Frankenstein: Context (AQA GCSE English Literature): Revision Notes

The Romantic Movement: Frankenstein, published in 1818, is often considered a key text of the Romantic movement. The novel reflects the Romantic emphasis on emotion, nature, and the sublime, as well as a fascination with the limits of human knowledge and the potential dangers of overreaching. Shelley's portrayal of Victor Frankenstein's quest to create life taps into the Romantic concerns about the power of the individual and the consequences of defying natural laws. The novel also explores the Romantic idea of the solitary genius, with Victor embodying both the potential and the peril of such ambition.

The Enlightenment vs. Romanticism: The novel can be seen as a critique of Enlightenment ideals, particularly the belief in reason, progress, and the ability of science to solve all problems. Victor's scientific ambitions and his desire to conquer nature reflect Enlightenment thinking, but Shelley's portrayal of the disastrous consequences of his actions serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked rationality and the disregard for moral and ethical considerations. The novel contrasts the Enlightenment focus on reason with the Romantic emphasis on emotion and the natural world.

Mary Shelley's Life and Influences: Mary Shelley's own life experiences significantly influenced Frankenstein. The death of her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, shortly after Shelley's birth, and the loss of her own children, deeply impacted her views on creation, life, and death. The novel can be seen as a reflexion of Shelley's personal struggles with loss and the responsibilities of creation. Additionally, her relationship with the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and their circle of friends, including Lord Byron, exposed her to the Romantic ideals and intellectual debates that shaped the novel.

Scientific Exploration and the Gothic Tradition: Frankenstein blends scientific exploration with Gothic elements, creating a novel that is both forward-looking and steeped in the traditions of horror and the supernatural. The Gothic tradition, with its focus on dark, mysterious settings and the exploration of the human psyche, is evident in the novel's use of the isolated, eerie landscapes of the Swiss Alps and the Arctic. Shelley's incorporation of Gothic themes reflects the anxieties of the time about the unknown and the potential dangers of scientific progress.