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РОМАНТИСИЗМ

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein intertwines Romanticism and Gothic elements to explore themes of creation, isolation, and the consequences of transgressing natural boundaries. The novel critiques Enlightenment rationalism through Victor Frankenstein's hubris and the creature's tragic quest for connection, highlighting the tension between individual ambition and societal norms. Ultimately, Shelley invites reflection on the ethical implications of human ambition in relation to nature and emotion.

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Svetlana Tarasova
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28 views2 pages

РОМАНТИСИЗМ

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein intertwines Romanticism and Gothic elements to explore themes of creation, isolation, and the consequences of transgressing natural boundaries. The novel critiques Enlightenment rationalism through Victor Frankenstein's hubris and the creature's tragic quest for connection, highlighting the tension between individual ambition and societal norms. Ultimately, Shelley invites reflection on the ethical implications of human ambition in relation to nature and emotion.

Uploaded by

Svetlana Tarasova
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818) is deeply rooted in Romanticism, an

intellectual and artistic movement that celebrated emotion, nature, and


individualism while often critiquing the Enlightenment's emphasis on rationality
and industrialization. The novel intertwines these Romantic ideals with Gothic
elements to explore themes of creation, isolation, and the consequences of
transgressing natural boundaries.
1. Romanticism and Nature
 Nature as a Source of Solace and Power: Victor Frankenstein, the
creature, and other characters find moments of emotional relief in the natural
world. For example, Victor often retreats to the mountains or lakes to regain
his mental stability after his experiments or the tragedies that ensue. The
sublimity of nature reflects the Romantic ideal of its power to inspire awe
and humility in the individual.
o Example: Victor’s reflections during his time in the Swiss Alps
emphasize nature's restorative power, contrasting with the destructive
consequences of his scientific pursuits.
 Nature versus Science: Romanticism often viewed industrial and scientific
advancements as a potential threat to the natural world. In Frankenstein,
Victor’s obsession with creating life symbolizes humanity's hubris in
attempting to control nature. The creature’s unnatural existence is a direct
challenge to the Romantic belief in the harmony of natural processes.
2. Individualism and the Byronic Hero
 Victor Frankenstein embodies traits of the Byronic hero—a character
marked by ambition, isolation, and a tragic flaw. His pursuit of forbidden
knowledge isolates him from his family and society, reflecting
Romanticism's fascination with the individual’s struggle against societal
norms and limits.
 The creature also represents a kind of Romantic individual, grappling with
his unique existence and yearning for connection and understanding. His
suffering is exacerbated by society’s inability to accept him, showcasing
Romanticism's sympathy for outcasts and misunderstood figures.
3. Emotion and Sensibility
 Romanticism prioritized emotion over reason, evident in the intense
emotional experiences of both Victor and the creature. Victor's guilt,
ambition, and despair drive his actions, while the creature’s development is
shaped by his longing for love and companionship, as well as his eventual
descent into rage and vengeance.
 Shelley uses vivid language to evoke these emotions, such as the creature’s
poignant soliloquies about his loneliness and rejection, which resonate with
the Romantic emphasis on deep, personal feeling.
4. Critique of Enlightenment Rationalism
 Victor’s experiment represents the Enlightenment ideal of mastering nature
through reason and science. However, Shelley critiques this mindset by
illustrating the catastrophic consequences of Victor’s overreaching ambition
and disregard for ethical considerations. The creature's tragic existence
serves as a reminder of the dangers of neglecting the moral and emotional
dimensions of scientific endeavors.
5. The Gothic and the Sublime
 While Romanticism celebrates the beauty and power of nature, Shelley
combines this with Gothic elements to underscore its terror. The sublime—a
key Romantic concept—permeates the novel, particularly in descriptions of
vast landscapes that evoke both awe and fear.
o Example: The icy desolation of the Arctic mirrors the loneliness and
desolation of Victor and the creature, highlighting their emotional and
existential struggles.
6. Human Connection and Alienation
 The Romantic ideal of human connection is explored through the creature’s
tragic quest for companionship. His rejection by Victor and society critiques
the failure of humanity to embrace compassion, a key Romantic value.
 Conversely, Victor’s alienation is self-imposed, driven by his obsession with
his work. This dichotomy highlights the Romantic tension between societal
and individual priorities.
Conclusion
Frankenstein embodies Romantic ideals while simultaneously critiquing
their limitations. Shelley’s nuanced portrayal of the relationship between nature,
emotion, and human ambition invites readers to reflect on the ethical implications
of transgressing natural boundaries. By blending Romanticism with Gothic
elements, she crafts a timeless narrative that explores humanity's complex
relationship with knowledge, creation, and the natural world.

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