Lack Of Maternal Presence In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Although a lack of maternal presence is a major theme seen throughout Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, nature fulfills that role to many of the characters. Often overcome by grief, the characters find solace in being away from the evils of humanity. The simplicity, beauty, and peacefulness of nature strengthen their spirits through its beauty and tranquility. In many cases of the characters without a mother, nature is always there for them, just like any mother should be. Its beauty and restorative power can be appreciated and utilized at any time, which was made it so valuable to the characters. Nature’s healing ability proves to be a key factor for the characters, who repeatedly look to nature for comfort during times of stress. Overcome by misery from the murders of his friends and family, Victor looks to nature to help maintain his sanity. Acting as a maternal presence to him, nature is often the only place he can find comfort. Even filled with pain and misery, Victor states, “For an instant I dared to shake off my chains and look around me with a free and lofty spirit…” (Shelley 174). He was so drawn to the beauty of nature that he could not help but forget about his stress and admire the world …show more content…
Even at a time with a countless number of concerns and struggles in his life, Victor notes, “These sublime and magnificent scenes afforded me the greatest consolation that I was capable of receiving” (Shelley 101). Nature is often the only thing Victor and the creature can turn to for relief, which is why it is so heavily appreciated numerous times throughout the book. Whether it helps heal their sickness or comforts them in a time of need, nature played an important part of these characters’ physical and mental health. The power of nature helped show the goodness in the characters and helped keep them sane for the majority of the