The Importance Of Mother Nature In Shelley's Frankenstein

The Tides that Turned Mother Nature is disrupted when Victor Frankenstein attempts to “...Pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation” (Shelley 28) . In the novel, Frankenstein’s interest in alchemy and natural philosophy form an irreversible desire to change natural order. Over time, we are able to see the life altering effects of altering life, and how characters who stick to nature 's path are more successful. In Shelley’s Frankenstein, a foil between Victor and Henry is developed to demonstrate that romanticism results in authentic joy, whereas altering the natural world leads to fatal repercussions. Shelley uses hopeful imagery of nature in reference to Henry Clerval, revealing

When Victor grows up and learns about his passion, he describes science’s effect on him, “...like a mountain river, from ignoble and almost forgotten sources; but, swelling as it proceeded, it became the torrent which, in its course, has swept away all my hopes and joys” (Shelley 20). Imagery describes a river, which is “swelling”, and able to “sweep” things away. These words provoke feelings of disruption and that nature is a great power able to control how life progresses. Here Frankenstein starts to develop ideas of what science can be used for and nature warns him that when he continues with his new found passion, all other positive things in his life will be compromised. The setting is described just moments prior to Frankenstein’s monster coming to life; “It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes…” (Shelley 35). The gloomy rain is portrayed through words such as “pattered” which creates a heavy, and depressing mood. The degrading weather provides insight for what will happen after the monster is created and the natural world is artificially changed. The monster pleas Frankenstein for a companion which he complies with at first, but later changes his mind. When Victor decides against the unnatural act he disposes of the unused body parts in