A reckless, opinionated, driven feminist, who changed the face of literature, such is the perception of Mary Shelley. Truth be told, the general population would be correct in their assumptions. However, if they were to delve deeper into the psyche of Mary Shelley, they would be astounded to see the true harsh reality of Mary’s existence.
The Romantic era which took place between 1770 and 1848 promoted a profound shift in sensibility and a life rooted in the emotions and sentiments. Mary Shelley, rebellious by nature, produced a literary work of art which through gruesome descriptions, bleak dark imagery, and a scary, depressing tone, defied romanticism and its followers. One can assume she wrote her book in this fashion as a rebellion against radicalism as well as romanticism. In her introduction to the novel Shelley writes… “I have no wish to ally myself with Radicals, they are full of repulsion to me, violent without any sense of justice-selfish in the extreme-talking without knowledge” ( ).
It is feasible that Mary’s opinion is partially derived from her perception of her father, a man who remained indifferent to her nearly all her life. Likewise it is easy to gather that this book is a slap in the face to him as well as other radical thinkers. Ironically, or rather in the Shelley fashion, thoughtfully planned, all the characters who expresses radical ideas or who acted out radically, were murdered or died in the novel, perhaps expressing Mary Shelley’s hopes of the end of radicalism, which, similar to the experiences of the characters, brought only heartache and misery.
The Term Paper on An Analysis of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
... discern whom among the three writers — Percy Shelley, Mary Shelley, and Byron himself — could write the best ... as her husband, and this Romanticism influenced her work. Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein after Byron introduced a challenge to ... Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was born in London in 1797 to radical philosopher, William Godwin, and Mary Wollstonecraft, author of A Vindication of ...
It seemed inevitable through her genetics, that Mary would be a writer. Her parents William Godwin and Mary Wollenstonecraft were both influential writers who made contributions to their respective causes, radicalism and feminism. William wrote Enquiry Concerning Political Justice in 1793 and Mary wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Women in 1792. Mary Shelley also had a stepsister Fanny Imlay the product of a previous affair of her mother’s. Growing up, Mary’s life was far from a healthy normal childhood. Mary’s mother died September 10, 1797 from childbirth complications after the delivery of Mary, leaving the baby without a strong female influence in her life. Ironically, Mary grew up to possess the same feminist ideals as her deceased mother. Shortly after his wife’s death, William Godwin married Mary Jane Clairmont. Mary and her step mother had a tumultuous relationship and eventually Mary was sent to Scotland to be educated by a friend of her father’s. While in Scotland, William had little contact with his daughter and continued to remain different to her for nearly her entire life.
On a visit home from Scotland, Mary met a young poet, a follower of romanticism, Percy Byshe Shelley who was visiting her father with his wife Harriet. Two years after their first encounter, Mary and Percy eloped to Europe. The two were wed after Percy’s estranged wife committed suicide, and Mary Godwin became Mary Shelley. Percy, Mary and her stepsister, Claire Clairmont, traveled throughout Europe although financially pressured. Eventually they found themselves at the home of Lord Byron on the Lake of Leman near Geneva. Due to inclement weather the group of friends had to find other more unconventional ways to amuse themselves. One night, Lord Byron suggested they each write a ghost story and reconvene to share them, and thus Frankenstein was conceived. Once Shelley produced her short story, she continued to work on it and titled it Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus. Publishing her novel was a difficult task and Mary was turned down by many reputable publishers. Eventually, Frankenstein was published by a small company, Lackington, Allan and Company. Three editions were published before any form of recognition or notoriety were bestowed on this now classic tale.
The Term Paper on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Introduction and problem definitionIn this short essay I would like to state thoughts and answer questions concerning the famous book “Frankenstein” by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. The story has been a huge influence on the genre of gothic novels, on female writers and on movie makers. Its themes have fascinated the literature scene and inspired other authors. This is why I would like ...
