Themes

THEMES:

Ambition

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a cautionary tale that warns against the dangers of unchecked ambition. Through the characters of Victor and Walton, Shelley depicts the human desire for glory and recognition as both a driving force and a fatal flaw. Victor and Walton are both ambitious men who dream of making their mark on the world through their scientific achievements. However, their ambitions make them blind to the consequences of their actions.

Victor's desire to create life leads him to bring a monster to life, but he is unable to handle the responsibility that comes with it. This results in a tragic series of events that ultimately leads to his downfall. Similarly, Walton's quest for glory almost leads to his and his crew's demise in the harsh conditions of the North Pole.

Shelley's portrayal of human beings as deeply flawed creatures suggests that ambition is a double-edged sword. While it can drive us to great heights, it can also blind us to the consequences of our actions and make us lose sight of what is truly important. In the end, Shelley reminds us that it is our responsibility to be mindful of our ambitions and to consider the impact they may have on those around us.

Family and isolation

The novel explores the dangers of isolation from society and human connection. Despite its depiction of tragedy and despair, the novel aims to depict the importance of "domestic affection."

The story's true evil is not Victor or the monster, but isolation itself. Victor loses sight of his responsibilities and actions when he becomes too lost in his studies and removes himself from society. The monster, filled with overwhelming hate and anger due to its isolation, turns vengeful. The creature's vengeance is to make Victor as isolated as it.

This highlights the idea that isolation from family and society is the worst imaginable fate, and the root cause of hatred, violence, and revenge. Ultimately, Frankenstein serves as a warning of the dangers of individualism and the importance of human connection.

Romance and nature

Romantic writers of the 19th century were known for their portrayal of nature as the most powerful and perfect force in the universe. This was reflected in their literature, where they used words like "sublime" to describe the unfathomable power and beauty of the natural world. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the author herself uses the term "sublime" to describe the stunning Mont Blanc. In contrast, the human characters in the novel are depicted as imperfect and flawed, weighed down by petty concerns like vanity and prejudice.

It is no wonder then, that the novel portrays crises and suffering when humans attempt to disturb the perfection of nature. Victor, the main character, in his pride and arrogance, attempts to unlock the mysteries of creation and to manipulate the power of nature. He believes he can pioneer a new way of life by penetrating the "citadel of nature".

However, nature is not to be disturbed, and Victor ultimately meets his downfall. The novel serves as a warning against the dangers of man's arrogance and his attempt to control nature.

Overall, the portrayal of nature in Frankenstein is a reflection of the Romantic writers' view of the world. Nature is seen as the ultimate power and perfection, while humans are flawed and imperfect. The novel warns us against the dangers of attempting to disturb the balance of nature and serves as a reminder to respect and appreciate the power of the natural world.

Innocence and loss of innocence

The theme of lost innocence is a prevalent one in Frankenstein. Victor, the protagonist, is a young and ambitious man who leaves for university with dreams of discovering the mysteries of creation. However, his success and pride eventually lead to his loss of innocence. This is exemplified by the creation of his monster, who reflects back to Victor the flaws inherent in humanity and himself. The monster's appearance and subsequent treatment by Victor also highlights the issue of prejudice.

The loss of innocence is not limited to Victor, as the monster's creation also destroys his own innocence. This ultimately leads to the deaths of several innocent characters, emphasising the fleeting nature of innocence. Shelley's novel suggests that innocence is something that will always be either lost or destroyed by the harsh reality of human nature. It is a sobering reminder that even the most gentle and kind-hearted individuals can fall prey to the corruption of innocence.

Prejudice

The novel delves deep into the theme of prejudice, and how it can lead to destruction and tragedy. The novel's central character, the monster, is judged solely on his outward appearance, and is rejected by humans despite his attempts to prove his good intentions. This unrelenting prejudice ultimately drives the monster to despair and violence and causes him to see the worst in humanity.

The novel makes a powerful statement about the dangers of prejudice, and how it can lead to the dehumanization of others. The monster is a symbol of all those who have been marginalised and oppressed throughout history, and Shelley's novel serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of failing to see beyond appearances. It is a reminder that we must strive to be more accepting and compassionate, and to resist the urge to judge others based on their physical appearance or other superficial characteristics.

In conclusion, Frankenstein is a thought-provoking novel that explores the destructive power of prejudice. It challenges readers to examine their own biases and prejudices, and to recognise the humanity in all people, regardless of their outward appearance or other superficial characteristics. It is a powerful reminder that we must strive to be more accepting and compassionate, and to resist the urge to judge others based on our own preconceptions.