Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

1. Mary Shelley’sFrankenstein The Modern Prometheus

2. Why is it a Classic? It speaks truths It reveals human fears It warns us of human’s relentless search for power

3. Frankenstein: An Author’s Introduction, xxiii-xxviii • What did “the publishers” want her to do for them? Why do you think was the case? • What does her childhood/personal background have to do with what she wrote? • What happened at Lord Byron’s house? • How did her exposure to certain “conversations” influence her? • What might Shelley be suggesting about man’s attempt to interfere with creation? • What would you say are some elements common to Gothic literature?

4. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Her “publishers” thought it would be useful/interesting for her to explain to her readers how her story came about. This is somewhat reasonable given her identity as a female and the fact that nothing like it had ever been written before….

5. Her Family’s Influence Her father, William Godwin,was a political thinker and writer. Her mother, Mary WollstonecrAft, was a feminist.

6. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein In the summer of 1816, 19 year old Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and her husband, the poet Percy Shelley, visited the Lord Byron at his villa beside Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

7. The Motivation • Stormy weather frequently forced them indoors, where they and Byron's other guests sometimes read from a volume of ghost stories. One evening, Byron challenged his guests to each write one themselves. Mary's story, inspired by a dream, became Frankenstein. • Her social circles and her marriage to a well-respected Romantic poet would have raised her interest in writing and in science, reason, etc

8. What was Science Up to at this Point? During Mary’s time, scientists and physicians were fascinated by the elusive boundary between life and death. They experimented with lower organisms, performed human anatomical studies, attempted to resuscitate drowning victims, and even performed experiments using electricity to restore life to the recently dead.

9. Ideas to Consider as We Read….. • Parents should not necessarily be held responsible for their children’s actions. • Everyone is capable of having a dark side. • Some secrets are meant to be kept. • Technology and science can solve all of our problems. • Companionship is as basic a need as food or shelter. • If a person or animal is treated with cruelty, then he will respond to others in the same way.

10. Ideas to Consider as We Read….. 7. Loneliness is the main cause of sorrow in life. 8. People make judgments based on physical appearance all the time. 9. Nature has restorative effects. 10. The most basic human need uniting us all is the need to feel like we actually matter. 11. It is more important to make a mark on the world than to preserve the feelings of others. It is difficult to do both simultaneously. 12. Nature vs. nurture- which has a greater impact on human development?

11. Where is this all going?..... • Influenced by the Romantic Period, the scientific inquiry of her time, and her own life, Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel, Frankenstein, presents a clear message on the irony and danger in the quest for power.

12. Social Context: Gothicism and Romanticism • Setting: late 18th century, across various parts of Europe, esp Switzerland, Germany, and the far reaches of the Arctic • Published in 1818 at the height of the Romantic movement (1798-1832)- movement in art and literature that stressed such concepts as optimism, importance of the individual, imagination, the value of nature, and the expression of thought • Romantic heroes are often rebels, outcasts, pariahs- a motif we will see developed throughout this Gothic text….

13. Social Context: Gothicism and Romanticism • Frankenstein- quintessential example of a gothic novel, which was very popular btwn 1760 and 1820. • It can be considered a blend of both Romanticism and Gothicism. • Gothic: harsh or cruel (Gothic tribes of The Middle Ages); also mean medieval, referring to the actual historical period

14. Elements of a Gothic novel • Freedom of thought and expression, idealization of nature, emphasis on heightened emotion over sound reason • Mysterious disappearances, supernatural occurrences, suspense, terror, decay, horrible ruin • Protagonist- usually a solitary, egocentric character who ultimately suffers great turmoil • Sinister settings: nature used frequently to create atmosphere, almost can function as a character of sorts…..Gothic architecture • Dark side of human nature is emphasized • Passive female, women in great distress and tragedy

15. A Few Words on the Preface…. • Mary’s husband Percy Shelley, a celebrated Romantic poet wrote it. It explains the origins of the book. • “Marlow” refers to a place near London from where Percy was writing. • Frankenstein was first published anonymously, most likely b/c she was female. (Anonymous authorship- not uncommon for many female writers through the 19th century). In fact, the reviewers of her day simply assumed a male wrote the book. • Later, republished editions included Mary’s Author’s Introduction.

