Course code: Els 221

Course title: Rise of English novel

Group leader: Ibitoye Omolara Eniola

Speaker1: Oniyide Favour Bukola

Speaker2: Afolabi Imoleoluwa Peace

LECTURER IN CHARGE: DR OGUNROTIMI

PRESENTATION

Novel title: Frankenstein

QUESTION

How does Frankenstein contribute to the rise of novel by blending elements of Science fiction, Gothic
fiction and Romanticism?
 ATTENDANCE

Name Matric no Day1 Day2 Day3 Day4 Day5 Day6 Day7 Day8 Day9 Day10

Ibitoye Omolara 230402008

Oladoye 230402004
Taofeekat
Folakemi

Solomon 230402070
Opeyemi Praise

Jaiyeola Kudirat 230402073

Afolabi Suliyat 230402019

Afolabi 230201076
Imoleoluwa

Oniyide Favour 230402080

Shittu Zainab 230402048

Olatunbosun 230201169
Folawe

Akinola 230201164
Oluwafikayomi

Popoola Deborah 230402031

Onajobi Ibunkun 230402034

Background Introduction of the Author

Mary Shelley (1797-1851) was the author of the iconic novel Frankenstein. She was an English novelist,
short story writer, and dramatist, and is widely regarded as one of the most important writers of the
Romantic era.

Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1816, during the famous "Year Without a Summer." She was staying
in Geneva with her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and their friend Lord Byron when they had a ghost
story contest. Inspired by discussions about science, galvanism (using electricity to bring dead tissue to
life), and human ambition, Mary Shelley had a dream about a scientist who created a living being—this
became the basis of Frankenstein. The novel was published in 1818 and is considered one of the first
works of science fiction.

Mary Shelley's life and writing career:

Early Life

- Born on August 30, 1797, in London, England

- Daughter of philosopher and writer William Godwin and feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft

Writing Career

- Began writing at a young age, influenced by her parents' literary circle

- Published her first novel, Frankenstein, anonymously in 1818

- Went on to write several other novels, including Mathilda (1819), Valperga (1823), and The Last Man
(1826)

Personal Life

- Married poet Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1814

- Had four children, but only one son, Percy Florence Shelley, survived to adulthood

- Traveled extensively throughout Europe with her husband and friends, including Lord Byron

Some themes in Frankenstein:

1. Creation and Responsibility

The novel explores the consequences of playing God and creating life. Victor Frankenstein's creation of
the monster raises questions about the responsibilities that come with scientific discovery and
innovation.

2.Appearance vs. Reality

3.Loneliness and Isolation

The novel explores the consequences of loneliness and isolation, as experienced by both Victor
Frankenstein and the monster.

QUESTION

How does Frankenstein contribute to the rise of novel by blending elements of Science fiction, Gothic
fiction and Romanticism?

Answer

Science is a systematic and structured way of studying the natural world, seeking to understand the laws
and principles that govern it.

Gothic refers to a genre that originated in the 18th century and is characterized by elements of horror,
mystery, and the supernatural.

Romanticism is an artistic, literary, and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 18th century in
Europe, particularly in England, Germany, and France.

Frankenstein (1818) significantly contributes to the rise of the novel by blending elements of Science,
Gothic fiction, and Romanticism, thereby creating a unique and captivating narrative.

Mary Shelley incorporates scientific concepts, such as galvanism and alchemy, to create a sense of
authenticity and wonder.

Speculative fiction Frankenstein explores the possibilities and consequences of scientific discovery,
paving the way for the science fiction genre.

Shelley employs Gothic elements, like the eerie and isolated landscapes, to create a sense of
foreboding and horror by creating

Monstrous 'other' The creature represents the monstrous 'other,' a common Gothic trope, which serves
to explore themes of identity, rejection, and the human condition.

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818) is a landmark novel that contributed to the rise of the novel as a
literary form by blending elements of science fiction, Gothic literature, and Romanticism. Here’s how
these elements intertwine:

1. Science Fiction
Shelley’s novel is often considered one of the first works of science fiction because it explores the
implications of scientific discovery. Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist, pushes the boundaries of
natural philosophy, chemistry, and electricity to create life artificially. This engagement with scientific
experimentation and ethical dilemmas makes the novel a precursor to modern science fiction, reflecting
both the excitement and fears surrounding the Industrial Revolution and scientific progress.

2. Gothic Fiction

The novel also draws from Gothic literature, which was popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Gothic elements in Frankenstein include:

Dark, mysterious settings, such as Frankenstein’s eerie laboratory and desolate landscapes.

Supernatural or grotesque occurrences, including the reanimation of the dead.

Psychological horror and obsession, as seen in Victor’s descent into madness.

A tragic hero, with Victor resembling the classic Gothic protagonist, haunted by his own ambition.

3. Romanticism

As a product of the Romantic movement, Frankenstein also embodies key Romantic themes:

Nature and the Sublime: The novel contrasts the beauty and power of nature with the dangers of
unchecked human ambition. The monster finds solace in nature, while Victor’s obsession with science
alienates him from it.

Emotion and Individualism: The novel focuses on deep emotions—Victor’s guilt and despair, the
creature’s loneliness and longing for companionship.

Critique of Rationalism: Romantics often warned against excessive reliance on reason and science,
fearing it could dehumanize society. Frankenstein serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of
scientific ambition without moral responsibility.

Impact on the Rise of the Novel

By weaving together these three literary traditions, Frankenstein expanded the novel’s possibilities. It
helped shape the science fiction genre, deepened psychological complexity in literature, and reinforced
moral and philosophical questions that continue to influence literature today. Its fusion of different
literary styles made it a pioneering work, marking a transition from the Gothic novel to the more socially
and scientifically engaged fiction of the 19th century.
 In conclusion,By blending elements of Science, Gothic fiction and Romanticism, Frankenstein
contributes to the rise of the novel in several ways:

1. Establishes the science fiction genre: Frankenstein's blend of science and imagination helps establish
the science fiction genre.

2. Influences the development of Gothic fiction: Shelley's novel refines the Gothic genre.

3. Showcases the versatility of the novel form: Frankenstein demonstrates the novel's ability to
incorporate various genres, styles, and themes, cementing its place as a dominant literary form.

4. Frankenstein contributes to the rise of the novel by demonstrating that literature can simultaneously
entertain and provoke deep, cross-disciplinary questions—an approach that has since become a
hallmark of modern narrative art.