Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus - 1818
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is a novel written by English author Mary Shelley (1797–1851) that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a hideous, sapient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment.
Shelley travelled through Europe in 1814, journeying along the river Rhine in Germany with a stop in Gernsheim, which is 17 kilometres (11 mi) away from Frankenstein Castle, where, two centuries before, an alchemist was engaged in experiments. Later, she travelled in the region of Geneva (Switzerland)—where much of the story takes place—and the topic of galvanism and occult ideas were themes of conversation among her companions, particularly her lover and future husband, Percy B. Shelley. Mary, Percy and Lord Byron decided to have a competition to see who could write the best horror story. After thinking for days, Shelley dreamt about a scientist who created life and was horrified by what he had made; her dream later evolved into the novel's story.
The pursuit of knowledge is at the heart of Frankenstein, as Victor attempts to surpass human limits and access the secret of life. Likewise, though it might like little sense when starting the book and still sticks out rather awkwardly as a plot tangent, Robert Walton attempts to surpass previous human explorations by endeavoring to reach the North Pole. This ruthless pursuit of knowledge, of the light or fire in reference to the Prometheus part of the title, proves fatal, as Victor’s act of creation eventually results in the destruction of everyone dear to him, and Walton finds himself perilously trapped between sheets of ice. Whereas Victor’s obsessive hatred of the monster drives him to his death, Walton ultimately pulls back from his treacherous mission, having learned from Victor’s example how destructive the thirst for knowledge can be. In an age of rapid intellectual and technological revolution, Shelly pulls much from classic Greek myth, not only the story of Prometheus but Icarus as well, to show that innovation must be tempered with rational thought and emotional boundaries.
ReplyDeleteThis is contrast or perhaps compliment to the elements of nature. The aspect of rebirth and the cycle of life is presented in the moods and pursuits of Victor and the monster, their attitudes and pursuits are directly impacted by the seasons. There was a back to nature movement at the time of the book's authorship which could be seen as a direct response to the technological explosion of the times
The fatalistic tone of the book, from Victor, the monster, and Walton pervades all and is made more striking by Victor's happy remembrances from his childhood. All the characters seem resigned to their fates and the only effort to alter their station after the creation of the monster, is the monster himself, reaching out to the family in the forest house and then again to Walton to seek validation of his tale.
I did by in large enjoy the book though did find the aforementioned tone taxing after awhile. There was not much hope or illumination from the symbolic flame of knowledge to encourage me as I went through the book. I am most curious how the monster went from the original incarnation in the book, a thoughtful and tragic character, to the mindless giant that is called Frankenstein in modern times.
Science and the power it grants, is central to the book. “What could not be expected in the country of eternal light?” asks Walton, displaying a faith in, and optimism about, science which characterizes the time period. In Frankenstein, light symbolizes knowledge, discovery, and enlightenment. The natural world is a place of dark secrets, hidden passages, and unknown mechanisms. Modern science and its practitioners are the only hope in driving back the darkness of nature and allowing man to take charge of their own fates. Light is produced by fire and it is this symbol that shows the double edged sword of knowledge. Cliché as it is, the phrase, “If you play with fire, you will get burned,” is on display here. Is it Shelly’s naturalist leanings, uncertainty as to the direction of society at the onset of the industrial revolution, or simply a call for moderation and rationality? The monster’s first experience with a still-smoldering flame reveals the dual nature of fire: he discovers excitedly that it creates light in the darkness of the night, but also that it harms him when he touches it.
ReplyDeleteWhat does it mean to be human? What responsibility do we owe each other? How far can we go in tampering with Nature? In our age, filled with news of bio-terrorism and organ donation genetic engineering, these questions are relevant. These ideas were lifted from a book review, but they succinctly reflect the reason Frankenstein maintains after several several hundred years. Written by 18 year old Mary Shelley in the early 1800’s, its horror and science and elegant prose are indicative of its age but also a literary marvel.
ReplyDeleteAt first I was put off by the boredom and seeming lack of direction of the style of letters sent by a sea captain to his sister. Later the tie back to the story became obvious. It seems to be a literary device not expected of an author so young and inexperienced. I wondered if the novel were actually written by Mary or if it had contributions from her older and literarily extolled husband Percy or her romantic involvement with Lord Byron.
Once the tale of the scientist and his horror at his creation began, I fell into the rhythm of the ornate language and was caught up in the tale. That such a grotesque monster could evolve into emotions required a belief stretch that never quite jelled. Still, taken in some symbolic way of human potential, it became sympathetic.
The story was terribly depressing, especially given the main character’s frequent propensity to dissolve into tears. The saving grace was the influence of Romanticism, which allowed Nature to brighten spirits of the characters and color scenery. Without that balance of the Gothic horror, this would have been very difficult to read. I am curious to watch the film adaptation.