sublime Settings
Cue: Throughout the novel, Shelley uses vivid descriptions of nature and Gothic settings—such as the eerie laboratory where Victor creates the creature, the isolated Arctic wilderness, and the sublime Alps. These settings often coincide with moments of intense emotion, such as Victor’s despair or the creature’s rage.
Significance: The contrast between natural beauty (the sublime) and dark, Gothic elements underscores the novel’s Romantic theme of the power of nature. It also cues the reader to the emotional and psychological states of the characters, such as Victor’s guilt and the creature’s growing anger. Nature, as a force beyond human control, serves as a reminder of the dangers of overreaching ambition.
The Creature’s Appearance
Cue: Victor’s immediate horror at the creature’s grotesque appearance when he brings it to life is one of the first major cues that his experiment has gone terribly wrong. He describes it as monstrous, with yellow skin, watery eyes, and black lips, despite his intentions to make the creature beautiful.
Significance: The creature’s horrifying appearance is a visual representation of Victor’s failure as a creator and his misjudgment in playing God. It cues the reader to the broader theme of external appearance versus internal reality. The creature’s looks lead to his rejection by society, which becomes the catalyst for his suffering and violence, hinting at the theme of prejudice and societal responsibility.
Victor’s Immediate Abandonment of the Creature
Cue: After bringing the creature to life, Victor is so repulsed and horrified by it that he immediately abandons it. He does not consider its needs or responsibilities toward it.
Significance: This abandonment cues the reader to the ethical implications of Victor’s scientific overreach. It introduces the novel’s exploration of creator responsibility and the consequences of neglecting what one has brought into existence. The creature’s subsequent actions—its loneliness, anger, and desire for revenge—are directly linked to Victor’s refusal to care for or guide his creation.
The Creature’s Acquisition of Language and Knowledge
Cue: After being abandoned, the creature learns to speak and read by observing the De Lacey family in secret. He reads Paradise Lost, Plutarch’s Lives, and The Sorrows of Werter, which shape his understanding of the world and human nature. He begins to understand his own alienation and develops a complex inner life.
Significance: The creature’s ability to learn language, literature, and philosophy cues the reader to his inherent intelligence and sensitivity. Despite his outward appearance, he is capable of deep thought and emotion, challenging the initial assumption that he is merely a monster. This juxtaposition of intelligence and appearance reflects themes of identity, human dignity, and the consequences of societal rejection.
The Creature’s Isolation and Desire for Companionship
Cue: As the creature grows more aware of his isolation and rejection by society, he longs for companionship and affection. His plea to Victor to create a female companion for him reveals his deep desire for connection and understanding.
Significance: This cue reinforces the theme of isolation and its dehumanizing effects. The creature’s desperation for companionship mirrors human emotional needs, showing that his violent actions stem from profound loneliness rather than inherent evil. It also emphasizes Victor’s failure as a creator, as he denies the creature any opportunity for happiness or redemption.
The Use of “Fate” and “Destiny”
Cue: Throughout the novel, Victor frequently refers to fate and destiny, often describing his actions as being determined by forces beyond his control. He reflects on his choices as inevitable, particularly when looking back on the creation of the creature.
Significance: Victor’s constant invocation of fate and destiny cues readers to his attempts to absolve himself of responsibility. This connects to the novel’s broader theme of personal accountability—whether Victor’s downfall is truly fated or a result of his own unchecked ambition. It raises ethical questions about free will versus determinism.
Walton’s Final Decision
Cue: At the end of the novel, Robert Walton decides to turn back from his Arctic expedition after hearing Victor’s tragic tale. Victor, on his deathbed, urges Walton to continue in his pursuit of glory, but Walton chooses to return home.
Significance: Walton’s decision serves as a final cue that contrasts him with Victor. Whereas Victor could not abandon his ambitions, leading to his destruction, Walton’s ability to turn back suggests a critique of blind ambition. It reinforces the novel’s cautionary message about the dangers of pushing scientific and personal limits without considering the ethical consequences.
The Creature’s Remorse at the End
Cue: After Victor’s death, the creature reappears and expresses deep sorrow and remorse for the misery he caused. He reflects on the isolation and rejection that drove him to violence and vows to end his life by setting himself on fire in the Arctic.
Significance: The creature’s final appearance cues the reader to his ultimate humanity. Despite his monstrous actions, his suffering and desire for an end to his pain are deeply relatable. This reinforces the novel’s exploration of what makes one human and whether the creature’s monstrosity was a product of his treatment rather than his nature.
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Author’s context
Written by Mary in 1818
Idea came to her during an evening writing ghost stories with Byron and Shelly when they stayed with Byron in Geneva
The original text was published in 1818
Modern version is the republished version from 1831 re-release which is a revised text.
Containing a lot more moralising and guilt than the original version.
At time 3 dead children
All Romantics context is relevant
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Victor Frankenstein
Victor Frankenstein = Romantic hero (secular Christ like figure/ the noble outcast from society/ a misunderstood genius) - lot of critical interest in the idea that he (especially considering the original version) is modelled on P Shelly.
Concerns around the rapid advancement of science and the consequential impact on humanity’s relationship with the world as a result
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Rousseau influence
Rousseau (philosopher) 1712-1778
Wrote the book ‘Emile’ in 1762
Introduces idea that children are born good and innocent but are corrupted by society
Romantic period saw the development of interest in the experience of children and childhood. Held belief in the importance of the childhood experience - the naturalness of the child
Early pages of the monsters narrative voice explores this idea
Monster is an example of what happens if a creature is left unguided and uneducated to be confronted by corrupting influences
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Gothic genre
Gothic genre looked back to a Romanticised medieval style era - past before the enlightenment and technological advancements in 1700’s
Frankenstein read and is fascinated by books on ‘science’ from the 1500’s –> gothic approach applied to science
Victor’s aspirations in science come from these archaic scientists.
Agrippa (1486-1535) claimed magic is the best means to know God and nature, after death believed to be not only an alchemist but also a demonic magician. “raise ghosts and arise death”- Victor
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Galvani context
Galvani - scientist experimenting with electricity
Put electric currents through frogs’ legs and made them make jerky movements –> this idea is used in forming the creature and why at time the idea of using electricity to bring people back to life would be more plausible
Electricity was very new and frightening, unknown possibilities of its power and uses are a source of fear that is exploited in the novel
Georgian period
Georgian period started to gain understanding of human body, started cutting bodies open to study
