User:Jsturgess.ross/A Literary Analysis: Frankenstein

Literary Theme: Voices of Reason in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Each character is born into the benevolent world full of endless possibilities.In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein she depicts an underlining theme of tempting fate through the pursuit of knowledge. While in their hunt for this unaquired knowledge, it is through their isolation that they are led to the brinks of their own annihilation.

The settings of isolation, depression and loneliness "allows Mary Shelley to bring in the elements of the natural world around these two men and use it as a motif of their own personal demons." (Literary Analysis: The importance of Setting in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" by Jack Bates)

We are first introduced to Robert Walton's seclusion through his letters, addressed to his sister Margaret. He has a fascination with pursuing the unknown.

Do I not deserve to accomplish some great purpose? (Letter 1)

Through these thoughts he of delusion and grandeur he secludes himself. He carelessly leads his crew into uncharted territories, despite the possible dangers that could lay before them he stubbornly proceeds onward. He believes he will find retribution through his adventures.

In the letters he writes to his sister, Margaret, whom he continues to hold a dear place for in his heart, he emphasizes his need for somebody to confirm his actions. As the reader, we do not hear her replies, but can assume that she does respond to him. I may receive your letters on some occasions when I need them most to support my spirits. (Letter 2)

His love for her is obvious, but without a voice of reason, whom he can communicate with, he continues onward, regardless of potential deadly consequences. But success SHALL crown my endeavors...What can stop the determined heart and resolved will of man?(Letter 3)

He eventually finds an unusual savior in the form of a man, who is rescued by members of his crew. Although quite frail, this man describes to Walton the unfortunate outcome of his similar pursuit for knowledge. After Walton feels that	he can relate with this stranger, he nurses the man to health and attempts to listen to the man's story.

We come to know this man as Viktor Frankenstein. Just as Walton, Frankenstein has grown up in a wealthy family. Their childhoods were carefree, which led them both to wanting more. Nagged by the curiosity that life brings to Frankenstein, he begins to question the divinity of life. I was capable of a more intense application and was more deeply smitten with the thirst for knowledge...The world was to me a secret which I desired to divine. (Chapter 2) Problems begin to present themselves when Frankenstein reveals his interests for certain studies that are frowned upon. ''It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me,'' (Chapter 2)

He is mildly warned by his father and professors to stay away from such 'nonsense' but their warnings spark Frankenstein's interest further. He refuses to heed their warnings, separates himself. He cuts off communication, with his entire family for over two years, in order to procure his achievement. Thus, as a result of his isolation, there is nobody to help breathe reason or sanity into his experiments. My father made no reproach in his letters and only took notice of my silence by inquiring into my occupations more particularly than before.(Chapter 4)

Eventually, his biggest success creates an even larger inconvenience. ''For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation;'' (Chapter 5) Frankenstein becomes so fixated on accomplishing his goal of proving others wrong that he can not come to terms with how to fully accept the outcome of his masterpiece. Frightened by his own project he casts his creation aside. As a result of this, it not affects the isolation him but of his endeavor as well.

Frankenstein succeeds in reanimating life into a monster which has been comprised from various human remains. The creature's appearance makes it difficult for human beings to connect with him. He frightens people wherever he travels, so the monster is forced to acquired his knowledge in the shadows.

I would remain quietly in my hovel, watching and endeavouring to discover the motives which influenced their actions. (Chapter 12) Although this monster does not have the choice of whether to be segregated from the world, he still makes an effort to learn everything that he can.

The creature takes refuge near a cottage located on the edge of the woods. Fortunately, for the monster, the cottage's tenants are teaching a foreigner how to communicate in their language. For fear of being caught and chased away, the creature is forced to ingest any information provided to the foreigner, in the shadows. This, also, fuels his thirst for knowledge. While I improved in speech, I also learned the science of letters as it was taught to the stranger, and this opened before me a wide field for wonder and delight. (Chapter 13)

He eventually learns that his characteristics are inherently good and benevolent, but when he acquires just the right amount of knowledge, he is able to read a letter that his creator wrote. The creature finds out the true depiction of Dr. Frankenstein's ingenuousness. ''The minutest description of my odious and loathsome person is given, in language which painted your own horrors and rendered mine indelible.''(Chapter 15)

The creature becomes crushed. No one is able to protect the creature from the truth, and as a result, we witness the collapse of a heart-filled and compassionate beast. ''I cannot describe to you the agony that these reflections inflicted upon me; I tried to dispel them, but sorrow only increased with knowledge. The monster is pained to read about the horror in which he was created. I sickened as I read. 'Hateful day when I received life!' I exclaimed in agony. 'Accursed creator''(Chapter15) Eventually, during the exchange between Walton and Frankenstein, Frankenstein helps Walton realize the potential dangers in Walton's expedition. They come to the understanding that Walton's journey, which was once conceived in vain, can now result in the ultimate demise of him and his crew. Although Walton is reluctant in coming to terms with his potential failure, he accepts and chooses to sacrifice his journey to save his crew. Not long after, Frankenstein's passes away. I dare not ask you to do what I think right, for I may still be misled by passion. (Sept 12 excerpt) ''My tears flow; my mind is overshadowed by a cloud of disappointment. But I journey towards England, and I may there find consolation.'' (Sept 12 excerpt)

In his last letters, Walton eventually comes face-to-face with the monster, who surprisingly seems to remorse over his creator's dead body. Despite the rough life this creature was thrown into, through the creature's personal voice of reason, he chooses to live the remainder of his life where he can no longer harm another living soul.

Although this was first novel to ever be considered science fiction, we find a great amount of underlining humanistic traits and themes in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. For example: the voice of reason, how consequential is it when pertaining to the choices we make throughout our lives?

Throughout this novel, innocent people lost their lives, and many more were at risk. It wasn't until the initial characters were faced with logical ideas through rational thinking, were they then able to realize the severity of their actions. Regardless of whether these thoughts needed to come from an outside source, or, in the case of the Monster, it was combination of his acquired learning long with life experiences, 'voices of reason' become necessary, when toiling with fate.

Work Cited

Bates, Jack-- Helium 2004: Literary Themes: "The importance of setting in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'" (google: link blocked)

Cohen, Garrett-- Analysis of a passage from Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” http://garrettcohen.wordpress.com/2011/05/10/analysis-of-a-passage-from-mary-shelleys-frankenstein/

Lorring, Raina-- Helium 2011: Literary Themes: "Dangerous knowledge in Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley" (google: link blocked)

Shelley, Mary-- Analysis of "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley : Morality Without God// http://www.articlemyriad.com/96.htm

An Analysis of the theme of Alienation in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein http://epubl.ltu.se/1402-1773/2006/049/LTU-CUPP-06049-SE.pdf

Various Quotes and excerpts from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein