Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is a novel deeply imbued with the spirit of the Romantic era. Written in the early 19th century, a period marked by a profound reevaluation of humanity's relationship with nature, emotion, and societal norms, the novel reflects many of these ideals. Through the ambitious pursuits of Victor Frankenstein and the tragic existence of his creation, Shelley explores the power of the sublime in nature, the overwhelming force of individual passion and alienation, and the dangers inherent in unchecked scientific ambition. These elements converge to create a narrative that is not only a chilling gothic tale but also a powerful commentary on Romantic thought.
One of the most striking Romantic elements in Frankenstein is the pervasive presence and influence of nature. The Romantics saw nature not merely as a backdrop but as a living, breathing entity capable of profound spiritual and emotional impact. For Victor Frankenstein, the Alps and the arctic wastes serve as sites of both inspiration and torment. His initial scientific fervor is ignited by storms and the raw power of the natural world, and later, his despair and guilt are mirrored in the desolate, unforgiving landscapes he traverses. When he first encounters the creature after its animation, Victor flees to the mountains, seeking solace in their grandeur, which he believes can restore his "shattered nerves." This aligns with the Romantic concept of the sublime, where awe-inspiring natural phenomena evoke a mixture of terror and delight, leading to a heightened emotional and spiritual experience. The creature, too, finds solace and understanding in nature. He learns about the world and human emotions by observing families in pastoral settings, experiencing the beauty of a forest, and feeling the warmth of the sun. Nature, for the creature, is a source of initial comfort and a teacher, contrasting sharply with the rejection he faces from humanity.
Beyond the appreciation of nature, Frankenstein is saturated with intense individual emotion, another hallmark of Romanticism. The era celebrated passion, imagination, and the subjective experience of the individual, often to the point of obsession. Victor Frankenstein is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a burning desire for glory, emotions that consume him entirely. His ambition to "bestow animation upon lifeless matter" is a solitary, all-consuming passion that blinds him to the ethical implications and potential consequences of his actions. This fervent, almost feverish pursuit of knowledge is a distinctly Romantic characteristic. Similarly, the creature's emotional journey is one of extreme highs and lows. Initially, he experiences a childlike wonder and a longing for connection. However, his profound loneliness and the constant rejection he endures by society, beginning with his creator's abandonment, lead to a descent into bitter rage and a desire for revenge. His eloquent pleas to Victor, filled with anguish and despair, are deeply emotional expressions that highlight the Romantic emphasis on the inner life and the suffering of the individual.
The theme of alienation and isolation also resonates strongly with Romantic ideals. While Romanticism often championed the individual's unique spirit, it also acknowledged the potential for profound loneliness when that spirit was misunderstood or ostracized. Both Victor and his creation experience crippling isolation. Victor's isolation stems from his secret ambition and the guilt he carries after abandoning his creation. He withdraws from society, unable to share his burden, leading to increasing psychological distress and physical decline. His solitary work in the laboratory, a space removed from human interaction, symbolizes his detachment. The creature's isolation is more visceral and absolute; he is physically deformed and universally feared, making any attempt at connection futile. His cry, "I am malicious because I am miserable," encapsulates the Romantic notion that suffering and alienation can breed darkness. The creature's desperate longing for companionship, even a single being who will not recoil from him, underscores the Romantic belief in the fundamental human need for connection, and the devastating consequences of its denial.
In conclusion, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein serves as a powerful literary embodiment of Romanticism. The novel’s profound engagement with the sublime power of nature, the overwhelming intensity of individual emotions like ambition and despair, and the tragic consequences of alienation and isolation all echo the core tenets of the Romantic movement. Victor Frankenstein’s hubristic quest and his creature’s piteous existence, set against breathtaking natural backdrops, highlight the era's fascination with the individual, the untamed world, and the complex, often dark, landscape of the human heart.