Similarities Between Frankenstein And The French Revolution

The Frankenstein novel has relation with The French Revolution. Frankenstein,written by Mary Shelley, is known as one of the most significant romans of the early XIX century, which has connection to all significant events of the late XVIII and early XIX century. Mary Shelley wrote her novel as a reflection of the historical period she lived in. Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein was written in the post The French Revolution period, and the themes of the novel are influenced by this big historical event. And it has become obvious that Mary Shalley’s novel also reflected The French Revolution. In the novel she described her opinion and her point of view about the revolution. She uses a scientist Frankenstein and his creature as an illustration

The creators of a revolution often become a victim of a revolution. Politics who kindled the fire of the revolution often burned in its flame. The same situation during the Frankenstein novel. “She died for it; and I am the cause of this…, William, Justine and Henry- they all died by my hands.”(194). The scientist Victor Francenstain became a victim and suffered a lot because of his own creations. As French revolutionaries, he was responsible for the death of other people. Of course, Mary Shelley’s novel is more complex. It not only reflects the consequence of revolution for its creators, but also it touches other themes. All these themes have a connection to The French Revolution also, themes about ambition, tension between progress and tradition, the role of science in society. Ideas of all themes I will develop in next paragraphs. Mary Shalley, as a good writer, uses these themes in her novel to tell her idea about The French Revolution. From these themes we can explore the relationship and connection between the novel and the violence events in

Victor is shown as an educated person. He is familiar not only with science, but also with ancient philosophy “ I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa”(49). From childhood he read books, acted in plays and was inspired by the main characters. “Orlando, Robin Hood, Amadis, and St. George”(48). It is no wonder after the books he also wanted to make something big, significant and great. In the novel, Victor Frankenstein's desire to create life. It leads to disastrous consequences, as his creation becomes a monster that wreaks havoc on society. We can see the relationship between Victor and the revolution. The revolutionaries were educated people, who wanted to serve the French by changing government. Their noble ideas lead to bloody violence, which were consequences of their measurable and unchecked ambitions. Mary Shelley explores this danger, and it is influenced by the historical context of the French Revolution as the revolutionaries sought to create a new society based on the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The ambition of the revolutionaries, however, led to excesses and violence that threatened to undermine the goals of the revolution. The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political change that took place from 1789 to 1799, which resulted in the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a democratic government