UNIT 4: Frankenstein Flashcards
What were two eras that influenced Shelley’s writing?
The Enlightenment and Romanticism
What was the Scientific Revolution?
The scientific revolution was the emergence of modern science during the early modern period, when developments in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology (including human anatomy), and chemistry transformed societal views about nature.
When did the Scientific Revolution start?
Scientific Revolution began near the end of the Renaissance period and continued through the 18th century. Many say it began around 1543 (When Copernicus published his book)
What is empiricism?
A theory stating that knowledge comes only, or primarily, from sensory experience. It emphasizes evidence, especially the kind of evidence gathered through experimentation and by use of the scientific method.
What Philosophy did the Scientific Revolution spark?
The philosophy of using an inductive approach to nature (to abandon assumption and to attempt to simply observe with an open mind) .
Name some ideas that were created during the Scientific Revolution?
- The heliocentric Model ( that the sun is the center and earth/other plants revolve around it)
- Studying human anatomy based off of human corpses and not animals corpses
- Discovering/Studying Magnetism and electricity
- Modernization of disciplines like dentistry, physiology, chemistry, and optics
- Invention of scientific tools (like mechanical calculator)
What was the Enlightenment?
A philosophical movement that centered on the idea that reason is the primary source of authority and legitimacy, not religion.
Was a reaction towards the Scientific Revolution before it
What were some of the ideals that the Enlightenment advocated?
- Liberty
- Progress
- Tolerance
- Fraternity
- Constitutional Government
- Separation of church and state
When did the Enlightenment start?
It may have began in the beginning of the 18th century (1701) or the middle of the 17th century (1650)
Who led the philosophical movement during the Enlightenment? What were they advocating for?
Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. That society based upon reason rather than faith
What did the Enlightenment do for politics?
began the foundation of modern Western political and intellectual culture. It brought political modernization to the West in terms of focusing on democratic values and institutions and the creation of modern, liberal democracies.
including the right of the individual, the natural equality of all men, the separation of powers, the artificial character of the political order
What was Romanticism
Romanticism can be seen as a rejection of order, calm, harmony, balance, and idealization. It was also to some extent a reaction against the Enlightenment. Romanticism emphasized the individual, the emotional.
What are some characteristics of Romanticism? (Name 7 characteristics)
- Deepened appreciation of the beauties of nature
- Emotion over reason, senses over intellect
- Heightened examination of human personality
- Focus on a hero’s passions and inner struggles
- New view of the artist as a supremely individual creator
- Obsessive interest in folk culture, national and ethic cultural origins, and the medieval era.
- Preference for the monstrous.
What was a notable by-product of Romantic interest?
Works dealing with the supernatural;, the weird, and the horrible.
Who Wrote Frankenstein? When was Frankenstein published?
Mary Shelley, Published in 1818
What do people mean when saying Frankenstein is an “interdisciplinary” novel
It infuses science, philosophy and literary expression within the narrative.
What were two major philosophical thoughts Mary Shelley was most influenced by?
Post Enlightenment and Romanticism
Who is Frankenstein?
Frankenstein is the name of the scientist who created the creature
What were some ideas that influenced Frankenstein?
- Godwins’s Enquiry concerning Political Justice (oppressive social structures corrupt the individual)
- Jean-Jean Rousseau’ social contract (opening lines)
(Humphry Davy and William Nicholson (Nicholson helped make Electro chemical contributions)
What is Frankenstein’s structure
A framed story through almost all letters written by another person talking to Frankenstein.
Name some books that Frankenstein alludes to.
- Paradise Lost
- Goethe, The Sufferings of Young werther
- The myth of Prometheus
-Plutarch’s Lives of the Greeks - The Rime of Ancient Mariner
Name 3 themes found in Frankenstein
- Limits of Science
- Nature vs Nurture
- Fate vs Free will
Who is the Romantic hero?
The Artist, the one who creates, is the hero
What are some qualities in a Romantic hero
- Extraordinary
- Talented
- Ambitious
- Heroic
- Intense
- Non-Conformist
- Rebel
- Self Destructive
Who represented the Romantic Hero
Prometheus
What are some consequences or intense themes we can pick up during Frankenstein
- Dramatic Tension- Heroic aspirations vs Human Limitation
- Will to power over nature (His Hubris)
Frankenstein is a cautionary tale, but why?
To warn about hubris, that excessive pride and self confidence, if left unchecked, can lead to ruin.
What are some science topics/experimentation found in Frankenstein?
- Preoccupation with Anatomy
- Galvanism
- Body Snatching
- Vivisections
Why did Frankenstein create his creature?
His hubris got the best of him, he wanted to create the most beautiful creature of all, man.
