Romantic Elements in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

When contemplating "Romantic Literature," images of lovers, roses, and starlit skies often flood the mind. However, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein challenges these conventional romantic notions by crafting a narrative filled with grotesque images and lonely characters. Despite being overlooked as a romantic work, Frankenstein encapsulates the essence of Romantic Literature, a movement that rebelled against societal norms. In this essay, we explore how Mary Shelley emphasizes the importance of individualism within the Romantic context by employing various narrative perspectives.

The Epistolary Frame: Robert Walton's Journey

The novel commences with an epistolary frame presented by Robert Walton, laying the foundation for the unfolding story.

Walton, on an unprecedented journey, seeks both uncharted territories and companionship. Despite being part of a sizable crew, he feels an overwhelming sense of solitude. His narrative unfolds through letters to his sister, providing a unique perspective. The introduction of "Victor Frankenstein" as a newfound friend marks the transition to the main narrative, where individualism takes center stage.

Robert Walton serves as a conduit for the reader to navigate the unexplored, mirroring the Romantic fascination with the unknown.

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His ambition to reach new horizons and his yearning for a close companion exemplify the Romantic emphasis on individual desires and aspirations. The epistolary form, through Walton's letters, establishes a personal connection with the reader, fostering a sense of shared exploration and discovery.

Walton's isolation at sea underscores the Romantic theme of solitude, a recurring motif in the novel. His longing for companionship echoes the broader human experience of seeking connection in the vastness of existence.

This sets the stage for Victor Frankenstein's narrative, where individualistic pursuits lead to both triumph and tragedy.

Victor Frankenstein: The Isolated Creator

As the narrative shifts to Victor Frankenstein, we delve into the life of an individual profoundly isolated from society. Driven by a passion for life studies, Frankenstein artificially bestows life upon a grotesque monster. Initial pride in his creation transforms into abandonment due to its hideous appearance. The repercussions of his actions, marked by remorse and guilt, unfold as the monster wreaks havoc. Victor, torn between emotions, conceals the horror he has unleashed. The narrative takes a turn when Victor finds himself in a cave face-to-face with the monster, revealing the loneliness that spurred the creature's violent actions.

Victor's character epitomizes the Romantic archetype of the isolated creator, driven by ambition and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. His journey reflects the Romantic fascination with the boundaries of human capability and the consequences of pushing those boundaries. The monster, a manifestation of Victor's unchecked ambition, serves as a poignant reminder of the isolation that accompanies profound scientific pursuits.

Victor's isolation extends beyond his scientific endeavors to his personal relationships. The novel portrays him as an individual detached from societal norms, consumed by his quest for knowledge. His solitude becomes a metaphor for the alienation that accompanies extraordinary intellectual pursuits, a theme that resonates with the Romantic rejection of societal constraints.

The Monster's Narrative: Solitude and Revenge

The monster, born eight feet tall with great strength yet possessing a newborn's mind, narrates its life story. Abandoned and universally shunned, it attempts to integrate into society, only to face rejection. The creature's physical grotesqueness blinds society to its initially gentle nature. Seeking revenge for its isolation, the monster commits heinous acts, evolving from a gentle being to one consumed by anger and violence. The monster's narrative exposes the impact of isolation on its psyche and actions.

The monster's narrative serves as a powerful exploration of the Romantic theme of the outcast. His eloquent expression of the loneliness and rejection he experiences provides a poignant commentary on societal prejudices. Shelley uses the monster's perspective to challenge the reader's preconceptions and evoke empathy, emphasizing the Romantic belief in the individual's capacity for both good and evil.

Through the monster's story, Shelley confronts the Romantic notion of beauty and challenges societal norms that equate physical appearance with moral character. The monster's transformation from a benevolent creature to a vengeful being underscores the destructive potential of societal isolation, offering a nuanced exploration of the consequences of judging individuals based on their outward appearances.

Celebration of Individualism: Emotion and Isolation

Throughout the novel, an emphasis on individual expression of emotion is evident. The characters—Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the monster—develop individually through their isolated narratives. Each character's unique perspective unravels mysteries left unexplored by other narrators. The celebration of individualism allows for a comprehensive understanding of each character as they grapple with solitude in the end. Shelley's use of split narratives reinforces the Romantic theme of celebrating individual experiences.

The celebration of individualism extends beyond the characters to the broader exploration of emotions. Romantic literature often placed a premium on the individual's emotional experience, and Frankenstein is no exception. The characters' emotional journeys, from Walton's yearning for companionship to Victor's conflicted feelings and the monster's emotional evolution, underscore the centrality of emotions in shaping individual destinies.

Furthermore, the isolation experienced by each character becomes a catalyst for self-discovery. The novel suggests that true individualism emerges when characters confront their innermost fears and desires in isolation. The resulting self-awareness contributes to the richness of the narrative, aligning with the Romantic belief in the transformative power of individual experiences.

Conclusion: A Romantic Exploration of Solitude

In conclusion, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, often underestimated as a romantic work, intricately weaves Romantic elements into its narrative. The exploration of individualism through Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the monster provides a nuanced understanding of loneliness and its consequences. The epistolary frame and diverse perspectives contribute to the novel's Romantic essence, challenging traditional notions of love and beauty. Shelley's Frankenstein stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Romantic Literature.