Question
What are Mary Shelley’s key meanings and ideas are that she tries to communicate through the text of Frankenstein?
Answer
Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is a multifaceted novel that explores themes of ambition, isolation, and the ethical implications of scientific advancement. Through the narrative, Shelley communicates several key ideas and meanings.
Key themes and ideas include:
Obsession and ambition: Victor Frankenstein’s obsession with creating life reflects the Romantic-era concept of a “ruling passion” or ruminative obsession, highlighting the psychological implications of unchecked ambition (Rogers, 2019).
Human pride and hubris: The novel critiques human pride and the dangers of playing god, as Victor’s scientific pursuits lead to tragic consequences. This theme is a cautionary tale about the limits of human knowledge and the ethical responsibilities of scientific exploration (Butler, 2021; Waham, 2023).
Isolation and alienation: Both Victor and his creature experience profound isolation. The creature’s alienation underscores societal biases and the need for empathy and acceptance, while Victor’s isolation is a result of his obsessive pursuits (Ridho, Nugraha and Satria, 2024; Shalghin, 2024).
Illusion vs. reality: The novel explores the tension between illusion and reality, as characters often fail to distinguish between their perceptions and the truth, leading to their downfall (Mohammed, 2023).
Identity and otherness: Shelley challenges traditional perceptions of beauty and humanity, emphasising the creature’s struggle for identity and acceptance in a society that ostracises him for his differences (Shalghin, 2024).
Nature vs. culture: The dichotomy between nature and culture is evident in Victor’s scientific endeavors and the creature’s natural upbringing, reflecting the broader philosophical debates of the time (Debnath, 2019).
Gothic elements: The novel employs Gothic conventions, such as supernatural occurrences and emotional intensity, to create a dark atmosphere and explore complex themes like the consequences of playing god (Waham, 2023).
Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is a rich exploration of the consequences of human ambition, the ethical dilemmas of scientific progress, and the societal treatment of those perceived as different.
Through its complex characters and themes, the novel invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of human relationships and the responsibilities that come with knowledge and creation.
References
Rogers, K., 2019. The Monstrous Idea in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Literature and Medicine, 36, pp. 356 – 371. https://doi.org/10.1353/LM.2018.0018
Butler, M, 2021. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. British and Irish Literature. https://doi.org/10.1093/obo/9780199846719-0175
Ridho, M., Nugraha, F., & Satria, R., 2024. Image Archetypal from the Novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley. INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa. https://doi.org/10.36232/interactionjournal.v11i2.47
Mohammed, S., 2023. Illusion and Reality in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Journal of University of Raparin. https://doi.org/10.26750/vol(10).no(3).paper40
Shalghin, A., 2024. Monstrosity and the Search for an Identity in Frankenstein. World Journal of English Language. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v14n5p160
Debnath, K., 2019. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein As A Text About Nature and Culture. SMART MOVES JOURNAL IJELLH. https://doi.org/10.24113/ijellh.v7i9.9735
Waham, J., 2023. The Art of Gothic Literature: An Analysis of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. International Linguistics Research. https://doi.org/10.30560/ilr.v6n2p1
Shelley, M. (1818). Frankenstein. Delaware: Prestwick House.
Spark, M. (1951). Mary Shelley. New York: E.P. Dutton & Co.
