Comparing Shelley's Frankenstein-The Sacred And Profane

Frankenstein: The Sacred and Profane

The novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley can be interpreted as having heavy religious undertones. Shelley’s beliefs while writing the novel are debatable. The argument remains as to whether or not Shelley was pro-science or pro-religion. Perspective of the book can argue both vitalist and materialist perspectives, as proposed in the article “Frankenstein and Radical Science” by Marilyn Butler. Mary Shelley was first interpreted as a scientific radical heavily influenced by evolutionary theory and materialist, William Lawrence. Butler explains the cultural reaction to the original release of Frankenstein, “Mary Shelley could be deemed to have attacked Christianity” (305). Where materialists believe in scientific

M. Krempe seems to be more closed-minded, logical, and skeptical. He can be seen as a materialist. His views on science are mathematical and curious, but rooted in evidence. M. Waldman is described as gentle and kind, with a curiosity in concepts of vast forces working within the world. He admires the exploration of natural philosophers, “They penetrate into the recesses of nature, and shew how she works in her hiding places. They ascend into the heavens…” (Shelley 44). Waldman does not discount or discredit abstract philosophical works, but embraces their usefulness, and views them as a path to the divine. In essence, their views on the natural world are black and white: materialist versus vitalist perspectives. M. Krempe needs facts and practicality, through academia that is well established; in contrary, M. Waldman is okay with exploration and the unknown. The contrast exemplified within these characters are a strong example of vitalism and materialism. These two characters contrasting world views and intellectual ideals signify are a marker for these concepts within the novel. They are a major metaphor for the moral war waging in both society and the individual. Upon hearing Victors only natural science readings are from philosophers exploring alchemy and immortality, M. Krempe patronizes him “ have you…really spent your time in studying

Vitalists see the book as a fable of sin and damnation, materialist could argue that the book is a realistic depiction of society, socialization, and stratification. Materialists see the book as a depiction of society and socialization, a warning of status and the negative effects of social norms. When the book is broken down through Durkheim’s theory of the sacred and profane, this could change ones comprehension of the whole novel. Examine the two professors as a metaphor, Krempe as the materialists and Walden as the vitalist, it is easy to see that Shelley was attempting to show the divide in perspective. Society is uncomfortable with gray area; the book is attempting to explain a rather realistic depiction of society. Society is not just one or the other as most individuals would like to be reassured, but a combination of both materialist and vitalist. I believe Shelley tried to illustrate an accurate description off society through writing Frankenstein. Victor and the Creatures depiction within the novel exemplifies a personal and relatable internal struggle. Personally, I have experienced moments of considering myself a divine being with a predetermined fate, while simultaneously sensing that I am a meaningless object floating amidst a sea off scientific