A CRITICAL
ANALYSIS OF
MARY SHELLEY’S
FRANKENSTEIN
A Critical Analysis of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
The story’s themes are focused on the social and cultural aspects of society during Shelley’s life.
One such example is the movement away from the intellectually confining Enlightenment. A
majority of the characters in the novel reflect the struggle against societal control. The monster
for instance, is an outcast from society and the readers are able to understand why it occasionally
resorted to violent means throughout its life.
Nature and science seem to be opposing forces during this time period and are important themes
shaping the novel. During the early nineteenth century, human standards in society were
associated with the natural sciences. As a result, any deviations from the human standard were
considered unacceptable. Even though the monster develops language skills, emotion, and
consciousness, he is perceived as unnatural and strange by other people in society because he
does not fit any ideal.
During the early days of the monster’s life, it fails to grasp what it really means to be human. As
he mentions to his creator in a conversation, “I admired virtue and good feelings and loved the
gentle manners and amiable qualities of my cottagers, but I was shut out from intercourse with
them, except through means which I obtained by stealth, when I was unseen and unknown, and
which rather increased than satisfied the desire I had of becoming one among my fellows". The
monster is conflicted with uncontrollable human desires. He idealizes the emotions and
interactions of the cottagers yet is unsure of his place among them.
1
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Frankenstein’s monster’s desire to be accepted and is apparent when he speaks further of his
feelings towards the cottagers. “The more I saw of them, the greater became my desire to claim
their protection and kindness; my heart yearned to be known and loved by these amiable
creatures; to see their sweet looks directed towards me with affection was the utmost limit of my
ambition". The monster further states “I required kindness and sympathy; but I did not believe
myself utterly unworthy of it". It believes that it’s not capable and even worthy of both emotional
and psychological control or capable of existing in harmony with the rest of humankind.
Considering that the creature lives outside the bounds of civilized society, and thus lacks the
attributes of the common citizen to help ease the thought and perceived conception of God, it
becomes clear that Shelley may be trying to relate the idea that only through society and
interaction with others can a human being grapple with the enormity of God.
Before the 1970’s, a majority of the criticism about Frankenstein focused on Shelley’s life and
the story behind the novel’s authorship. However, as the novel gained more attention,
assessments started to focus on its narrative and characters as a reflection of the author. This
sudden change was brought about by the emergence of feminist theory in the 1970’s and 1980’sa theory that began to shift the public’s attention towards the exceptional work of female writers.
Critics have emphasized the work’s lack of dominant female characters but have also examined
its attention to the idea of the Romantic artist. The romantic period was characterized by
movement away from the ideas and techniques of the literary period that preceded it, which were
2
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
more scientific and rational in nature. The romantics believed that a better version of human
beings could be created through individual and collective visual imagination and would
consequently help us lead a congruent life together in society.
Mary Shelley was a contemporary of the romantic poets. Although some parts of the story might
question this argument, Mary Shelley was deeply influenced by the romantics, and a number of
characteristics of romanticism can be identified in this novel. Frankenstein is viewed as a
romantic character to the extent that he reflected the romantic writers’ emphasis on a new way of
seeing the world.
From the novel’s opening, the importance of the reader getting a sense of physical place is
established by situating the text within a particular environment, the qualities of which will both
mirror and contradict the inner states of the main characters. Victor notes that the landscape of
the Orkneys and that of his native country are quite distinct. His description of the Orkneys is
cold, barren, gray, and rough.
In contrast, he recalls Switzerland as colorful and lively. He describes the Swiss hills in true
Romanticism form as covered with verdant vines and the landscape as teeming with blue lakes
that reflect the brilliant blue sky.
The final comparison that he draws is between the winds of each place. In Switzerland, the winds
are “but…the play of a lively infant".
3
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Shelley uses dialogue to give the reader insights into the thoughts of every character. Also
evident are characteristics of gothic horror, including violent mysterious events and a decaying
society. According to critics, Frankenstein revolutionized the genres of gothic literature, science
fiction, and horror stories, and elevated the status of the Romantic artist. Written by Shelley
when she was only 19 years old, the story offers artistic flare, originality, and a maturity beyond
Shelley’s age. In the last few decades, her work reached a new status in critical evaluation and
still remains an undisputed fictional masterpiece.
