Page 1: The Origins and Influences of Frankenstein
Mary Shelley's masterpiece Frankenstein, created in 1816 and published in 1818, emerges from a rich tapestry of philosophical, literary, and scientific influences. The novel's creation coincides with the birth of Romanticism, a movement that began in the late 1400s characterized by intense emotions and experiences.
Highlight: The creature's transformation from benevolent to vengeful mirrors Milton's Satan, emphasizing the theme of corruption versus inherent nature.
Definition: Galvanism - The belief that electrical current passed through a dead person could restore life, a scientific concept that heavily influenced Shelley's work.
Quote: "Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay to mould me?" - This Paradise Lost reference emphasizes the creature's existential questioning.
Example: Victor's journey across the Alps in Chapter 9 demonstrates Shelley's use of nature as a powerful force, providing "tingling long-lost sense of pleasure."
Vocabulary: Primary socialization - The process by which a being learns moral and social behavior, central to Rousseau's influence on the novel.
The text explores several key themes:
- The tension between scientific advancement and religious belief
- The power of nature as a sensual and transformative force
- The influence of upbringing versus inherent nature
- The parallel between the creature and biblical figures (Adam and Satan)
Shelley's personal background, including her philosophical parentage (William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft) and literary connections (Lord Byron), significantly shaped the novel's themes and perspectives. Her mother's death when Shelley was just days old adds a poignant biographical element to the novel's exploration of creation and loss.
