The Philosophy of Romanticism in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Science, and scientific ambition is a central theme that is explored in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Mary Shelley demonstrates through her story that scientific advancement often comes at a cost to both society and more specifically to the personal lives of those affected by scientific achievement. This can also be reflected in the time period that she lived in, and the rise of the ideology of romanticism. In the novel, Shelley uses her characters to embody the clashing ideologies of the time. She was born in 1797, which was right in the middle of the European industrial revolution. This was a period in time where rapid economic growth stemmed from advancements in manufacturing technology …show more content…
In chapter four, Victor states, “From this day natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the most comprehensive sense of the term, became my sole ardour” (Shelley 50). When he ventured to Ingolstadt to study he isolated himself from contact with his friends and family who previously he claimed to hold in high regard. In the events of the story we see Victor consumed completely by the scientific spirit. On a surface level, devoting large amounts of time to scientific research to make the world a better place is not such a bad thing; however, with this story Shelley seeks to explore how this mindset is toxic. Victor’s story embodies the downsides of science through how his ambitions come to affect him within the story. Most if not all of the conflict that Victor faces in the book is a direct result of his scientific endeavors; primarily, the creation of his monster. Victor, by the end of his journey, learns that it is his ambition that was the cause of his woes, “You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been.” (Shelley 26). This ‘serpent’ goes on to sting not only him, but the people around him and close to him as well. When Victor refuses to write his family back at home, Elizabeth begins to worry dearly about the state of Victor, causing her great distress. Most notable in the actions of science harming other, is the main act of science present in the book. The monster kills those who are dear to Victor in his vengeance, all preventable if Victor would have considered the consequences of his
Science, and scientific ambition is a central theme that is explored in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Mary Shelley demonstrates through her story that scientific advancement often comes at a cost to both society and more specifically to the personal lives of those affected by scientific achievement. This can also be reflected in the time period that she lived in, and the rise of the ideology of romanticism. In the novel, Shelley uses her characters to embody the clashing ideologies of the time. She was born in 1797, which was right in the middle of the European industrial revolution. This was a period in time where rapid economic growth stemmed from advancements in manufacturing technology …show more content…
In chapter four, Victor states, “From this day natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the most comprehensive sense of the term, became my sole ardour” (Shelley 50). When he ventured to Ingolstadt to study he isolated himself from contact with his friends and family who previously he claimed to hold in high regard. In the events of the story we see Victor consumed completely by the scientific spirit. On a surface level, devoting large amounts of time to scientific research to make the world a better place is not such a bad thing; however, with this story Shelley seeks to explore how this mindset is toxic. Victor’s story embodies the downsides of science through how his ambitions come to affect him within the story. Most if not all of the conflict that Victor faces in the book is a direct result of his scientific endeavors; primarily, the creation of his monster. Victor, by the end of his journey, learns that it is his ambition that was the cause of his woes, “You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been.” (Shelley 26). This ‘serpent’ goes on to sting not only him, but the people around him and close to him as well. When Victor refuses to write his family back at home, Elizabeth begins to worry dearly about the state of Victor, causing her great distress. Most notable in the actions of science harming other, is the main act of science present in the book. The monster kills those who are dear to Victor in his vengeance, all preventable if Victor would have considered the consequences of his