4
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Citations:
Shelley, Mary: Frankenstein, or, the Modern Prometheus. Wordsworth Editions Limited. 1993
5
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Bibliography:
Fite, David. Harold Bloom: The Rhetoric of Romantic Vision. Amherst, MA: University of
Massachusetts Press, 1985.
Goodall, Jane. “Frankenstein and the Reprobate’s Conscience." Studies in the Novel. 31.1.
(1999): 19.
Guyer, Sara. “Testimony and Trope in Frankenstein." Studies in Romanticism 45.1 (2006): 77.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Enriched Classics, 2004.
Butler, Judith:
Gender Trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity.
http://autof.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/butler-judith-gender-trouble-feminism-and-thesubversion-of-identity-1990.pdf
6
A CRITICAL
ANALYSIS OF
MARY SHELLEY’S
FRANKENSTEIN
A Critical Analysis of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Mmusi K. Motsumi
Mmusi K. Motsumi
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
The story’s themes are focused on the social and cultural aspects of society during Shelley’s life.
One such example is the movement away from the intellectually confining Enlightenment. A
majority of the characters in the novel reflect the struggle against societal control. The monster
for instance, is an outcast from society and the readers are able to understand why it occasionally
resorted to violent means throughout its life.
Nature and science seem to be opposing forces during this time period and are important themes
shaping the novel. During the early nineteenth century, human standards in society were
associated with the natural sciences. As a result, any deviations from the human standard were
considered unacceptable. Even though the monster develops language skills, emotion, and
consciousness, he is perceived as unnatural and strange by other people in society because he
does not fit any ideal.
During the early days of the monster’s life, it fails to grasp what it really means to be human. As
he mentions to his creator in a conversation, “I admired virtue and good feelings and loved the
gentle manners and amiable qualities of my cottagers, but I was shut out from intercourse with
them, except through means which I obtained by stealth, when I was unseen and unknown, and
which rather increased than satisfied the desire I had of becoming one among my fellows". The
monster is conflicted with uncontrollable human desires. He idealizes the emotions and
interactions of the cottagers yet is unsure of his place among them.
1
Mmusi K. Motsumi
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Frankenstein’s monster’s desire to be accepted and is apparent when he speaks further of his
feelings towards the cottagers. “The more I saw of them, the greater became my desire to claim
their protection and kindness; my heart yearned to be known and loved by these amiable
creatures; to see their sweet looks directed towards me with affection was the utmost limit of my
ambition". The monster further states “I required kindness and sympathy; but I did not believe
myself utterly unworthy of it". It believes that it’s not capable and even worthy of both emotional
and psychological control or capable of existing in harmony with the rest of humankind.
Considering that the creature lives outside the bounds of civilized society, and thus lacks the
attributes of the common citizen to help ease the thought and perceived conception of God, it
becomes clear that Shelley may be trying to relate the idea that only through society and
interaction with others can a human being grapple with the enormity of God.
Before the 1970’s, a majority of the criticism about Frankenstein focused on Shelley’s life and
the story behind the novel’s authorship. However, as the novel gained more attention,
assessments started to focus on its narrative and characters as a reflection of the author. This
sudden change was brought about by the emergence of feminist theory in the 1970’s and 1980’sa theory that began to shift the public’s attention towards the exceptional work of female writers.
Critics have emphasized the work’s lack of dominant female characters but have also examined
its attention to the idea of the Romantic artist. The romantic period was characterized by
movement away from the ideas and techniques of the literary period that preceded it, which were
2
Mmusi K. Motsumi
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
more scientific and rational in nature. The romantics believed that a better version of human
beings could be created through individual and collective visual imagination and would
consequently help us lead a congruent life together in society.
Mary Shelley was a contemporary of the romantic poets. Although some parts of the story might
question this argument, Mary Shelley was deeply influenced by the romantics, and a number of
characteristics of romanticism can be identified in this novel. Frankenstein is viewed as a
romantic character to the extent that he reflected the romantic writers’ emphasis on a new way of
seeing the world.
