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Individualism In Frankenstein

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Literary works in the nineteenth century became a tool in expanding the way people thought and behaved. In this respect, nineteenth century Russian and English literature had similarly linked the concept of personality and individuality, with the manifestation of the ‘new man, [Freeborn, p. 33].’ Authors who wrote about this subject matter were interested in describing the depressing future. Their stories were made to prepare readers to embrace fundamental thinking, whether we like it or not. The authors, Mary Shelley and Ivan Turgenev, present the concept of science, and relate it to the absolute flawed progression of humanity. In their novels, Frankenstein; Or: The Modern Prometheus and Fathers and Sons, the authors adapt similar characters …show more content…

As a person of strong mind and character, Bazarov’s ideology about how people should live, occupies the center of the novel’s controversy [Pisarev, p. 196]. Bazarov emerged from the university, studying natural and natural sciences [Turgenev, p. 6]. As a scientist, he never accepts any ideas regarding faith, as he is a pure empiricist. He exclaims, “I maintain a negative attitude by virtue of my sensations [Turgenev, p. 104].” Here, Bazarov is referencing his scientific viewpoint on life as he acknowledges that the only things that can be examined are derived from the ‘five senses.’ His thoughts and actions allude to the philosophy of nihilism, which inhibits all other human feelings. Consequently, painting, poetry, music and love are …show more content…

The monster questions Frankenstein’s devotion saying, “Shall I respect man when he condemns me? [Shelley, p. 147].” The monster reveals that without a parental model, only helplessness can be predetermined. Shelley conveys the power of love and the impact that family support fosters to reveal the uncaring dysfunction between Frankenstein and his creation [Claridge, p. 15]. As Frankenstein focuses all of his affection on scientific pursuits, he represses his childhood experiences. His mother favors his adoptive sister Elizabeth, thus rendering him incapable of loving his own creation. Instead of morals, he relies on concrete science. As a student, Frankenstein relies on biological science as a means to construct his version of the artificial man. The artificial man, according to scholar Samuel Vasbinder, is the monster. The monster, like a machine, is created under the pretext of a functional being [Vasbinder, p. 58]. Vasbinder explains that Frankenstein no longer sees the science

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1845 Words | 8 Pages

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At the start of the novel, Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley in the early nineteenth-century, the topic of scientific research and its lasting effect is explored fully with the reader needing to make a decision in regard to the boundaries of scientific research in the modern world. The question whether or not to show empathy toward the creation and even Victor Frankenstein himself must be explored. The boundaries of how far science can be taken is a debatable topic now and as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Without discoveries in the field of science, mankind would remain stagnant. To progress scientific research, Victor brings life to dead matter, which is noble, but the creation that is made now needs nurturing and seeks a sense of belonging in a world that renounces him.

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1420 Words | 6 Pages

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1921 Words | 8 Pages

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883 Words | 4 Pages

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