Frankenstein is a collection of Mary Shelley’s experiences, opinions and hopes projected into the lives of the characters, played out in such a manner than when one closes the book, the story does not end in their minds. Many influences are easily spotted in the novel, her view on feminism shown through the deaths of the female characters, the use of scientific tools and studies to reflect the time period, and most importantly the dynamics of a dysfunctional family that reflects her own family. From the preceding information it can be deduced that Mary Shelley’s use of symbolism and narration in her novel Frankenstein reflect experiences from her life and support the prevalent theme of nature vs. nurture, a result of family life.
We have learned that for nearly all her life, William Godwin was indifferent to Mary Shelley; he sent her off to another country and had little contact with her. It is evident that the lack of parental guidance in her life caused a deal of emotional scarring, which she wrote about in her novel. Alfonso, Victor Frankenstein’s father, pays his son little attention, and brushes his dreams and interests away. Frankenstein recalls one of the pivotal moments in his life stating,
A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, ‘Ah Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash’. If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers…under such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and have contented my imagination, warned as it was, by returning with greater ardour to my former studies. It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse to led to my ruin. But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents; and I continued to read with the greatest avidity. (Shelley 37-38)
The Essay on Frankenstein Mary Shelley 2
... the literary fabric of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley chronicles the reactions she had to the traumatic episodes of her life. She weaves her autobiography ... the fields of natural science and alchemy, Mary Shelley looked for renown as a female author among a society where only male ... for this novel. Mary Shelley was born on August 30, 1797, in London, England to two literary giants, father, William Godwin ...
The relevancy of this passage is blatantly obvious, due to Alfonso’s indifference, Frankenstein throws himself into his studies, convinced that his father is familiar with this field of science. It is our nature to want to grow up to be like our parents, yet it is how our nature of admiration and imitation is nurtured that our futures are decided. If Alfonso had taken time to nurture Frankenstein’s interests away from what would assuredly be a lethal path in life, then surely Frankenstein could have avoided what would eventually be a tragic downfall. Imitating his father’s neglectful behavior, Frankenstein is indifferent to his creation, denying his parental obligations and responsibilities. Due to his indifference the monster rebels and promises not to rest until he has made Frankenstein’s life as miserable as his own existence. Clearly the actions of the characters symbolizes William’s indifference to Mary, and Shelley’s unanswered questions of what her life could have been if he had given her the attention she desired, as well has her secret desires to punish her father for his neglect.
On September 10, 1797 Mary Godwin died from childbirth complications leaving Mary to lead her life without a female role model. Mary’s lack of female figures in the novel symbolize the lack in her own. All the female characters either die or are murdered in the course of the novel. Justine an indentured servant who is also like another daughter to the Frankenstein family, is the female character whose experiences are most similar to that of Mary Shelley. Ironically the character most similar to the author is the first to be murdered by the creature Elizabeth almost died from scarlet fever yet was brought back from the grasp of death by her stepmother, Victor’s mother, who consequently became ill and died. Before her death, Caroline called Frankenstein and Elizabeth to her bed saying, “My firmest hopes of happiness were placed on the prospect of your union. This expectation will now be the consolation of your father. Elizabeth my love, you must supply my place to my younger children”(Shelley 41).
The Essay on Frankenstein Movie Version vs. Mary Shelley’s Novel
In 1957 British Production Company Hammer Films launched their own series of adaptations of Frankenstein with the first film entitled “The Curse of Frankenstein”. The Frankenstein’s myth was revived once again. This time it was more different from the Universal Studios own version. The prominent element in the Universal Series was the monster but Hammer chose the person of Victor Frankenstein as ...
This is rather odd considering the fact that Elizabeth and Victor grew up as siblings, and if Elizabeth is to assume the role of mother to the children, then she will also take on a motherly role toward Frankenstein. Even the young Victor had viewed Elizabeth as more then his sister and foreshadowed their union, when upon recollection of his childhood he stated “No word, no expression could body forth the kind of relation in which she stood to me-more than my sister, since till death she would be mine only”(Shelley 34).
