How Is Victor Frankenstein Influenced By The Industrial Revolution

Frankenstein was written in 1818 and was influenced by the Industrial Revolution. The principle theme present in the novel is science. The main character of the novel, Victor Frankenstein, represents science and his wishes of scientific improvement and innovation are what drive the story. Shelley questions how far the current wave of advances should push the individual in terms of personal and spiritual growth. She conveys the impression that perhaps the technological advances made to date rob the soul of growth when man becomes too dependant on technology. Ultimately, Victor’s goal of scientific success is what leads to his demise, as his creature kills everyone in his life and the book ends with the death of him and his creation. Shelley …show more content…
This pursuit of knowledge is at the heart of Frankenstein, as Victor attempts to surpass beyond accepted human limits and access the secret of life. Likewise, Robert Walton attempts to surpass previous human explorations by endeavoring to reach the North Pole. This ruthless pursuit of knowledge is what unites both characters. Furthermore, this knowledge proves dangerous, as Victor’s act of creation eventually results in the destruction of everyone dear to him, and Walton finds himself perilously trapped on his ship. Meanwhile, Victor’s obsessive hatred of the monster drives him to his death, Walton abandons his treacherous mission, having learned from Victor’s example of how destructive the thirst for knowledge can be. Victor Frankenstein is first inspired not only by science, but by a pursuit of knowledge and by medieval occultists such as Cornelius Agrippa. Exchanging these power and knowledge aspirations of the magicians for common science meant for Victor: “I was required to exchange chimeras of boundless grandeur for realities of little worth.” (Chapter 3, p.3). In some sense Mary Shelley’s horror story can be seen as less of a warning to 19th century scientists engaged in strange experiments with galvanization than a cautionary tale for those whose dehumanizing exploitation of industrial workers, miners, serfs and chattel slaves might lead to a potentially inhuman form of revolutionary blow back. The creature cries to his creator: “Yet mine shall not be the submission of abject slavery: if I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear; and chiefly towards you my archenemy, because my creator, do I swear inextinguishable hatred.” (Chapter 17