From the novel’s opening, the importance of the reader getting a sense of physical place is
established by situating the text within a particular environment, the qualities of which will both
mirror and contradict the inner states of the main characters. Victor notes that the landscape of
the Orkneys and that of his native country are quite distinct. His description of the Orkneys is
cold, barren, gray, and rough.
In contrast, he recalls Switzerland as colorful and lively. He describes the Swiss hills in true
Romanticism form as covered with verdant vines and the landscape as teeming with blue lakes
that reflect the brilliant blue sky.
The final comparison that he draws is between the winds of each place. In Switzerland, the winds
are “but…the play of a lively infant".
3
Mmusi K. Motsumi
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Shelley uses dialogue to give the reader insights into the thoughts of every character. Also
evident are characteristics of gothic horror, including violent mysterious events and a decaying
society. According to critics, Frankenstein revolutionized the genres of gothic literature, science
fiction, and horror stories, and elevated the status of the Romantic artist. Written by Shelley
when she was only 19 years old, the story offers artistic flare, originality, and a maturity beyond
Shelley’s age. In the last few decades, her work reached a new status in critical evaluation and
still remains an undisputed fictional masterpiece.
4
Mmusi K. Motsumi
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Citations:
Shelley, Mary: Frankenstein, or, the Modern Prometheus. Wordsworth Editions Limited. 1993
5
Mmusi K. Motsumi
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Bibliography:
Fite, David. Harold Bloom: The Rhetoric of Romantic Vision. Amherst, MA: University of
Massachusetts Press, 1985.
Goodall, Jane. “Frankenstein and the Reprobate’s Conscience." Studies in the Novel. 31.1.
(1999): 19.
Guyer, Sara. “Testimony and Trope in Frankenstein." Studies in Romanticism 45.1 (2006): 77.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Enriched Classics, 2004.
Butler, Judith:
Gender Trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity.
http://autof.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/butler-judith-gender-trouble-feminism-and-thesubversion-of-identity-1990.pdf
6
A CRITICAL
ANALYSIS OF
MARY SHELLEY’S
FRANKENSTEIN
A Critical Analysis of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
The story’s themes are focused on the social and cultural aspects of society during Shelley’s life.
One such example is the movement away from the intellectually confining Enlightenment. A
majority of the characters in the novel reflect the struggle against societal control. The monster
for instance, is an outcast from society and the readers are able to understand why it occasionally
resorted to violent means throughout its life.
Nature and science seem to be opposing forces during this time period and are important themes
shaping the novel. During the early nineteenth century, human standards in society were
associated with the natural sciences. As a result, any deviations from the human standard were
considered unacceptable. Even though the monster develops language skills, emotion, and
consciousness, he is perceived as unnatural and strange by other people in society because he
does not fit any ideal.
During the early days of the monster’s life, it fails to grasp what it really means to be human. As
he mentions to his creator in a conversation, “I admired virtue and good feelings and loved the
gentle manners and amiable qualities of my cottagers, but I was shut out from intercourse with
them, except through means which I obtained by stealth, when I was unseen and unknown, and
which rather increased than satisfied the desire I had of becoming one among my fellows". The
monster is conflicted with uncontrollable human desires. He idealizes the emotions and
interactions of the cottagers yet is unsure of his place among them.
1
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Frankenstein’s monster’s desire to be accepted and is apparent when he speaks further of his
feelings towards the cottagers. “The more I saw of them, the greater became my desire to claim
their protection and kindness; my heart yearned to be known and loved by these amiable
creatures; to see their sweet looks directed towards me with affection was the utmost limit of my
ambition". The monster further states “I required kindness and sympathy; but I did not believe
myself utterly unworthy of it". It believes that it’s not capable and even worthy of both emotional
and psychological control or capable of existing in harmony with the rest of humankind.
Considering that the creature lives outside the bounds of civilized society, and thus lacks the
attributes of the common citizen to help ease the thought and perceived conception of God, it
becomes clear that Shelley may be trying to relate the idea that only through society and
interaction with others can a human being grapple with the enormity of God.