16. Letters 1-4 • Exposition begins with these letters and contains all events up through (roughly) the end of Chapter 3….. • “R.W.”, or Robert Walton- writing to his sister Margaret Saville, who is back in London. • R.W.- dreamy explorer, interested in making some sort of mark on the world, in the magnetic forces near the Arctic Poles, in discovering new travel routes • His quest for knowledge echoes that of the “stranger…” and foreshadows the development of this theme.

17. Letters 1-4 • Walton expresses great need for a very specific type of companionship- motif developed throughout the text. (What might this foreshadow?) “I have no friend Margaret…” • Note the Romantic allusion- Rime of the Ancient Mariner- famous Romantic poem about a mournful sailor who ends up wretched….RW, though, believes “success shall crown my endeavors.” • Letter 4: RW and his “comrades” come upon 2 figures on the ice- 1st: “man…of gigantic stature…” • Later, RW pulls “the stranger” on board….

18. Letters 1-4 • Mysterious “wretched” stranger- travelling “to seek one who has fled me..”- the aforementioned “man…of gigantic stature..” • Notice how badly this “stranger” wants to find the “demon” he is seeking…. • RW begins to love him as a “brother.” They have a great affinity for each other, can relate to each other’s ambitious nature. “You seek for knowledge and wisdom as I once did…” • The “stranger” tells RW his story as a cautionary tale of sorts….

19. Letters 1-4 • Significance of the end of Letter 4: RW tells his sister that he plans to record the tale of the stranger, “as nearly as possible in his own words…” • Frankenstein’s narrative structure- frame story/narrative. • Chapter 1 begins the first person narration of the “stranger” as told directly to and filtered through RW.

20. Narrative Structure in Frankenstein • Interesting fusion of 2 literary genres: • 1. Epistolary novel-work containing series of documents, namely letters, journal entries, etc). It is traditionally considered a more ‘female’ genre. • Intended purpose: reveals inner psychological struggles Shelley subverts this genre through the use of a male narrator. How? Male narrator/s here experience/s little to no growth!

21. Narrative Structure in Frankenstein • 2. Explorers’ journal- traditionally a more ‘masculine’ genre. • Shelley also subvertsthe traditional purposes of this genre. How? • The male narrator experiences little growth which was not typical of this genre. Victor ultimately collapses mentally; Walton’s quest for knowledge is largely a failure.

22. Chapter 1 • “Stranger”- “Genevese”- (Swiss), from a very distinguished family; his father is a renowned businessman of sorts. • This “stranger” speaks highly of his father’s character, providing the example of how he stands by his merchant friend, Beaufort, when he falls into great bankruptcy and subsequent depression. • Caroline is the daughter of Beaufort. She goes on to marry the elder Mr. Frankenstein, becoming Victor’s mother….

23. Chapter 1 • Caroline , too, is portrayed as being of exceptional character- “great tenderness…a mind of uncommon mold.” • Passive female is all over this chapter: Caroline is left an orphan and a beggar when Beaufort dies. Also, notice the description of her as much younger than her husband: “soft and benevolent mind.” • Elizabeth Lavenza, too- adoptive Italian sister of the “stranger.” His parents took pity on her during an excursion….He speaks of her as his “cousin,…sister” and what else? She is in Victor’s “possession.” • Finally, the stranger’s name is revealed to be Victor!

24. Chapter 1- closing thoughts… • Notice the revelation of the stranger’s name as Victor….Why might Shelley have presented in this way? And why is he constantly referred to as “the stranger”? • This builds suspense and consistently emphasizes Victor as ‘a man apart’, a pariah- all in keeping with conventions of the gothic novel

25. Chapter 2 • “Harmony was the soul of our companionship..”- Victor and Elizabeth have a wonderful relationship! • They are wonderful foils, or complements, for one another. An ‘opposites attract’ type situation…. • We get a preview of Victor’s “thirst for knowledge..” • Victor had a wonderful childhood. “No one could have had a more wonderful childhood than myself.” • Notice the way male friendships play a role in the novel….(RW &Victor, Beaufort & Mr. Frankenstein, and Victor and his beloved Henry Clerval).

