Frankenstein Research Paper

Frankenstein Theme Essay The book Frankenstein by Mary Shelly is an example of a romanticism Novel. Romanticism first emerged in 1789 in response to the industrial revolution and the disappointing outcome of the enlightenment of reason. This book is also an example of gothic literature which is a genre that is dark, eerie, and mysterious that often contains elements of terror and horror. In this book Mary Shelley presents the idea that while knowledge is a powerful thing, it can also lead to horrible mistakes. This is shown first when Victor's search for knowledge and fame leads him into the creation of his monster. This is shown again when Victor decides to keep the monster's plans for Elizabeth and his family to himself. When Victor is

This is shown in the book as ¨Whence, I often asked myself, did the principle of life proceed?¨(Shelly 2). This is a quote from victor that sparked his interest in creating life. Victor believed that he had accomplished everything he could at that point in time but he still wondered where life came from and how it was created. It was this knowledge that turned Victor's attention on making the monster and creating the chaos later on in the book. Mary Shelly also shows this further into the novel as ¨The form of the monster on whom I had bestowed existence was forever before my eyes, and I raved incessantly concerning him¨ (Shelly 46). This is also a quote from victor after he creates his monster regretting the choice of bringing it to life. Even in Victor's last days before he died Victor regrets not destroying the monster before he dies. This shows that Victor thought that creating the monster was a

Instead of warning them and possibly getting them away from danger he kept that information to himself and got Elizibeth killed. The creation first shares his thoughts with victor with this “If you will comply with my conditions, I will leave them and you at peace; but if you refuse, I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends¨ (Shelly 102). This is the information that victor keeps to himself instead of warning Elizibeth and his family. Another Example of this point is after Elizabeth is killed in front of Victor. After Victor realizes that creating the monster a bride is wrong he destroys the body without knowing the creation was watching him do so. Because Victor did not comply with the creations demands the creation does what he threatened to do. After Elizabeth is killed Victor says ¨bounty bless and preserve you; may this be the last misfortune that you will ever suffer. Live, and be happy, and make others so¨ (Shelly 6). This quote shows Victor's regret and sadness after Elizabeth's death because he feels responsible for her death. He feels responsible because he knew the creation's intentions if he did not comply and he kept it to