Before the 1970’s, a majority of the criticism about Frankenstein focused on Shelley’s life and
the story behind the novel’s authorship. However, as the novel gained more attention,
assessments started to focus on its narrative and characters as a reflection of the author. This
sudden change was brought about by the emergence of feminist theory in the 1970’s and 1980’sa theory that began to shift the public’s attention towards the exceptional work of female writers.
Critics have emphasized the work’s lack of dominant female characters but have also examined
its attention to the idea of the Romantic artist. The romantic period was characterized by
movement away from the ideas and techniques of the literary period that preceded it, which were
2
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
more scientific and rational in nature. The romantics believed that a better version of human
beings could be created through individual and collective visual imagination and would
consequently help us lead a congruent life together in society.
Mary Shelley was a contemporary of the romantic poets. Although some parts of the story might
question this argument, Mary Shelley was deeply influenced by the romantics, and a number of
characteristics of romanticism can be identified in this novel. Frankenstein is viewed as a
romantic character to the extent that he reflected the romantic writers’ emphasis on a new way of
seeing the world.
From the novel’s opening, the importance of the reader getting a sense of physical place is
established by situating the text within a particular environment, the qualities of which will both
mirror and contradict the inner states of the main characters. Victor notes that the landscape of
the Orkneys and that of his native country are quite distinct. His description of the Orkneys is
cold, barren, gray, and rough.
In contrast, he recalls Switzerland as colorful and lively. He describes the Swiss hills in true
Romanticism form as covered with verdant vines and the landscape as teeming with blue lakes
that reflect the brilliant blue sky.
The final comparison that he draws is between the winds of each place. In Switzerland, the winds
are “but…the play of a lively infant".
3
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Shelley uses dialogue to give the reader insights into the thoughts of every character. Also
evident are characteristics of gothic horror, including violent mysterious events and a decaying
society. According to critics, Frankenstein revolutionized the genres of gothic literature, science
fiction, and horror stories, and elevated the status of the Romantic artist. Written by Shelley
when she was only 19 years old, the story offers artistic flare, originality, and a maturity beyond
Shelley’s age. In the last few decades, her work reached a new status in critical evaluation and
still remains an undisputed fictional masterpiece.
4
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Citations:
Shelley, Mary: Frankenstein, or, the Modern Prometheus. Wordsworth Editions Limited. 1993
5
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Bibliography:
Fite, David. Harold Bloom: The Rhetoric of Romantic Vision. Amherst, MA: University of
Massachusetts Press, 1985.
Goodall, Jane. “Frankenstein and the Reprobate’s Conscience." Studies in the Novel. 31.1.
(1999): 19.
Guyer, Sara. “Testimony and Trope in Frankenstein." Studies in Romanticism 45.1 (2006): 77.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Enriched Classics, 2004.
Butler, Judith:
Gender Trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity.
http://autof.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/butler-judith-gender-trouble-feminism-and-thesubversion-of-identity-1990.pdf
6
PLEASE NOTE:
• The following book review has been rejected due to excessive
plagiarism.
• Please use the same sources and more if necessary.
Thanks!
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
A CRITICAL
ANALYSIS OF
MARY SHELLEY’S
FRANKENSTEIN
A Critical Analysis of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
1
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
The story’s themes are focused on the social and cultural aspects of society during Shelley’s life.
One such example is the movement away from the intellectually confining Enlightenment. A
majority of the characters in the novel reflect the struggle against societal control. The monster
for instance, is an outcast from society and the readers are able to understand why it occasionally
resorted to violent means throughout its life.
Nature and science seem to be opposing forces during this time period and are important themes
shaping the novel. During the early nineteenth century, human standards in society were
associated with the natural sciences. As a result, any deviations from the human standard were
considered unacceptable. Even though the monster develops language skills, emotion, and
consciousness, he is perceived as unnatural and strange by other people in society because he
does not fit any ideal.