26. Chapter 2 • Victor has wonderful relationships; still, he recognizes he is different from those he is closest to in life. He is “self-taught”, has different interests from Elizabeth & Henry. • Victor is a reader and a scholar who embarks on a search for “the elixir of life.” (Does his father foster Victor’s interest in learning? How does this impact Victor? What is suggested about the nature of parents? ) • Gothic elements abound- the thunderstorm sparks some sort of fire in Victor, an even increased interest in the reaches of science…. • Why might the term destruction be used at the end of this chapter?...

27. Chapter 3 • Caroline dies as a result of having nursed Elizabeth back to health from her bout w/ scarlet fever- Victor’s first massive emotional setback. • What should we be noticing about the portrayal of the female characters? • Is Elizabeth a strong or weak character? How so? • Victor-off to university at 17- Ingolstadt in Bavaria, a region of modern-day Germany (sort of like a modern-day MIT) • What similarities are there between Henry and Victor?

28. Chapter 3 • Victor- certainly conflicted about leaving home… • Note the personification and kenning in “Chance… evil influence, Angel of Destruction- surrounding Victor’s meeting w/ one of his new professors, Krempe. • Krempe dismisses Victor’s interest in alchemy. This reflects the scientific trends of Shelley’s day. • Alchemy- medieval science whose principal aim was attempting to change base metals into gold. However, alchemists also had interests in trying to cure disease and prolong human life…. • Victor- intimidated by Krempe, finds his personality abrasive….

29. Chapter 3 • Waldman- almost the antithesis of Krempe • Victor’s interaction w/ Waldman has a profound impact upon him; it is the impetus that propels Victor toward exploring the far reaches and possibilities of science…. • (Refers to him as a “true friend” in next chapter) • “Thus ended a memorable day for me; it decided my future destiny.”- Groundwork is laid here for the exciting force/inciting incident: Victor’s decision to attempt to push the boundaries of science and create life.

30. Chapter 4 • Rising action/complication begins. • Narrative structure in compromised when Victor’s narration is interrupted- reminds RW of the dangers of the pursuit of knowledge…. • Victor: “Whence, I often asked myself, did the nature of life proceed?” – increasingly obsessed, hasn’t been home in approx. 2 yrs. • Gothic elements v strong in his description of his experiences with corpses and in various “vaults”, etc….. • His father was rather dismissive of Victor’s interests, never seemed to be too supportive of them- perhaps for good reason.

31. Mini Review… • Characterize Mr. Frankenstein’s views on Victor’s education. Why do you think Mr. Frankenstein feel this way? • Last class, we briefly discussed the juxtaposition of bothgothic and Romantic elements in the text. What does juxtaposition actually mean? • In what way/s is Victor similar to Macbeth? • Why did Victor tell no one about his efforts? • What seems to be the predominate literary device thus far? How so? • What predictions can you make about any character? Why do you feel this way?

32. Chapter 4 • Victor- uncovers the secret to creating life • Juxtaposition: the placement of two disparate (contrasting) elements, ideas, people, etc alongside one another for dramatic effect and heightened tension. • Juxtaposition of gothic and Romantic elements- 1. The gothic: Victor uses pieces of discarded corpses to make his own creature, etc…. 2. The Romantic- Victor is so caught up in his pursuits he doesn’t notice the beauty of the passing seasons…. • “But I forget….”- reminder to the reader of the narrative structure, reinforces RW’s role….

