themes for frankenstein Flashcards
(12 cards)
Dangerous Knowledge / The Pursuit of Science
Definition: The desire to acquire forbidden or excessive knowledge beyond human limits.
In the Novel: Victor’s obsession with creating life results in destruction. Walton seeks glory through exploration but learns from Victor’s warning.
Characters: Victor, Walton, the Creature.
“Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example…”
“You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did.”
Enlightenment, Galvanism, Prometheus myth, Romanticism’s warning against rationalism.
Creation and Responsibility
Definition: The ethical duty of a creator to care for what they create.
In the Novel: Victor abandons the Creature, leading to murder and suffering. The Creature seeks love and guidance but is rejected.
Characters: Victor, the Creature.
I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel.”
“You are my creator, but I am your master.”
Prometheus, parental responsibility, Mary Shelley’s own parental losses.
Isolation and Loneliness
Definition: Characters are emotionally or physically isolated from society.
In the Novel: Victor isolates himself in his lab; the Creature is rejected by all. Walton is isolated at sea.
Characters: Victor, the Creature, Walton.
“I am alone and miserable: man will not associate with me.”
“I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation.”
Gothic trope, Shelley’s own isolation after loss, Romantic idea of the alienated genius.
Nature vs. Nurture
Definition: Is a person shaped by biology (nature) or environment and experience (nurture)?
In the Novel: The Creature starts innocent and kind but becomes violent due to rejection.
Characters: The Creature.
“I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend.”
“I am malicious because I am miserable.”
Rousseau’s “Noble Savage”, Locke’s “Tabula Rasa”, Romanticism.
The Power and Limits of Science
Definition: Science’s ability to transform and destroy.
In the Novel: Victor uses science to create life but loses control over his creation.
Characters: Victor.
“I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body.”
Industrial Revolution, Galvanism, Enlightenment vs. Romanticism.
Duality and the Doppelgänger
Definition: Two characters mirror each other; dual nature of man.
In the Novel: Victor and the Creature reflect each other’s inner darkness and isolation.
Characters: Victor, the Creature.
“I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful! — Great God!”
Gothic tradition (doubles), Freudian readings (id vs. ego), Romantic inner conflict.
The Monstrous and Humanity
Definition: What makes someone a “monster”? Physical appearance or moral actions?
In the Novel: The Creature is physically terrifying but emotionally sensitive. Victor becomes monstrous through selfishness.
Characters: The Creature, Victor.
“I am alone and miserable… I am shunned and hated.”
“Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous?”
Prejudice, social injustice, Shelley questioning moral vs. physical monstrosity.
Ambition and Hubris
Definition: Excessive pride and ambition lead to downfall.
In the Novel: Victor and Walton both want godlike power and glory. Victor ignores warnings, pays the price.
Characters: Victor, Walton.
“So much has been done, exclaimed the soul of Frankenstein — more, far more, will I achieve.”
Tragic hero structure, Greek myth (Prometheus, Icarus), Romantic critique of Enlightenment ambition.
sublime nature
Definition: Nature as powerful, overwhelming, and emotionally moving.
In the Novel: Nature provides comfort and reflects inner emotions (Romantic trait). Contrasts with man’s unnatural science.
Characters: Victor, the Creature, Walton.
“These sublime and magnificent scenes afforded me the greatest consolation.”
Romanticism, Burke’s sublime, healing power of nature.
justice and injustice
Definition: The failure of legal and moral systems.
In the Novel: Justine is wrongly executed. The Creature is punished by society before committing crimes.
Characters: Justine, Victor, the Creature.
“The tortures of the accused did not equal mine.”
Mary Shelley’s concern with injustice, Romantic sympathy for the oppressed.
Family and Companionship
Definition: The need for human connection and the consequences of being denied it.
In the Novel: Victor’s family brings warmth. The Creature desires a mate. Isolation causes pain.
Characters: Victor, the Creature, De Laceys.
“I am alone and miserable: man will not associate with me.”
Shelley’s own losses, Romantic ideals of love and domestic harmony.
women and gender roles
Definition: Female characters are passive, idealized, or silenced.
In the Novel: Women suffer (Justine, Elizabeth, Caroline), often victims of male ambition.
Characters: Elizabeth, Justine, Safie, Caroline.
“The saintly soul of Elizabeth shone like a shrine-dedicated lamp.”
19th-century patriarchy, Mary Wollstonecraft’s feminism, critique of male domination.