During the early days of the monster’s life, it fails to grasp what it really means to be human. As
he mentions to his creator in a conversation, “I admired virtue and good feelings and loved the
gentle manners and amiable qualities of my cottagers, but I was shut out from intercourse with
them, except through means which I obtained by stealth, when I was unseen and unknown, and
which rather increased than satisfied the desire I had of becoming one among my fellows". The
monster is conflicted with uncontrollable human desires. He idealizes the emotions and
interactions of the cottagers yet is unsure of his place among them.
2
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Frankenstein’s monster’s desire to be accepted and is apparent when he speaks further of his
feelings towards the cottagers. “The more I saw of them, the greater became my desire to claim
their protection and kindness; my heart yearned to be known and loved by these amiable
creatures; to see their sweet looks directed towards me with affection was the utmost limit of my
ambition". The monster further states “I required kindness and sympathy; but I did not believe
myself utterly unworthy of it". It believes that it’s not capable and even worthy of both emotional
and psychological control or capable of existing in harmony with the rest of humankind.
Considering that the creature lives outside the bounds of civilized society, and thus lacks the
attributes of the common citizen to help ease the thought and perceived conception of God, it
becomes clear that Shelley may be trying to relate the idea that only through society and
interaction with others can a human being grapple with the enormity of God.
Before the 1970’s, a majority of the criticism about Frankenstein focused on Shelley’s life and
the story behind the novel’s authorship. However, as the novel gained more attention,
assessments started to focus on its narrative and characters as a reflection of the author. This
sudden change was brought about by the emergence of feminist theory in the 1970’s and 1980’sa theory that began to shift the public’s attention towards the exceptional work of female writers.
Critics have emphasized the work’s lack of dominant female characters but have also examined
its attention to the idea of the Romantic artist. The romantic period was characterized by
movement away from the ideas and techniques of the literary period that preceded it, which were
3
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
more scientific and rational in nature. The romantics believed that a better version of human
beings could be created through individual and collective visual imagination and would
consequently help us lead a congruent life together in society.
Mary Shelley was a contemporary of the romantic poets. Although some parts of the story might
question this argument, Mary Shelley was deeply influenced by the romantics, and a number of
characteristics of romanticism can be identified in this novel. Frankenstein is viewed as a
romantic character to the extent that he reflected the romantic writers’ emphasis on a new way of
seeing the world.
From the novel’s opening, the importance of the reader getting a sense of physical place is
established by situating the text within a particular environment, the qualities of which will both
mirror and contradict the inner states of the main characters. Victor notes that the landscape of
the Orkneys and that of his native country are quite distinct. His description of the Orkneys is
cold, barren, gray, and rough.
In contrast, he recalls Switzerland as colorful and lively. He describes the Swiss hills in true
Romanticism form as covered with verdant vines and the landscape as teeming with blue lakes
that reflect the brilliant blue sky.
The final comparison that he draws is between the winds of each place. In Switzerland, the winds
are “but…the play of a lively infant".
4
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Shelley uses dialogue to give the reader insights into the thoughts of every character. Also
evident are characteristics of gothic horror, including violent mysterious events and a decaying
society. According to critics, Frankenstein revolutionized the genres of gothic literature, science
fiction, and horror stories, and elevated the status of the Romantic artist. Written by Shelley
when she was only 19 years old, the story offers artistic flare, originality, and a maturity beyond
Shelley’s age. In the last few decades, her work reached a new status in critical evaluation and
still remains an undisputed fictional masterpiece.
5
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Citations:
Shelley, Mary: Frankenstein, or, the Modern Prometheus. Wordsworth Editions Limited. 1993
6
Critical Analysis of Frankenstein
Bibliography:
Fite, David. Harold Bloom: The Rhetoric of Romantic Vision. Amherst, MA: University of
Massachusetts Press, 1985.
Goodall, Jane. “Frankenstein and the Reprobate’s Conscience." Studies in the Novel. 31.1.
(1999): 19.
Guyer, Sara. “Testimony and Trope in Frankenstein." Studies in Romanticism 45.1 (2006): 77.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Enriched Classics, 2004.
Butler, Judith:
Gender Trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity.
http://autof.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/butler-judith-gender-trouble-feminism-and-thesubversion-of-identity-1990.pdf
7
Purchase answer to see full
attachment