33. Chapter 5 • Dark, dreary setting opens up the chapter- establishes a sense of foreboding as the monster, Victor’s “creation” is about to be revealed… • He reacts with horror and absolute disgust at what he had created due to his unchecked ambition. • What might this monster now symbolize?..... • Romantic allusion to previous poem- reinforces Victor’s internal dread and turmoil… • Clerval rescues Henry, nurses him back to health. (What prior plot point is this reminiscent of?) • Notice the pattern/functioning of male friendships in the text- motif.

34. Chapter 6 • Narration opens w/ letter from Elizabeth- Shelley’s subversion of the epistolary form gives the narration a more layered feel…. • She writes of Ernest and William Frankenstein, their ‘brothers’ • Justine Moritz, a poor servant girl with a strange and highly changeable mother, is introduced. Caroline has chosen that she join the Frankenstein family as a servant. Justine is treated well, but she hasn’t had an easy life…. • Why is Justine’s mother so tormented? How would you explain her?.....

35. Chapter 6 • Romantic influence- notice the rejuvenating effect of nature on Victor as he recovers from his nervous breakdown…. • Victor’s happiness and heightened emotions function to dramatize, to complicate, the events that will soon unfold…..

36. Questions for Review • Who is really the only unsympathetic female character we have encountered thus far? • Describe Mrs. Moritz. • Where have we seen the influence of the Catholic Church? • How does the monster develop into something of a sympathetic character? (textual examples) • What is revealed about the nature of knowledge, learning, and parenting in the text? (Think in terms of the monster’s experience). • How are Safie and the monster similar?

37. Chapter 7 • Victor’s father conveys the “woeful news” that William is dead, presumably having been strangled in the woods. • Henry Clerval accompanies Victor back to Geneva. • Victor sees the monster in the woods and is resolute that he killed his brother William. • Two years have gone by since he created the monster. • Justine is charged with William’s murder. She was found with a picture of Caroline that William possessed…. • Victor knows she is innocent. The rest of his family seems to believe strongly in her innocence, too.

38. Chapter 8 • On the surface, Justine appears guilty; much of the evidence does implicate her as William’s murderer. She had been out wandering, she appears frightful and nervous… • Victor: “I believed in her innocence; I knew it.” • Elizabeth offers powerful character testimony in court in defense of Justine. • Justine confesses but only because she was under great duress, threatened with excommunication. • She is executed for her supposed role in the murder of young William. • Victor- torn by “remorse, horror, and despair”- refers to William and Justine as “victims” of his “unhallowed arts”

39. Chapter 9 • Victor lives in a self-described “a hell of intense tortures…” His acceptance of responsibility- and his feelings regarding the monster- are warped. He refers to himself as “the true murderer.” Still, Victor hates and fears the monster. Revenge is foremost in his thoughts…. • Elizabeth- the quintessence of virtue and goodness- maintains Justine’s innocence…. • What does Victor fear will happen? • The chapter ends w/ Victor seeking retreat in the valley for some relief from his turmoil (Romanticism…) “I was a wreck but nothing had changed in those savage and enduring scenes…”

40. Questions for Review • How and where are biblical allusions present? • How is Safie’s portrayal in keeping with the other females we have encountered thus far? • What kind of person is her father? Why? How so? • What motivates the monster to frame Justine? • Where is the concept of the sublime apparent in the text? • Where do we see light and fire in the text? What could each symbolize?

41. Chapter 10 • One thing that can soothe, console Victor now. • “ The sight of the awful and majestic in nature had indeed always the effect of solemnizing my mind….” • Victor’s experience of the sublime- literary/philosophical concept that nature has a dramatic restorative effect (Romantic) • Note the allusion to Percy Shelley’s poem, Mutability, to capture Victor’s turmoil. • Sadness of the theme: The only guarantee in life is that nothing stays the same. • Victor and his monster finally confront one another. The monster pursues Victor in the hopes that he will fulfill his ‘duties’ as his creator.

