Romanticism and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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Romanticism and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Romanticism is a philosophy that has played an important role in the development of western culture. This philosophy also had a great effect on Marry Shelly's famous novel, "Frankenstein". Though it is easy to find its influence in the story, it is unclear whether or not Marry Shelly supported the movement..

Marry Shelly lived through the height of romantic belief. In 1797, when Shelly was born, there had already been several decades for the philosophy to develop. Only seventeen years later (1824) "Frankenstein" was published. As such, she must have had some association with romantics. And it so happens that her lover, Percy Shelly, was a romantic poet. It is clearly logical that romanticism would have some effect on her novel.

Romanticism is defined by Dictionary.com it to me "An artistic and intellectual movement originating in Europe in the late 18th century and characterized by a heightened interest in nature, emphasis on the individual's expression of emotion and imagination, departure from the attitudes and forms of classicism, and rebellion against established social rules and conventions" (1). This definition is a bit vague on the actual concepts of romanticism. Dr. C. George Boeree provides a more focused definition, relating that the chief concept of Romanticism is passion (12). This is not exclusive of any particular type of passion. Frankenstein's passion in the completion of his creation is smiled upon by romanticism. Likewise the passion for self betterment is an example of romanticism, and is expressed by Frankenstein's desire to create a creature greater than any human. Thus far one would assume Marry Shelly to be apposed to romanticism. However,...

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...ind hard to pay. So is Walton's passion dangerous? He has already proven it not to be, due to him turning back. Therefore it would seam that Marry Shelly is indeed supporting romanticism here. She seams to be saying, though, that passion alone does not make a great man, only when that passion does not blind the person to that which is around him does it truly equate to greatness.

Hence it could be deducted that Marry Shelly was a supporter of romanticism. It is true that she presents some issues with the philosophy, however one must understand that romanticism was young in development, and debate surely must have been common place. She creates characters with strong romantic characteristics, and than brings them alive with flaws. The shortcomings would not take place if these shortcomings where not in place, and only the romantic characteristics present.

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