Frankenstein: Context & Writers Techniques

Context

Brief Biography of Mary Shelley

Early Life:

• Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was born to the philosopher William Godwin and the writer Mary Wollstonecraft, who wrote Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792). Her mother died in childbirth, and she was raised by her father. Marriage:

• At age 18, Shelley ran off with Percy Bysshe Shelley, a leading British Romantic poet. They married in 1816 and had a son.

Death:

• Mary Shelley continued writing until she died in 1851.

Later Life:

• After Percy died in a shipwreck in 1822, Mary Shelley fell into poverty but continued to write to support herself. Frankenstein (1818) was her first and most successful work.

The Novel's History

• When and Where Written: Frankenstein was written between 1816 and 1817 in Switzerland and London.
• Publication: The novel was first published anonymously in 1818 and later revised and published under Shelley's name in 1831.
• Initial Reception: The novel was initially received with mixed reviews but has since become one of the most famous Gothic novels.

Literary Contexts

Historical and Political Context

• Age of Reason: The Gothic genre, including Frankenstein, is often seen as a reaction to the Age of Reason, an 18th-century movement that emphasized human intellect and societal progress.
• Revolutions and Industrialization: The American and French Revolutions and the Industrial Revolution were key events during this period, reshaping society and prompting Gothic novelists to explore the darker sides of human progress.
• Gothic Novel: Gothic novels, characterized by mystery, horror, and supernatural elements, flourished from the mid-18th century to the early 19th century. Frankenstein is a quintessential example of this genre.

Cultural and Social Context

• Romanticism: Although a Gothic novel, Frankenstein also embodies Romantic elements, particularly the sublime power of nature. Romanticism emphasized emotion, individualism, and the beauty of the natural world.
• Literary Influences: Shelley drew heavily on John Milton's Paradise Lost, which explores humankind's fall from grace. The epigraph of Frankenstein is a quote from Paradise Lost, reflecting the monster's curse on Victor Frankenstein, his creator.

Philosophical, Religious, and Intellectual Ideas

• Creation and Responsibility: The novel explores the ethical implications of creation and the responsibilities of a creator towards their creation.
• Human Imperfection: Gothic literature often portrays humans as imperfect and subject to powerful forces like nature and death, countering the Age of Reason's ideal of perfectibility.
• Nature vs. Nurture: The novel delves into the debate of nature versus nurture, questioning whether the monster's behaviour is a result of his inherent nature or his mistreatment by society.

Useful Concepts to Be Aware of in the Novel

• Multiple Narratives: Frankenstein employs multiple layers of first-person narratives. The primary narrator, Walton, recounts Victor's story, which in turn includes the monster's narrative and letters from other characters. This structure adds depth and complexity to the storytelling.
• Gothic Elements: The novel is rich in Gothic elements such as dark and foreboding settings, supernatural occurrences, and intense emotional experiences, all contributing to its eerie atmosphere.
• Sublime Nature: Romanticism's emphasis on the sublime power of nature is evident in the novel, highlighting the awe-inspiring and terrifying aspects of the natural world.
• Ethical Questions: The ethical questions surrounding scientific experimentation and the consequences of playing God are central themes, making the novel relevant to discussions on bioethics.
• Isolation and Alienation: The novel explores themes of isolation and alienation, both of Victor and the monster, reflecting the broader human experience of loneliness and the desire for companionship.
• Adaptations and Legacy: Frankenstein has inspired countless adaptations in literature, film, and other media, cementing its place as a cornerstone of Gothic and science fiction.

Writer's Techniques

Structure and Plot

Epistolary Framework

• Frankenstein is structured through a series of letters written by the explorer Robert Walton to his sister, Margaret Saville.
• This frame narrative technique allows multiple perspectives, including Walton's, Victor Frankenstein's, and the monster's, providing a comprehensive view of the story.

Multiple Narratives

• The novel includes first-person narratives from Walton, Victor, and the monster, creating a layered storytelling approach.
• Each narrative perspective provides insight into different aspects of the story, emphasizing themes of isolation, ambition, and revenge.

Chronological Manipulation

• The plot unfolds through a non-linear chronology, beginning with Walton's letters before delving into Victor's past and the monster's experiences.
• This manipulation of time creates suspense and allows for reflection on past events, highlighting the consequences of Victor's actions.

Language and Style

Gothic Elements

• Shelley employs Gothic conventions, including dark settings, supernatural elements, and intense emotions, to create a sense of horror and mystery.
• The novel's language is rich in descriptive imagery, often emphasizing the sublime power of nature and the grotesque appearance of the monster.

Romantic Influences

• The Romantic emphasis on nature's beauty and power is evident in Victor's and Walton's awe of the natural world.
• Shelley uses poetic and evocative language to describe landscapes, reflecting the characters' inner turmoil and the novel's broader themes.

Symbolic Language

• Light and fire are recurring symbols in the novel, representing knowledge and enlightenment but also danger and destruction.
• Victor describes his scientific discovery as "a sudden light broke in upon me," indicating both the potential for enlightenment and the peril of overreaching ambition.

Symbols

Light and Fire

• Light symbolizes enlightenment and discovery, as seen in Walton's quest to reach the North Pole and Victor's scientific pursuits.
• Fire represents both the creative and destructive powers of knowledge, echoing the myth of Prometheus and his punishment for giving fire to humanity.

The Monster

• The monster symbolizes the consequences of unchecked ambition and the dangers of playing God.
• It also represents societal prejudices, as it is judged solely on its appearance rather than its inherent nature, leading to its isolation and vengeful actions.

Nature

• The natural world in Frankenstein is depicted as sublime and powerful, reflecting the Romantic ideal of nature as a source of inspiration and emotional solace.
• Nature's beauty contrasts with the horror of Victor's creation, highlighting the tension between human ambition and the natural order.