42. Chapter 10 • Monster’s lack of a name symbolizes Victor’s total disregard of the monster’s apparent- and clear- need for nurturing and social development. • Monster: “How dare you thus sport with life?”- recognition of Victor’s hubris (excessive pride and arrogance in venturing to create life so carelessly) • In his mind, he has done nothing to deserve such rejection….. • Biblical allusions to Genesis: Monster describes himself as the rightful Adam, yet he is scorned as “the fallen angel” or like Lucifer. He refers to Victor as his creator, longs for a “companion.” (reminiscent of Adam and Eve)

43. Chapter 10 • Monster’s request: Listen to my story and then judge me as you would…. • Significance: Reader is exposed to a more human, merciful side of the monster AND Victor finally seems to realize- albeit very begrudgingly- that he may have some responsibility toward his creation….

44. Chapter 11, 12 • Narration changes to include- verbatim- the monster’s first person account of his life thus far. Reader is able to relate to the monster and hear a fresh perspective. • Walton----Victor-----Monster….. • Notice the monster’s fondness for the villagers and his great yearning for companionship. (Where had we seen this need echoed before? What does this signify?) • The monster is articulate. Why is this noteworthy? • He is self-educated, which shows his need for nurturing. • He has taught himself language and learned as much as he is able the gift of empathy.

45. Chapter 12 • Monster takes refuge in the woods and is enamored of the family. He is able to glean they are sad due to poverty. • The cottagers: the father, or “old man”, girl Agatha, boy Felix. • He helps them out at a distance: He wants to be welcomed by them; he anonymously helps them with their chores….He called them his “protectors”… • The monster wants to learn to speak: Why? • Also, is his general reaction to nature similar or dissimilar to that of Victor?

46. Chapter 13 • “Arabian” Safie- introduced under mysterious circumstances. • Felix appears to be in love with her; his family is very kind to her. Felix does eventually marry her. • As they educate her, the monster, too, becomes more educated and disillusioned with humanity. Notice his reaction to the lessons of history: “Was man, indeed, at once so powerful, so virtuous and magnificent, yet so vicious and base?...Oh what a strange nature is knowledge!” The monster’s epiphany: He sees that his education is both a blessing and a curse. He wants a family; he recognizes that he is a pariah, an outcast with no love…p. 108

47. Chapter 14 • Monster provides reader w/ details about DeLacey family: Mr. DeLacey, Felix, and Agatha are French and were once very wealthy. • Felix, in love with Safie, once tried to save Safie’s father- a social agitator?- from ‘unjust’ imprisonment by the French gov’t. Her father betrays Felix and his family. He never cared they were all thrown into prison, became penniless trying to save him. • Safie- yet another example of a passive, persecuted female. She strives to be free of her oppressive father. She finds her Muslim world confining as did her Christian mother, who was made a slave by the Turks.

48. Chapter 14,15 • Safie- powerful testament to the tensions between the Christian and Arab worlds…. • Like the monster, she hopes to find her place in the world by acquiring knowledge (language) and escaping oppression. • The monster finds Victor’s journals and vows to find him. Notice his anger at Victor. • Also, he is desperate for companionship, so he works up the nerve to present himself to the Delaceys. • Felix and Agatha are horrified and throw him out. Mr. Delacey is blind 

49. Chapter 16 • The DeLaceys abandon their cottage out of fear of the monster, which enrages him. He burns the cottage to the ground. • Symbolism of light (knowledge/discovery) and fire (dark force/destruction)- Notice that lightness and darkness are the first sensations the monster experiences….(Genesis) • The monster encounters William,is delighted at the thought of a potential companion. Why did he really murder him, though?- He is filled w/ wrath once he begins to understand he is related to Victor. • Why does he want to frame Justine by placing the locket on her person? Why has the monster become so twisted?

50. Chapter 17 • The monster increasingly views himself as a victim: his creator and all those who encounter him shape his evil motivations and acts. “I am malicious because I am miserable…Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind?” • Narration shifts back to Victor…. • P. 135,6:Victor shows some shred of sympathy for the monster, especially as the monster requests the companion just like himself. Yet he vacillates ….. • Victor’s mixed reaction to nature and family is reflective of his inner turmoil. • Personification of nature: “Stars…yet all are about to mock me…” (p. 138)