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Enlightenment and the scientific revolution 1700s
Enlightenment and the scientific revolution 1700s
History of the enlightenment period
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Our modern day society relies on critical thinking and technology; our structure is built with science as it’s foundation. This was not always the case—as clearly shown throughout history, religion anchored and dictated society—and the change from this way of thinking to our modern day way of thinking is a result of the Enlightenment period. During this time frame, people began to look at the world in an entirely different light, placing emphasis on mathematics, science, and tangibility. With these great changes in society came great changes in people and caused a “regeneration” in identity. In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, she illustrates this idea of “regenerating” human beings through the creation of a monster, and through this she …show more content…
The monster Frankenstein creates is completely artificial—he uses an unnatural process to create somewhat of a superhuman through combining scraps of the dead. The intention going into his project was that the “human”, or monster, would benefit the greater good. Shelley uses this to stand as a metaphor for the Enlightenment period and the new mindset that people acquired from it. She discusses society in this way throughout her novel, showing the positives and negatives associated with it. During this time, people’s identities changed; no longer were people putting their entire faith in religion and intangible explanations—instead people began to focus on science and tangible explanations. People also believed in the idea of prioritizing the greater good as opposed to prioritizing one’s own self, which is an idea which Shelley reflects on. When creating the monster, Frankenstein believed that he was serving the greater good by inventing a superhuman that would help society and open new doors (both in terms of science and in societal structure). In actuality, Frankenstein was being selfish and didn’t thoroughly think through his plan or the potential consequences; he just wanted the fame and fortune of being the first scientist that regenerated a human, which would’ve forever changed science and the world. This negatively depicts the Enlightenment period and the “regeneration” of humans because it shows that although serving the greater good is a good thought, it is idealistic to think that everyone would act in this way and be that selfless. With that being said, Shelley also shows this in a positive light through acknowledging good intentions; Frankenstein’s intention shows the value of focussing on the greater good that was rooted in society through the Enlightenment, and that even though it was universally unrealistic, it was still there.
As a response to the Enlightenment movement in 18th century Europe, Romanticism gradually began to undermine the way people thought about human consciousness and nature itself. Appreciation of the natural beauty of the world and pure, human emotion bloomed in Europe as Romanticism’s influence grew ("Topic Page: Romanticism”). Romantics valued Individualism and thought that being close to nature would make them closer to God (Morner and Rausch). People also searched for solace in nature to overcome the adversities and cynicisms that followed the French Revolution ("French Revolution."). Romanticism and Romantic ideals influenced Mary Shelley, and that influence can be seen throughout her novel Frankenstein. The two main characters, Victor Frankenstein
A first impression of Walton would be to say that he is extremely ambitious. He desires to go to the North Pole to "accomplish some great purpose". He has his own theories on what should be there, and will not rest until he has proved them. This is somewhat a 'Godlike' ambition, in that he wishes to be praised for discovering something new which will benefit everyone else in the world. The language used is also very much like Old Testament, Biblical; "Heaven shower down blessings on you". The image of Walton being 'Godlike' is enhanced by this.
Many people say that Mary Shelley's Frankenstein postdates the Enlightenment; that it is a looking-back on the cultural phenomenon after its completion, and a first uncertain reaction to the movement. I must disagree. There is no "after the Enlightenment." A civilization does not simply stop learning. Where is the point at which someone stands up and says, "Okay, that's enough Enlightening for now, I think we're good for another few centuries"?
In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, the main theme revolves around the internal and external consequences of being isolated from others. Being isolated from the world could result in a character losing his/her mental state and eventually causing harm to themselves or others. Because both Victor Frankenstein and the creature are isolated from family and society, they experienced depression, prejudice, and revenge.
Exile. Behind the word lies angst, behind it lies fear, behind it lies sorrow. To be exiled, outcasted, or abandoned is one of the biggest fear of humanity. For to be alone, one is left with their own thoughts. No one wants to be the fallen angel. The world exile carries with it many different negative connotations. The rest of society does not dare to interact with those exiled. Society does not dare to dance with the devil. In Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein creates a monster. The creature is abandoned by Frankenstein. And the creature searches for company and to eliminate the feeling of loneliness he has inside. After scrutinizing Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the creature chases after a normal life, one without loneliness; however, society
Mary Shelley uses Victor Frankenstein’s and the creature’s pursuit of dangerous knowledge in Frankenstein to question the boundaries of human enlightenment.
In the nineteenth century, the idea of creating life was thought to be science fiction. A nineteenth century writing, Mary Shelly's novel Frankenstein, portrays Victor (the creator) as innocent and the creation as evil at the beginning of the novel. Later, it becomes evident that the monster was not evil when created, rather that the creature was made evil by the surrounding environment. Victor's immediate response was, as Shelly writes, "Great God! His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath" (??). The monster soon understood that he was in fact hideous. Shelly writes, "Knowing social opinion, the monster explained after his agonizing shock of self-discovery, 'All men hate the wretched'" (??). Whereas the cloning of humans may not produce a being like Victor's creation, there is little doubt that society may react harshly to this new type of being. The expectations would be enlarged for the creation, which may lead to negative consequences for both the creation and society.
