Popular Themes In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was written in 1817 and published in 1818. She actually wrote the book as a part of a contest among friends, according to her biography. She first published her book anonymously and called it her “Hideous Project”. The book sets the stage in various parts of Europe. Shelley uses popular themes that were relevant during the time period in which she wrote the novel. It is easy to understand that she was focused on introducing themes revolving around treatment of the poor, addressing the power struggle of women’s rights, and even romanticism. In the preface Mary Shelley reveals she is trying to “preserve the true element of human life,” (Frankenstein Preface). The story revolves around three main characters, Robert
To start with romanticism one can look at Victor Frankenstein and his pursuit to create something from nothing, he is in fact an idealist. Frankenstein says in chapter 3 “So much has been done, exclaimed the soul of Frankenstein more, far more, will I achieve; treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation,”(Frankenstein, 42). Upon the creation of the creature with Victor’s abandonment the creature longs to feel loved because he is
Shelley wants the reader to feel compassion for creature as well as for Frankenstein. She writes as though she is trying to distinguish the idea of a good or bad in a person. In her biography, written and research by the European Graduate School Program, that she is atheist and you can really tell that by reading the novel. Things such as morals and ethics can be easily leaned not only by attending the church but merely social interactions and self-education. I think that this is shown through the creature in how he is so neglected but continues to persevere and gain his own knowledge and wisdom through his sensations and passions. Mary Shelley created something more than just a