Communicate Theme In Mary Shelley And Aldous Huxley's A Brave New World

How British Authors Communicate Theme

Throughout all works of literature, authors incorporate specific techniques to bring their thematic ideas to fruition. In British literature, shared artistic craft similarly reveal the complex concepts that their respective creators deem important. This is certainly the case with 19th century romantic writer Mary Shelley and 20th century modern author Aldous Huxley. Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein depicts the fate of Victor Frankenstein, a rogue scientist whose obsessive pursuit of science leads to his own ruin. After reanimating a corpse in a magnificent feat of discovery, his neglected creation destroys the last hopes of the scientists attempt at acceptance. Huxley’s A Brave New World centres around

When explaining the scientific interest that separated him from his peers, he recalls "I threw myself into the chaise I, who had ever been surrounded by amiable companions, was now alone" (Shelley 34). Without the protection of his loving parents, Victor’s unbridled fervor for discovery leaves him with no one to turn to. Consequently, the inevitable loneliness that comes with such separation drives him only further into his scientific pursuit. Similarly, his creation (the wretch) is ostracized and even attacked whenever he presents himself to those around him. The creature lives without a friend in the world, and tries to further isolate his already dejected creator by killing his closest friends and family. Upon looking in a mirror and seeing his horrible physical disfigurements that attracted only hatred, the wretch remarks, “Cursed, cursed creator! Why did I live? Why in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence which you had so wantonly bestowed?" (Shelley 52). By the tale’s end, both characters bitter rejection of society brings them to death. By detailing the parallel downfall of both unique characters, Shelley shows the

As with most writers, their selection of the these ideas are reflective of formative events in their own lives. Mary Shelley’s focus on isolation and misunderstanding in Frankenstein echoes to the personal tragedies in her own life. Her mother died soon after Mary was born, and she would never get along with her stepparents. As an escape from her terrible home life, she would spend hours reading in her father’s extensive library. Two years before Frankenstein was published, Shelley faced the death of her first born child, and later the drowning of her husband. Like Frankenstein, her closest companions were taken from her. Consequently, it is reasonable to infer that she felt a similar pain of loneliness. Aldous Huxley’s life and surroundings also influenced his portrayal of society in A Brave New World. Huxley, a trained biologist, was likely inspired by early 19th century communist tensions to depict the intersection of futuristic science and current societal struggles. In a more complete manner, the British writers use craft to communicate their personal ideas to the