The dysfunction in the relationships of the women in the Frankenstein family is apparent and rather disturbing, thus expressing Mary’s opinion about the women in her own life. The monster goes to Frankenstein demanding a female partner, and equal to spend his days with, claiming that if his request is met he shall be happy and live a peaceful life. This is ironic because throughout the course of the novel, he is the only character to appreciate the simplicity of life, and seems to easily gauge what is most important in life. The female aspect of nature has always been viewed as the nurturer, the one who educates, teaches morals and values and administers the love in the family. There is a male and female aspect for everything, so it is no wonder that the characters seek out a partner to balance out their lives, it is human nature to seek balance and stability. When nature is not in balance, terrible things occur, which is displayed in Frankenstein when there is and absence of a female figure. Apparently Mary Shelley did not feel the stability supplied by a female in her own life.
After running off into the wilderness and stumbling upon the house of the De Lacey family, it seems as though the monster’s humanity is slowly developing and exposing itself to the reader. A baby is naturally born innocent and only later in lifer learns to hate and distrust, the monster, symbolizing the loss of innocence, learns in this same fashion. The monster quietly sits and studies the family, trying to emulate the actions which he deems valuable, such as honesty, compassion, integrity and virtue.
The Essay on Influence of “family” in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”
Family in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein demonstrates a myriad of roles, influencing Victor Frankenstein and his creation. Victor’s childhood establishes a connection between the reader and Victor, building his character. The monster is influenced by the various episodes with the family of cottagers The recounting of Victor’s childhood coalesce the reader to Victor, conveying his ...
The more I saw of them, the greater became my desire to claim their protection and kindness; my heart yearned to be known and loved by theses amiable creatures; to see their sweet looks directed toward me with affection was the utmost limit of my ambition. I dared not think that they would turn them from me with disdain and horror. The poor that stopped at their door were never driven away. I asked, it is true, for greater treasures that a little food or rest; I required kindness and sympathy; but I did not believe myself unworthy of it. (Shelley 127)
It is apparent that the monster’s inner humanity is driving him to socialize and bask in the attention and affection of others, an essential practice to all human beings. Eventually he draws the courage to interact with the family, and decides that the eldest the father who also happens to be blind will be first. The symbolism of the monster choosing to interact with the blind man is clear, he cannot judge the monster based on his appearance, only his character and intellect. However when the other members of the family come home, they are not so welcoming, and Felix quickly attacks the monster, and the creature hurriedly flees from the cottage. The event was foreseen when the monster first set eyes upon his ghastly appearance and recalls that moment saying, “…when I became fully convinced that I was in reality the monster that I am, I was filled with the bitterest feelings of despondence and mortification. Alas! I did not yet know the effects of this fatal deformity” (Shelley 109).
As the monster contemplates the rejection he has just suffered, a transformation takes place, his innocence and good will are quickly replaced with new emotions he has never before experienced such as desertion, rage and hatred.
I continued the remainder of the day in my hovel in a state of utter and stupid despair. My protectors had departed and had broken the only link that held me to the world. For the first time the feelings of revenge and hatred filled my bosom, and I did not strive to control them, but allowing myself to be borne away by the stream, I bent my mind towards injury and death. …these thoughts vanished with a gush of tears that somewhat soothed me. But again when I reflected that they had spurned and deserted me, anger returned, a rage of anger, and unable to injure anything human, I turned my fury towards inanimate objects. (Shelley 133)
The Research paper on Mary Shelley Frankenstein Monster Father
Another Voice In Frankenstein Another Voice In Frankenstein Essay, Research Paper There are many varied interpretations of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein in the study of literature. In fact, most critics have, if not opposing, somewhat contrasted views on the novel. However, a popular perception of the novel seems to be one in which Shelley is said to be representing her own views through the voice ...
