Frankenstein's Creature: the Monstrous Tenor of Self-knowledge (original) (raw)

Abstract

This paper brings forth an overview of the most important historical events that reverberated and introduced Europe to the 18th-century world. In addition, it provides substantial contextual information regarding the political climate in West Europe, states the reasons for the outbreak of French Revolution as well as touches on the American Revolution in the second half of the 1760’s. Furthermore, it is concerned with the theoretical aspect of Romanticism, names the era’s greatest authors and philosophers as well as literary achievements. As well as that, this paper provides an outline of innovative concepts and characteristic Romantic genres such as the gothic novel reinvented by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. However, the focal point of this thesis is to introduce the reader to several different approaches to reading Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus, with emphasis on the feminist perspective by Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar. Except for that, the paper explains the Creatur...

Key takeaways

AI

1. Mary Shelley's *Frankenstein* serves as a pivotal exploration of Romanticism and feminism in 19th-century literature.
2. The text provides a historical context for the French and American Revolutions influencing Romantic thought.
3. Shelley's innovative character development challenges traditional gender roles and presents complex moral ambiguities.
4. The distinction between Terror-Gothic and Horror-Gothic is vital for understanding *Frankenstein*'s psychological depth.
5. Literature's transformative power on self-identity is emphasized through the Creature's journey to self-knowledge.

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References (18)

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11. Lachmann, Renate, et al. Phantasia, Memoria, Rhetorica. Zagreb, Matica Hrvatska, 2002.
12. Moretti, Franco. Signs Taken For Wonders: On the Sociology of Literary Forms (Radical Thinkers). London, Verso Books, 2005, pp. 83-90.
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14. Shuffelton, Amy B. The Monstrosity of Parental Involvement: Formation Through Reading in Shelley and Rousseau. Philosophy of Education Yearbook, 2018, 1:64-76.
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16. Wallace, Willard M. "American Revolution | Causes, Battles, Aftermath, & Facts." Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2021, www.britannica.com/event/American-Revolution.
17. Wardle, Ralph. Mary Wollstonecraft. University of Nebraska Press, 1951, p. 322.
18. Wollstonecraft, Mary. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Faust's Statue, No. 45, Newbury-Street, 1792, ch. 12.

FAQs

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What psychological insights does Shelley provide in Frankenstein regarding the Creature's development?add

The paper highlights that the Creature's development embodies John Locke's 'tabula rasa' concept, illustrating his learning and social conditioning from the world around him, emphasizing the psychological depth of his experiences.

How did Mary Shelley's personal life influence her creation of Frankenstein?add

Shelley's turbulent upbringing, including her mother's feminist ideologies and her estrangement from her family, profoundly shaped the themes of alienation and gender in Frankenstein, reflecting her personal struggles of identity.

What distinguishes Shelley’s approach to character development in Gothic literature?add

The study finds that Shelley's nuanced portrayal of the Creature and Victor challenges traditional Gothic hero tropes, revealing complex layers of sympathy and moral ambiguity previously unexplored in the genre.

What are the implications of gender in the character dynamics of Frankenstein?add

The analysis suggests that Victor, despite being male, exhibits traits traditionally associated with femininity, while the Creature’s desire for companionship critiques societal views on gender and identity.

How does the paper define Romanticism's impact on Gothic fiction through Shelley's work?add

The research posits that Shelley’s Frankenstein revolutionized Gothic fiction by intertwining elements of science fiction and deep psychological exploration, marking a significant departure from earlier simplistic narratives.