The Function of Monstrosity in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
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The Function of Monstrosity in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
'Frankenstein' is a piece of Gothic literature and was written in the
Romantic era. It was published in the 19th Century and was written by
Mary Shelley. 'Frankenstein' was considered to be one of the most evil
horror stories of its time; it shocked and surprised its readership
due the controversial issues that it addressed. It was inconceivable
that an author could engage with the idea of creating a being from
body parts and bringing it to life. This raised many issues such as,
should we have the right to play God?
In the novel Mary Shelley writes about tragedy, death and romance. It
was thought that perhaps many of the events in her life may have
influenced the events in the story as she suffered a number of
tragedies in her life, two of which where the premature deaths of her
mother and son. In relation to the novel I think that this is very
significant.
This is significant because the character of Elizabeth relates to Mary
Shelley in numerous ways: the first being that Elizabeth's mother dies
as did Mary's when both girls were still young. Secondly, Elizabeth
then assumes the maternal role with regard to William her brother, who
later dies; Mary also had a son named William who died.
Monstrosity is apparent throughout the novel in different forms.
Primarily the visual and physical appearance of the creation is
repellant, but also the reaction of the creator and the characters
encountered by the monster reflect an element of monstrosity.
At the beginning Frankenstein is extremely enthralled with the idea of
creating a being. His expectations and standards are hi...
... middle of paper ...
... walks on,
And turns no more his head;
Because he knows, a frightful fiend
Doth close behind him tread."
In the poem the 'frightful fiend' is the albatross, whereas in the
novel it is the monster. The sailors are terrified of encountering the
albatross and this line illustrates this, 'Doth close behind him
tread.' Frankenstein is also frightened as he knows that the monster
is searching for him and that he is going to have to encounter him at
some stage.
Mary Shelley has utilized different aspects of monstrosity in the
novel to substantiate the observation that monstrosity does not only
relate to the appearance of an individual, but also to his actions.
She has used monstrosity to highlight all the varied events within the
novel, such as, Justine's trial and Frankenstein's creation of the
monster.
'Frankenstein' is a piece of Gothic literature and was written in the
Romantic era. It was published in the 19th Century and was written by
Mary Shelley. 'Frankenstein' was considered to be one of the most evil
horror stories of its time; it shocked and surprised its readership
due the controversial issues that it addressed. It was inconceivable
that an author could engage with the idea of creating a being from
body parts and bringing it to life. This raised many issues such as,
should we have the right to play God?
In the novel Mary Shelley writes about tragedy, death and romance. It
was thought that perhaps many of the events in her life may have
influenced the events in the story as she suffered a number of
tragedies in her life, two of which where the premature deaths of her
mother and son. In relation to the novel I think that this is very
significant.
This is significant because the character of Elizabeth relates to Mary
Shelley in numerous ways: the first being that Elizabeth's mother dies
as did Mary's when both girls were still young. Secondly, Elizabeth
then assumes the maternal role with regard to William her brother, who
later dies; Mary also had a son named William who died.
Monstrosity is apparent throughout the novel in different forms.
Primarily the visual and physical appearance of the creation is
repellant, but also the reaction of the creator and the characters
encountered by the monster reflect an element of monstrosity.
At the beginning Frankenstein is extremely enthralled with the idea of
creating a being. His expectations and standards are hi...
... middle of paper ...
... walks on,
And turns no more his head;
Because he knows, a frightful fiend
Doth close behind him tread."
In the poem the 'frightful fiend' is the albatross, whereas in the
novel it is the monster. The sailors are terrified of encountering the
albatross and this line illustrates this, 'Doth close behind him
tread.' Frankenstein is also frightened as he knows that the monster
is searching for him and that he is going to have to encounter him at
some stage.
Mary Shelley has utilized different aspects of monstrosity in the
novel to substantiate the observation that monstrosity does not only
relate to the appearance of an individual, but also to his actions.
She has used monstrosity to highlight all the varied events within the
novel, such as, Justine's trial and Frankenstein's creation of the
monster.