The De Lacey family had represented the family the monster never had. He learned all his socialization skills, values and occupational skills from them. It is human nature for a child to imitate the actions of those around him, but is it our nature to seek the good qualities of mankind, like the monster did? If the monster had a parental figure to nurture him, perhaps he would have been able to handle his rejection easier without resorting to such violent and bitter emotions. Yet there was nobody to teach him these emotions, which leads one to ask, does mankind inherently possess these negative emotions, which may be drawn out at times of despair? It is unclear if the nature of the monster is that of a human being or and entirely new species, and what exactly his orientation towards them is. Therefore Shelley leads the reader to contemplate the nature of human beings and our predispositions, and the role in which a family plays in the expression of an individuals emotions and their system of values.
The novel begins with the words of Robert Walton, an explorer traveling through the Arctic Region. The isolation expressed by Walton in his letters to his sister demonstrate his desperation for a companion in the this desolate region. In one letter he writes, “I have no friend, Margaret…I desire the company of a man who could sympathize with me, whose eyes would reply to mine” (Shelley 17).
The isolation Walton feels is a direct result of his actions. In the midst of Walton’s loneliness, Frankenstein is rescued from the isolation of the Arctic, and boards the ship. Robert and Frankenstein quickly discover the similarities of their lives, both share a strong emotional tie with their sister, were in a sense, self educated. Most importantly, they share an adventurous spirit which has led them to challenge God and the laws of nature, thus bringing them to their current isolation. Perhaps if Robert and Victor had close relations with their families, they would not have chosen to isolate themselves. Would they have been able to fight the nature of adventurous spirit, or was it developed due to the neglect they suffered form their families? Robert opening the book is significant in the fact that he appears to serve as a symbol of the path that Frankenstein should have chosen, and as a medium to gather a moral from the life of Victor Frankenstein. Upon realizing their similarities Victor warns the naïve Robert,
You seek for knowledge as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be serpent to sting you as mine has been. I do not know that the relation of my disasters will be useful to you; yet, when I reflect that you are pursuing the same course , exposing yourself to the same dangers which have rendered me what I am, I imagine that you may deduce an apt moral from my tale; one that my direct you if you succeed in you undertaking and console you in case of failure. … Were we among the tamer scenes of nature I might fear to encounter you unbelief, perhaps your ridicule; but many things will appear possible in these wild an mysterious regions which would provoke the laughter of those unacquainted with the ever-varied powers of nature; …. (Shelley 29)
The imagery of the environment that provides the isolation which the first encounter of Walton and Frankenstein occurs, is significant because Walton opens the novel. Who could possibly be better to open the novel, than a character suffering from similar physical and emotional isolation, the story will thus be told using a similar point of view. Mary uses Walton and Frankenstein to represent her secret wishes that she had chosen a different road to follow, and perhaps her inner turmoil of whether or not she or her family is responsible for her current lifestyle.
Through letters written to his sister, Walton narrates Frankenstein’s tragic tale. Once again, there is no female narration. It is understandable that Frankenstein is comfortable telling his story to another male, it is ones nature to be comfortable with those of you own kind. In the same sense the story is told though the same set of eyes as Frankenstein. In society, and in a family males and females are raised with different value systems and taught different roles they will eventually fulfill. If they story had been retold though they eyes of a female, would the story have been told differently? It is symbolic that a male is relating the story to a female, implying that the life of a male needs to be explained to her; she would not understand it. Mary Shelley expresses her outrage of the label placed on the comprehension of females in her time and the need society has to shelter and protect them.
Throughout the course of the novel, Victor portrays himself as an innocent victim. He feels that all his suffering is because of the monster. It is human nature that when one has been attacked and cornered, they recoil and claim they are the innocent party, I the same fashion Frankenstein has; not once in the course of the novel has he taken responsibility for his actions. The monster, if given the opportunity to narrate the story, and give his account of events would probably explain things differently. He felt that due to the deficiency of family in his life and the lack of parental guidance on the part of Frankenstein, he was subsequently led to the life of an antagonist. Robert sympathizes with Frankenstein because he is telling the story and because of their relationship. But would a neutral party such as the crew have sympathized with Victor or have found fault in his actions? Considering the fact that Robert, Frankenstein and Mary share such similar relations with their family, Shelley could be demonstrating her bitter feelings towards her father for betraying her and making her the victim.
