Paper 103 : Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
Paper 103 : Frankenstein : Mary Shelley
Name: Jay p. Vaghani
Roll No.: 6
Enrollment No.: 5108240035
Sem.: 1
Batch: 2024 - 2026
E-mail: vaghanijay77@gmail.com
Assignment Details
Paper Name: Literature of RomanticsPaper No.: 103
Paper Code: : 22394
Unit:2 : Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Topic: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Submitted To: Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
Submitted Date: November 20, 2024
Abstract:
Introduction to Frankenstein
Frankenstein, written in 1818 by Mary Shelley, is generally termed a gothic novel based on a scientist called Victor Frankenstein who recomposes life. His experiment turns into misery and causes tragic consequences. This novel deals with deep issues of humanity, science, and morality, making it applicable even in the present.
Shelley wrote this novel in a time of unprecedented scientific discovery and change in society, and her story always raises basic questions on responsibility, ambition, and the consequences of playing with nature.
Symbols in Frankenstein
1. The Creature
The Creature symbolizes human alienation and the consequences of rejection. Although he was made by Victor, he was abandoned and not loved, reflecting the aching loneliness and how society judges on appearance.
Deeper Meaning: The Creature also symbolizes the dangers of scientific overreach and unintended consequences of human ambition.
2. Light and Fire
Symbolism: Light symbolizes knowledge, discovery, and enlightenment but fire can also symbolize danger and destruction. In Victor's case, his pursuit of knowledge is to reach light but the outcome could be nothing less than catastrophic.
Example: The Creature finds fire, is warmed by it, but also burns himself. This ambivalence echoes how science and progress could benefit or betray human kind.
3. Nature
Symbolism: Nature represents healing and peace as a contrast to the chaos which the experiments by Victor have built into the world. It is at times respite for both to the Creature and Victor, but it turns out to be a reminder of the might and beauty of the natural order.
Deeper Meaning: Nature serves as a moral force that should not be dominated or changed by man in the novel.
4. Victor's Laboratory
Symbolism: The laboratory stands for unbridled ambition as well as isolation in pursuit of knowledge. Victor's obsessive desire for creating life ultimately destroys him, and the laboratory becomes a location of horror rather than discovery.
Deeper Meaning: It critiques the cold and dehumanized nature of scientific advancement while underlining the factor of ethics involved.
5. Books and Knowledge
Symbolism: The books symbolise the pursuit of knowledge, but learning is dangerous if it is not coupled with wisdom. For Victor, books inspire his scientific experiments, but for the Creature, books reveal the venal and cruel aspects of human nature.
Deeper Meaning: Shelley suggests that knowledge does not end there; it destroys without a moral compass
Themes in Frankenstein
1. Danger of ambition
The protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, pursues knowledge in such a single-minded pursuit that his ambition catapults him to failure. He fails to account for the moral consequences of his action, so he experiences pain and loss in life.
Example: Victor Frankenstein's determination to "play God" in the creation of life ends in tragedy for himself, his family, and the Creature.
Relevance Today: The theme cautions against unbridled ambition in science or technology or as a personal drive.
2. Responsibility and Consequences
Victor does not assume responsibility for his creation. His abandoning the Creature sets off a chain of events that ultimately end in tragedy.
Example: The Creature becomes violent only after being rejected and mistreated. Victor’s neglect highlights the importance of accountability.
Relevance Today: This theme applies to debates about scientific ethics, parenting, and social responsibility.
3. Isolation and Alienation
Both Victor and the Creature feel severe loneliness. Victor isolates himself in his experiments, while the Creature is socially rejected by all due to his horrific appearance.
Example: The same loneliness makes the Creature violent, such that rejection and loneliness lead even a guiltless creation astray.
Relevance Today: The theme continues to describe the new issues related with mental health, social exclusion, and the desperate need of human relationships.
4. Appearance vs. Reality
It is a creature condemned simply because of his appearance, though at first innocent and looking for love. Because society cannot see beyond his monster look, the creature must go through suffering.
Example: Since he has a monster look, the good deeds of rescuing a drowning girl from a river go unnoticed.
Application to Daily Life: This theme condemns discrimination and shallow judgments among people in human society.
5. The Limitations of Science
Shelley sternly criticizes science with no morality. Victor's experiments show how a science without ethics leads to disastrous aftereffects.
Example: The successful and scientific creation of life by Victor brings misery into the world because it did not consider ethical values.
Relevance Today: The theme now fits into the current debate over artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and so on, where ethical consideration makes a vital difference.
6. Nature vs. Science
The novel poses a contrast between the peaceful and beautiful nature and the destruction and chaos that Victor's scientific experiments cause.
In the novel, nature is not only the sanctuary for some of the characters but also a force of justice.
Example: After creating the Creature, Victor went to nature for refuge, and he could not even hide there from the forces of consequences for his actions.
Relevance Today: This theme discusses the menace of violating nature and how respect to nature is important.
7. Parent-Child Relationships
Victor and the Creature share a dysfunctional "parent-child" relationship. Victor, having played the role of the "father" to his creature, deserted him, and he wreaked havoc and revenge.
Example: Plea of the Creature for a friend generally represents the need for love and adjustment in a child which Victor not liked.
Relevance Today : This theme indicates the significance of care, guidance, and responsibility in relations.
8. Revenge and Forgiveness
The Creature emerges to take revenge from Victor who gave him life and abandoned and Victor wishes to destroy the Creature because he has taken the lives of his loved ones. This cycle of revenge leads to mutual destruction.
For example, Victor's denial to fabricate a companion for the creature fuels their feud and prevents reconciliation.
Relevance to the Present: This theme examines how revenge can devour people, thereby stopping them from healing or moving forward.
Why These Themes and Symbols Matter
Universal Lessons: Frankenstein is not about the scientist and his monster but human nature, ethics, and consequences of decision making. The woes of Victor and the creature relate to actual issues such as ambition, rejection, and responsibility.
Relevance Today: The book is very relevant in any discussion about the scientific advances in the world, the issues with the environment, and how people need more compassion in a judging world.
Mary Shelley's Message: Mary Shelley warns of dangers: unchecked ambition that does not consider the ethical consequences of one's actions. But she also reminded us of our human need for connection and understanding.
Conclusion :
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a tale much beyond a scientist creating a monster-it is the all-powerful study of human ambition, responsibility, and the need for empathy. The untimely cautionary tale by Shelley through symbols like the Creature, fire, and nature, and themes like isolation, dangers of science, and revenge immortalizes themes that are brought up in this book. To the modern-day reader, the novel reminds him to balance progress with morality and be kind to people regardless of their appearance or origin.
References :
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “The Rape of the Lock | Mock Epic, Satire, Caricature.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Oct. 2024, www.britannica.com/topic/The-Rape-of-the-Lock.
“The Rape of the Lock: Canto 1.” The Poetry Foundation, 22 June 2024, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44906/the-rape-of-the-lock-canto-1.
Words Count : 1520
Images : 1
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