Shelley, Mary - Schema

Mary Shelley – Frankenstein

Frankenstein is the story of a man whose ambition leads him to look for supernatural powers. In order to achieve this aim, the scientist makes extensive use of knowledge and science. But in the end, his research and his experiments will conduct him to loneliness and desolation.

The main themes developed in the novel are social prejudices because the monster is regarded as an outcast. In fact, in the excerpt “The creation of the monster”, because of the monster’s physical appearance, Doctor Frankenstein is “unable to endure the aspect of the being” he had created. For this reason, the monster is first rejected by his own creator and, secondly, society itself rejects him.

Other themes in the novel are the usurpation of the female role, because human beings are created without women’s participation. The novel also faces the search for forbidden knowledge.

According to the French philosopher Rousseau, man is a good being, but as he grows up and comes into contact with civilization, he becomes corrupted.

Also, the monster is a good creature, but as he discovers civilization, he becomes an outcast because he is rejected by society.

This is still a widely discussed topic nowadays, now that there seems to be fewer and fewer people ready to accept who appears to be different.

That’s what makes Frankenstein’s topics still very up to date.

1- How did science influence the writer?

The writer was aware of the latest scientific theories and in particular she was interested in chemistry, evolutionism and electricity. These theories inspired Mary Shelley’s conception of science in Frankenstein.

2- What literary and philosophical influences can be recognised in this novel?

When writing Frankenstein, Mary Shelley was influenced by Rousseau’s theory of natural man. The monster is in fact a man in a primitive state influenced by civilization. Shelley was also influenced by the myth of Prometheus. In fact, the mythological hero is a clear example of an overreacher, just like Doctor Frankenstein.

3- Who are the main characters?

• Doctor Frankenstein, the monster, Walton, a young explorer on a voyage of an expedition to the North Pole.
• Walton’s sister, to whom Walton writes some letters.

4- What narrative technique is employed?

The novel is told by different narrators: Walton informs his sister, then Frankenstein informs Walton, finally the monster informs Frankenstein.

5- What themes are developed?

• The double, because the monster and Doctor Frankenstein are two aspects of the same being.
• The search for forbidden knowledge.
• The usurpation of the female role, because human beings are created without women’s participation.
• Social prejudices, because the monster is regarded as an outcast.

The subtitle of the novel “The modern Prometheus” contains references to Greek mythology. In fact, Prometheus was a titan who stole fire from Heaven to help mankind, whom Zeus wished to destroy, and was punished by being chained to a rock.

Like a modern Prometheus, Doctor Frankenstein takes the place of God, giving life to a dead corpse, and in so doing he challenges the divine authority.