Critic Northrop Frye says, “Tragic heroes tower as the highest points in their human landscape that they seem the inevitable conductors of the power about them, the great trees more likely to be struck by lightning than a clump of grass. Conductors may of course be instruments as well as victims of the divine lightning”. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein greatly exhibits the theme of the consequence of knowledge and irresponsibility among others through its tragic hero, Victor Frankenstein. Northrop Frye’s quote is certainly true when looking at Frankenstein’s situation. Victor is a victim of his divine lightning, and ultimately causes much trouble for himself; however, Victor also serves as the tragic hero in the lives of the monster, his family, and his friends.
In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Rousseau's idea of amour propre (self-love), amour de soi meme (love of self), and pity are what define the characters' ability or inability to give love. Victor Frankenstein exhibits amour propre or pride, which causes his inability to pity or love anyone, as he only strives for his own glory. In contrast, the creature of Frankenstein, exhibits both amour de soi meme or self-preservation and pity. He is not interested in the glorification of himself over others; therefore he can be compassionate towards other people. The narrator Walton exhibits amour propre, amour de soi meme, and pity. In the end, he chooses his amour de soi meme and pity over his amour propre. Despite each character's ability to
There are 7 billion people in this world. That is a copious amount, which means there is a wide variety of personalities and types of people. With all of these people, there are lots of differences between them, there are even slight differences between some of the commonalities. In the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, two of the main characters are examples of two very different and unique people who have differences even between their similarities. Victor Frankenstein and the Creature have a few similarities that include they are both curious, determined, and guilty; but even within those similarities they are slightly different.
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelly explores the concept of the body, life, ‘the self’ and most of importantly humanity, which is repeatedly questioned throughout the novel. The definition of humanity is the quality of being humane or in other words someone that can feel or possess compassion. Despite all the facts against the “monster” in “Frankenstein” he is indeed what one would consider being human. Humanity isn’t just about ones physical appearance but also includes intellect and emotion. Some people argue that the “monster” is not a human for he was not a creature that was born from “God” or from a human body. That being said, the “monster” is not only able to speak different languages, he can also show empathy - one of many distinct traits that set humans apart from the animals. Both the “monster” and his creator, Victor, hold anger and feel a sense of suffering throughout the novel. Victor is a good person with good intentions just like most individuals, but makes the mistake of getting swept up into his passion of science and without thinking of the consequences he creates a “monster”. After completing his science project, he attempts to move forward with his life, however his past – i.e., the “monster” continues to follow and someone haunt him. While one shouldn’t fault or place blame on Frankenstein for his mistakes, you also can’t help but feel somewhat sympathetic for the creature. Frankenstein just wants to feel accepted and loved, he can’t help the way he treats people for he’s only mimicking how people have treated him, which in most cases solely based on his appearance. Unlike most of the monsters we are exposed to in films past and present, the character of the “monster” ...
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a nineteenth century literary work that delves into the world of science and the plausible outcomes of morally insensitive technological research. Although the novel brings to the forefront several issues about knowledge and sublime nature, the novel mostly explores the psychological and physical journey of two complex characters. While each character exhibits several interesting traits that range from passive and contemplative to rash and impulsive, their most attractive quality is their monstrosity. Their monstrosities, however, differ in the way each of the character’s act and respond to their environment. Throughout Frankenstein, one assumes that Frankenstein’s creation is the true monster. While the creation’s actions are indeed monstrous, one must also realize that his creator, Victor Frankenstein is also a villain. His inconsiderate and selfish acts as well as his passion for science result in the death of his friend and family members and ultimately in his own demise.
The Enlightenment age encouraged everyone to use reason and science in order to rid the world of barbarism and superstition. In fact, Kant argued that the "public use of one's reason must always be free, and it alone can bring about enlightenment among men" (Kant 3). Enlightenment thinking not only influenced philosophy and the sciences, but also literature (especially in Pope's Essay on Man). In reaction to Enlightenment's strict empiricism, Romanticism was born. In Frankenstein, Shelley argues (1) that Victor Frankenstein's role as an Enlightenment hero, not only pulled him out of nature, but made him a slave to his creation; (2) that Frankenstein's role as a revolting romantic failed, because he didn't take responsibility for his creation; and (3) mankind must find a balance between the Enlightenment and Romantic ideologies.
The theme in a piece of literature is the main idea or insight on characters. Most pieces of literature do not limit itself to one but many other themes all collected into one. This is just like in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This horrifying story was produced in 1818 and has several themes that she portrays throughout. The theme of dangerous knowledge is unmistakably seen theme in Frankenstein. In Frankenstein we see this theme through three of the main characters, Victor Frankenstein, Robert Walton and the creature. We can see how their desire for knowledge can take them places and show them eventually what they are looking for. Sooner or later it will take them to dangerous and unwanted places. The desire for knowledge can eventually lead one to its grave. Victor Frankenstein’s scientific endeavor, Robert Walton’s search for the North Pole, and the creature’s kind heart but scary features creates this theme of dangerous knowledge.
Mary Shelley in her book Frankenstein addresses numerous themes relevant to the current trends in society during that period. However, the novel has received criticism from numerous authors. This paper discusses Walter Scott’s critical analysis of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in his Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Review of Frankenstein (1818).