In the novel, there lay other sub themes that support the main theme of nature vs. nurture, a result of family life. The first theme presented in the novel is the question, do parents shape their child’s personality or is their personality something they’re born with? In the beginning of the novel, Frankenstein’s father did not take a great interest in Victor’s fascination with more archaic forms of science. As a result, Frankenstein pursued his studies more earnestly than he had previously. If his father had intervened and taken an interest in Frankenstein’s studies, directing him toward a more realistic path, would Frankenstein, due to his stubborn and adventurous nature, have followed his own interests regardless or his fathers intervention? Most likely Frankenstein did not want to be like his father, ironically he ended up treating his “child” just like Alfonso treated him. Had Frankenstein subconsciously embodied the persona of his father, or was he merely born with the same characteristic as his father, and they were brought to the surface upon the “birth” of his creation? Considering the fact that themes are a reflection of reoccurrences and lesson learned in life, Mary Shelley could be using the characters to express her own confusion regarding her relationship with her parents and her identity. Mary and her mother, both devout feminists, shared the ideals of a liberated woman, however Mary was not influenced by her mother in her opinions, because she died during child birth. Mary also despised radicalism and all it stood for, ironically her father, who was in her life as she grew up was a radicalist. The characters illustrate Shelley’s confusion of the nature of her identity and the origins of her opinions, considering the fact that she is similar to her mother, although she was not raised by her and contrary to her father her helped raise the young Shelley.
Whenever Henry Clerval is mentioned in the novel, it is only in the highest regard that he is referred to “…so thoughtful in his generosity, so full of kindness and tenderness amidst his passion for adventurous exploit…maded doing good the end and aim of his soaring ambition” (Shelley 37).
Ironically, when the monster requests that Frankenstein create a companion for him, Frankenstein declines, denying him of a friend to spend the days with, the exact thing that Frankenstein holds so dear himself. When the monster murders Henry, Frankenstein’s morale worsens and he is characterized as a deranged lunatic, driven by the loss of his best friend. Robert is also suffering from the loss of friendship. Upon his departure from his homeland, Robert feels lonelier as the days pass, he writes to his sister saying, “…But I have one want which I am unable to satisfy; and the absence of the object of which I now feel as a most severe unit. I have no friend…”(Shelley 17).
Due to her eccentric lifestyle, Mary Shelley led a lonely life with few close friends and finds a companion in a married man, and a dysfunctional relationship quickly develops. In Frankenstein, Mary destroys the only stable friendship in the novel, while other characters are all in search of a friendship. Mary purposely sabotages their relationship, expressing the anger she feels because she did not have any true friends and did not feel others should have something she herself is deprived of. She goes so far as to describe the lack of friendship as something evil. Consider the fact that upon the creatures rejection from the De Lacey family the monster experiences a metamorphosis from good to evil. This rises the question of the monster’s nature, was the monster inherently evil? In this particular example the monster symbolizes humanity. Are humans born with evil tendencies, and only through example and nurture are we taught to control our emotions? These question raise yet another theme, is companionship a basic necessity that all human beings require to live a healthy life?
Through her controversial novel Frankenstein Mary Shelley brings up many issues that often went unspoken during her time. Such issues include her feminist views which were demonstrated in the interactions of the characters towards the women, and the lack of female narration, as well as the search for a female companion. Though her gothic novel and horrific descriptions, Mary defied romanticism and radicalism. The use of scientific technology and concepts helped the enforce and popularize the scientific revolutions that was stirring throughout Europe, thus reflecting the time period she lived in. Through theses devices as well as foreshadowing, characterization, imagery, and most prevalently narration and symbolism the concept of nature vs. nurture is the backbone of the novel. This concept extends itself to the relationship of parent and child, the need of companionship, the nature of human beings and the role of females and males in society. Using evidence from the novel, one can determine that Mary Shelley’s use of symbolism and narration in her novel Frankenstein reflect experiences from her own life and support the prevalent theme of nature vs. nurture, a result of family life.