Genius In Frankenstein

Analyzation of the Romantic Concept of Genius in Frankenstein
Throughout the Gothic Romantic Fiction novel of Frankenstein written by Mary Bysshe Shelley, the Romantic Conception of Genius plays an important part in not just the novel, but in the way the way it affects the reader. Its interpretation by Shelley allows a major theme to develop: personal freedom and intellectual growth may be robbed when man becomes too dependant on technology. This theme is apparent in the storyline of major characters, and ultimately leads to the conclusion of all three narrators. Frankenstein mentions his realization of his Genius, “ Such were the professor's words —rather let me say such the words of the fate —enounced to destroy me. As he went on I felt

For example, “Urged thus far, I had no choice but to adapt my nature to an element which I had willingly chosen. The completion of my demoniacal design became an insatiable passion. And now it is ended; there is my last victim!” ( Shelley 273). This shows that the narrators feel compelled to attend to their Creations and respective elements, and yet view it as almost torture. This is because they are all now are of the “insatiable passions” that result from “demonical design” and how is it has resulted in “victims”. For example, “For while I destroyed his hopes, I did not satisfy my own desires. They were forever ardent and craving; still I desired love and fellowship, and I was still spurned. Was there no injustice in this? Am I to be thought the only criminal, when all human kind sinned against me?” (Shelley 275). This shows that even after complete isolation and consummation by revenge, the true desire of every Narrator is companionship, which results in intellectual growth and personal freedom. It also indicates that they all have a subconscious view of companionship as being a criminal act since they are rebuked every time they try to enter society. As a result of how they allowed their various connections and ensuing losses affect them, each’s encounter with technology has caused their minds and hearts to grow, or the exact