Frankenstein and the Enlightenment
Mary Shelly’s novel, Frankenstein, can be greatly related to many horror novels, no consideration of morality or thought. Shelly writes her story in a real world perspective showing themes of corruption and downfall making it seem frighteningly realistic. It truly is mind-boggling how research can conflict with religion without a thought or care. During the enlightenment, science began to mask over faith and religion, creating a cultural phenomenon. This is still a factor in today’s world. Although experimenting and research can have poor and great affects, the common question comes to mind, “even though it can be done, should it be done?” While Shelly talks of science and technology, it seems to become more predominate that not all experiments should be done. Europe in the 18th century was a time where intellects started a cultural movement. There were questions that needed answers but instead of answering by theory or faith, people wanted hard facts, a real reason. By searching for the power of reason, society could only progress and obtain knowledge they haven’t had before. The enlightenment was sparked by John Locke, Isaac Newton and many others, but in Shelly’s novel, Victor Frankenstein, although a fictional character, was deeply affected by the enlightenment in her novel. Ever since Victor was young, he has always been fascinated with science. From his readings as a teenager on natural philosophy to going to school in Ingolstadt and his professor unconsciously convincing him to pursue his interest in the field of science, Victor was born to be a part of the enlightenment. “In other studies you go as far as others have gone before you, and there is nothing more to know; but in a scientific pursuit there is continual food for discovery and wonder.” (Frankenstein, p. 52) Victor was intrigued by the creation of life and would hide away in his apartment, studying anatomy, death and decay. He soon began to create his creature and while he was devoted to his