Many people might struggle to understand why Frankenstein is a perfect example of Romantic literature, but because they see the word romantic and think of Nicholas Sparks novels rather than recognize the literary meaning. Two qualities that distinguish Romantic literature are a focus on the individual and the use of imagination. The novel Frankenstein is a strong example of both qualities. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein demonstrates a remarkable use of imagination for her time. More than 30 years later Civil War doctors were having trouble amputating limbs and keeping someone alive, whereas Mary Shelley was writing about a scientist that creates life. Her’s is not a story based in reality. Frankenstein is also representative of the emphasis on the individual versus the masses. Mary Shelley is one of the few famous female writers of her time. She did not conform to the expectations of her society just as Victor did not when he went against society’s norms by creating a monster and bringing it to life. …show more content…
In James Joyce’s The Dead Gabriel is transformed as he progresses through the scenes. When the story begins he is very happy with his life. When he sees Gretta listening to the Irish song, his thoughts are all about how much he loves his wife and is struck by how beautiful she is. It is not until their moment alone that his reality shifts, when he discovers that his wife was thinking of her first love while listening to the song. Their conversation causes a deeper understanding of her and of the relationship they have. His feelings of jealousy towards the boy creates an overwhelming sense of guilt once he realizes the boy has died. By the end of the story he is humbled when he realizes his wife has an entire past that does not involve