How Does Mary Shelley Use Romantic Elements In Frankenstein
Carolyn Stephen
Michelle Fenicle
British Literature Period 3
22 March 2013
Frankenstein: The epitome of Gothic and Romantic Novels Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein during the Romantic Era. Characteristics like a passion for human emotion and the advocacy of free thought are part of Romantic literature. However, Shelley’s writing was more of a toned down version of Romanticism. The novel itself describes a dark and grotesque story, using gothic themes throughout the story. Using gothic and romantic themes throughout the novel Shelley creates an iconic example that is the epitome of the gothic and romantic ideals stressed throughout the nineteenth century. Nature is one element in Frankenstein that uses both the gothic and romantic themes. …show more content…
After Victor learns of his brother’s death, he is struck with grief. When journeying towards Geneva, Victor is in a “painful state of mind” until he starts to “[contemplate] to the lake: the waters were placid; all around was calm… By degrees the calm and heavenly scene restored [Victor]…” (Shelley 61). Victor leans towards nature to uplift his mood, the “sublime and magnificent scenes elevated [him] from all littleness of feeling; and although they did not remove [his] grief, they subdued and tranquillized it” (Shelley 81).The gothic themes show how powerful nature is, able to destroy anything. Nature is not only scene as a great force of destruction but also as a comforter. Romanticism emphasizes how nature can heal a person’s emotions. Mary Shelley is able to use nature as a key competent in combining the gothic and romantic themes …show more content…
One occurring scene that continues in the book is death. Each death is described in detail in Frankenstein, along with the emotions that a character feels. When the monster threatens to see Victor on his wedding night, Victor is prepared to fight the monster. Though, it is not Victor the monster is after, it is Elizabeth. Victor finds Elizabeth “lifeless and inanimate, thrown across the bed, her head hanging down, and her pale and distorted features half cover her hair… her bloodless arms and relaxed form flung by the murderer on its bridal bier.” (Shelley 166). Victor is overcome with emotion as he sees Elizabeth distorted body how could [he] behold this and live? Alas! Life is obstinate and clings closest where it is most hated. For a moment only did [he] [lost] recollection; [he] fell senseless on the ground” (Shelley 166). The gory details of Elizabeth’s death allows any reader to understand the intensity of Victor feelings. Shelley is able to use death to describe the grotesque nature of the story but allowing to show the romantic side of intense human
Michelle Fenicle
British Literature Period 3
22 March 2013
Frankenstein: The epitome of Gothic and Romantic Novels Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein during the Romantic Era. Characteristics like a passion for human emotion and the advocacy of free thought are part of Romantic literature. However, Shelley’s writing was more of a toned down version of Romanticism. The novel itself describes a dark and grotesque story, using gothic themes throughout the story. Using gothic and romantic themes throughout the novel Shelley creates an iconic example that is the epitome of the gothic and romantic ideals stressed throughout the nineteenth century. Nature is one element in Frankenstein that uses both the gothic and romantic themes. …show more content…
After Victor learns of his brother’s death, he is struck with grief. When journeying towards Geneva, Victor is in a “painful state of mind” until he starts to “[contemplate] to the lake: the waters were placid; all around was calm… By degrees the calm and heavenly scene restored [Victor]…” (Shelley 61). Victor leans towards nature to uplift his mood, the “sublime and magnificent scenes elevated [him] from all littleness of feeling; and although they did not remove [his] grief, they subdued and tranquillized it” (Shelley 81).The gothic themes show how powerful nature is, able to destroy anything. Nature is not only scene as a great force of destruction but also as a comforter. Romanticism emphasizes how nature can heal a person’s emotions. Mary Shelley is able to use nature as a key competent in combining the gothic and romantic themes …show more content…
One occurring scene that continues in the book is death. Each death is described in detail in Frankenstein, along with the emotions that a character feels. When the monster threatens to see Victor on his wedding night, Victor is prepared to fight the monster. Though, it is not Victor the monster is after, it is Elizabeth. Victor finds Elizabeth “lifeless and inanimate, thrown across the bed, her head hanging down, and her pale and distorted features half cover her hair… her bloodless arms and relaxed form flung by the murderer on its bridal bier.” (Shelley 166). Victor is overcome with emotion as he sees Elizabeth distorted body how could [he] behold this and live? Alas! Life is obstinate and clings closest where it is most hated. For a moment only did [he] [lost] recollection; [he] fell senseless on the ground” (Shelley 166). The gory details of Elizabeth’s death allows any reader to understand the intensity of Victor feelings. Shelley is able to use death to describe the grotesque nature of the story but allowing to show the romantic side of intense human