Elements Of Romanticism In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was published in 1818, and is well known for its Gothic elements and the manner in which is portrays scientific development. Victor Frankenstein’s desires to break through the bounds of life and death lead his life down a path of ruin. In modern times, the tragedy of Frankenstein is often used as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of scientific development, and there is little question as to why. Controversial topics such as cloning, artificial intelligence, and the extending of the human lifespan all bare resemblances with the cautionary heart of Shelley’s masterpiece. However, while it is certainly true that the tragedy described in Frankenstein is largely a result of scientific ambition, the work itself does not outright condemn scientific development. Shelley had an interest in scientific development, and it would be strange for her to outright object to one of her own passions. Thus, it is not scientific development that is …show more content…
In the spirit of romanticism, Elizabeth demonstrates an appreciation for nature that contrasts with Frankenstein’s sole focus on science. Elizabeth shows an affinity for natural beauty and wonders of the world they inhabit. Frankenstein makes note of this when describing his upbringing “While my companion contemplated with a serious and satisfied spirit the magnificent appearances of things, I delighted in investigating their causes” (Shelley 31). However, their relationship was a harmonious one, due to a balance of dispositions. Frankenstein in his selfish pursuits, forsakes that bond, and breaks that balance, “but my eyes were insensible to the charms of nature. And the same feelings which made me neglect the scenes around me caused me also to forget those friends who were so many miles absent, and whom I had not seen for so long a time” (Shelley