Conceived from a society experiencing drastic social upheaval, mutinous political unrest, and revolutionary scientific and technological advancements, Gothic literature emulates the society in which it was born and has transcended generations with its evolution of a literary archetype, whose charismatic and vicious personality captivates its audiences. During the nineteenth century, the romantic-gothic literary movement featured unconventional writers such as Lord Byron, Mary Shelly, and Emily Bronte, all of whom aided in the progression of what has become known as the Byronic hero. Though criticized for lacking moral integrity, the literary archetype of the Byronic hero has managed to evoke emotional paradoxes within readers that sustain an
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From early on in the novel, readers recognize Victor as an individual of high intellect and ambition who yearns to break fundamental institutional boundaries stating, “Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world.” (Shelly, 36). Many readers, especially those of the nineteenth century who were continuously plagued by death, easily relate to Frankenstein’s ardent desire to defy death and recognize him as a hero of the people. However, an example of Frankenstein’s egocentric nature immediately follows that statement as he proclaims, “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me.” (Shelly 36). Frankenstein aims to become a god to a new race, exhibiting the egotistical desires that are common within Byronic heroes. By coupling Frankenstein’s self-less desire to overcome death with his narcissistic ambition to be viewed as a god, Mary Shelly fortifies the reader’s empathy of the character by focusing their attention on the preceding statement of noble intentions rather than the psychopathic statement that precedes. She further reinforces the reader’s sympathy for Frankenstein as well as his characterization as a Byronic hero through his constant physical and psychological separation from society and his peers. While partaking in his obscene endeavors he retains a physical isolation from society, but even upon his physical reintroduction, stricken with guilt regarding his heinous crimes, he states, “I saw an insurmountable barrier placed between me and my fellow man.” (Shelley, 61). Victor Frankenstein’s obsessive ambition results in his psychological alienation from his peers, and induces empathy from an audience who, like Victor, doesn’t quite believe they
From early on in the novel, readers recognize Victor as an individual of high intellect and ambition who yearns to break fundamental institutional boundaries stating, “Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world.” (Shelly, 36). Many readers, especially those of the nineteenth century who were continuously plagued by death, easily relate to Frankenstein’s ardent desire to defy death and recognize him as a hero of the people. However, an example of Frankenstein’s egocentric nature immediately follows that statement as he proclaims, “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me.” (Shelly 36). Frankenstein aims to become a god to a new race, exhibiting the egotistical desires that are common within Byronic heroes. By coupling Frankenstein’s self-less desire to overcome death with his narcissistic ambition to be viewed as a god, Mary Shelly fortifies the reader’s empathy of the character by focusing their attention on the preceding statement of noble intentions rather than the psychopathic statement that precedes. She further reinforces the reader’s sympathy for Frankenstein as well as his characterization as a Byronic hero through his constant physical and psychological separation from society and his peers. While partaking in his obscene endeavors he retains a physical isolation from society, but even upon his physical reintroduction, stricken with guilt regarding his heinous crimes, he states, “I saw an insurmountable barrier placed between me and my fellow man.” (Shelley, 61). Victor Frankenstein’s obsessive ambition results in his psychological alienation from his peers, and induces empathy from an audience who, like Victor, doesn’t quite believe they