The Role Of Romanticism In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Frankenstein: A Novel Worth Studying
Not only is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein an engaging novel, but also promotes such influential movements, eras, and philosophies based upon her time. Through in depth study and application, Frankenstein provides its readers with an intricate plot, while also offering relations that may be observed from different points of view. In addition, Shelley’s literary piece manifests upon how severe consequences may become if one opposes fate. Being the Romantic Era’s most admirable piece of literature; the novel combines a detailed critique of humanity while displaying aspects of Romanticism and the inherent state of nature through notable themes, all which provide Shelley’s work to be worthy of valued and continued
study.
Oftentimes, many consider romance and intimacy when they hear “Romanticism”.
However, Romanticism seldom has little to do with the aspects believed to be “romantic”, despite any valued feelings tied into the subject. Rather, Romanticism is a philosophical movement that had redefined underlying ways in which people thought about themselves, in addition to the world around them. In Praag’s view, “There appears to be influences at work in this world, escaping from our scientific analysis; profoundly influencing our existence” (Praag). Meaning, these “influences” ideally help one establish the reality perceiving what is all around; creating a sense of oneself. As Praag remarks, “Concluded amazement—through imagination—is a primary drive for religiosity. Amazement sets this imagination in motion, and imagining nurtures religiosity” (Praag). Believing, it is crucial to place an emphasis on driving emotions through beliefs, rather than on logical conclusions. Convinced that “Such individuals do not consider existence as it appears. They are unable to live (solely) ‘functionally’, according to principles of efficiency and productivity. Rather, living ‘ornamentally’; embellishing ineffective life elements, in some sense, satisfying a sense of beauty and harmony” (Praag). Signifying that in today’s society beauty, countless times will lead to spiritual and moral development of oneself, preferably instituting simple logic over evident
reasoning.
Countless ideas displayed in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein come from one’s intrinsic state of nature.
This nature of humanity is solely based upon the relationship of external appearance vs internal feelings; profoundly exemplified by the creature. The creature is created as purely innocent though he is severely deformed. Noted that “His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was lustrous black:his teeth of pearly whiteness; the luxuriances formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes that seemed almost of the same color as his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips” (Shelley 43). Thus the creature’s nature is good, society seems to view only his appearance. In time, he comes to realize no matter how kind he is, people will never be able to see past his physical deformities. “He struggled violently. ‘Let me go’ he cried; monster! ugly wretch! you wish to eat me to tear me to pieces, you are an ogre-let me go, or I will tell my papa” (Shelley 131). Even though William is so young he, like everyone, made judgments based on appearance, assuming the creature was as evil as it looked. The creature also doesn't have anybody to teach, nurture, or even protect him from the outside world. After creating the creature Victor says, “I beheld the wretch...His jaws opened and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grin wrinkled his cheeks. He might have spoken, but I did not hear, one hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain
me, but I escaped and rushed downsits” (Shelley 44).
In her novel, Shelley considers a wide range of themes regarding human nature through the sentiments of characters. The theme at heart of the novel, being more important than others is alienation from society. This idea is exemplified by the creature’s exclusion driven by his fearful appearance; so bad people would not allow him the chance to speak. "And what was I? My creation and creator was ignorant, I knew that I possessed no money, no friends, no kind of property. I was, besides, endued with a figure hideously deformed and loathsome; not even of the same nature as man” (Shelley 108). Eventually, the creature begins to accumulate his sense of self. Although destructive to his confidence, he finally becomes aware he is a monster with nothing to his name, turning him into an outcast not welcomed in society. Realizing his situation, he becomes obsessed with changing reality to fit in; leading to a false confidence, and a spark of rage. The creature’s sorrow remains consistent as he, “discovered what a wretched outcast I was. I cherished hope, vanished when I beheld my person reflected in water, even as that frail image, that inconstant shade” (Shelley 120). As the creature is becoming educated by the villagers, he is also becoming more aware of the situation, and the depression he is experiencing. Seeing himself in the reflection of the water, adds recognition to the creature’s isolation. Although this leads to anger and a need for revenge, the evolving sense of self adds reliability to the the novel.