Frankenstein

511 Words3 Pages

In Mary Shelley's novel “Frankenstein,” nature plays a major role throughout the story. It acts as a backdrop for the unfolding events, impacting both the characters and the plot. Shelley delves into themes of beauty, power, and the interconnectedness of all living things through her portrayal of nature. This essay will thoroughly explore the significance of nature in “Frankenstein” and how it shapes the characters and the story. Right from the novel's start, nature is breathtaking. The opening scenes of the book, where Victor Frankenstein talks about his childhood in Geneva, create a peaceful and captivating natural backdrop. You can tell how much Victor loves nature by the way he describes his surroundings. He says, “I remained motionless …show more content…

As the narrative unfolds, nature begins to assume a more ominous and threatening aspect. The natural environment mirrors the internal conflict and distress of the characters. For example, when Victor confronts his creation in the mountains, the setting is described as “The immense mountains and precipices that overhung me on every side, the sound of the river raging among the rocks, and the dashing of the waterfalls around spoke of a power mighty as Omnipotence.” (Shelley, 76). This description of the landscape reflects Victor's feelings of fear and isolation, mirroring his internal chaos and the chaos of the creature he has created. Nature also plays a big role in the relationship between Victor and his creature. The creature, who's abandoned by his creator and left to survive on his own in the harsh wilderness, finds comfort and companionship in the natural world. He describes his experience in nature as follows: “The pleasant sunshine, and the pure air of day, restored me to some degree of tranquility; and when I considered what had passed at the cottage, I could not help believing that I had been too hasty in my conclusions” (Shelley,