Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Influences and Literary Elements
Influences on Frankenstein Mary Shelley had radical parents (a feminist and a philosopher) who didn’t believe in marriage and lived separately. Mother died 11 days after Mary’s birth Mary ran off with married poet Percy Shelley as a teenager. Percy’s pregnant wife drowned herself. Mary and Percy had a number of children who died in infancy or were miscarried. Apprehension about giving birth runs throughout novel Mary Wollestonecraft Shelley, 1797-1851
Influences on Frankenstein Mary and Percy spent a rainy vacation in Switzerland. To pass the time, Lord Byron suggested a ghost story contest. Mary literally dreamt up the story of Frankenstein for her entry. Mary named Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner as a major influence. She was only 19 when she finished the novel. Switzerland, one setting of Frankenstein
Influences on Frankenstein Prometheus of Greek myth Stole fire from Zeus and gave it to mortals. Zeus punished him by binding him to a rock for an eagle eat his liver every day. Story implies that Prometheus overreached the boundaries of human knowledge. Frankenstein is subtitled The Modern Prometheus. Trace this idea throughout the novel!
Romanticism Partly a reaction to: The Industrial Revolution The changing of scientific rationalization of nature The Age of Enlightenment. Had a significant influence on politics Emphasized emotion (apprehension, horror and terror, awe, etc.) as an authentic aesthetic experience
Characteristics of Romanticism Valuing sensitivity and emotions over intellectualism Valuing the wisdom of people who might not be well- educated or sophisticated Appreciating people for being unconventional and unique Maintaining childlike curiosity and spontaneity Maintaining a strong connection with nature Being cautious about advancements in technology and science Mary and Percy Shelley were well-entrenched in the Romantic movement. Examine how Shelley incorporates these elements in the novel.
Gothic Novel Characteristics Dark, creepy settings Castles, graveyards, old houses Atmosphere of mystery and suspense Novel overshadowed by a threatening feeling, and/or a fear of the unknown. Omens and visions Phenomenon can be seen as a portent of coming events.
Gothic Novel Characteristics Supernatural or inexplicable events Fantastic, dramatic events, such as ghosts appearing, giants walking, or inanimate objects coming to life. High, “overwrought” emotion Characters experience feeling of impending doom, and suffer from “raw nerves.” Crying, emotional speeches, breathlessness and panic are all common.
Gothic Novel Characteristics Women in distress Female characters find themselves fainting, terrified, screaming, and/or sobbing as an appeal to the pathos and sympathy of the reader. Women threatened by a powerful, impulsive, tyrannical male Often categorized as Byronic heroes
Other Notes Novel’s frame tale: Walton, an explorer, is telling the story of Victor Frankenstein through letters to his sister (then Victor fills in). Scientific exploration of the day also inspired the writing. Galvanism (reanimating bodies with electricity) Polar expeditions “Frankenstein” is the name of the man who made the monster. The monster is known only as “the creature.” Galvanism The creature is not green!
Story Structure Frame tale: Robert Walton’s narrative (written in letters to his sister, Margaret Saville) Frankenstein’s narrative (told to Robert Walton) The creature’s narrative (told to Victor Frankenstein) Story Structure