Frankenstein Themes
Themes (student descriptions)
Nature vs. Science – version 1
In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley one of the most explored themes is the contrast between nature and science. Nature is the world as it primarily exists meanwhile science is the variation and remodeling of nature’s course by mankind’s intervention. Through the portrayal of the two main protagonists Frankenstein and the monster, Mary Shelley emphasizes the dominance of nature over science, thus reflecting the foundations and ideals of Romanticism. Frankenstein’s experiment is the symbol of the boundary between nature and science, and the monster represents the exploitation of the moral values of society. As the author demonstrates throughout the novel nature is the real source of life and when altered provokes terrible disasters; furthermore, nature’s power is reflected on many occasions, such as when the ice in the North Pole blocks the course of the ship and Frankenstein is unable to confront the powerful current of the sea. The entire novel is Shelley’s own reflection on the relationship between nature and science. The author’s perspective of the world, profoundly influenced by her romantic view, is a developed critic of the effect of science on society which she emphasizes the dramatic evolvement of events with the death of the most important characters. Shelley’s ultimate comment on society is that nature and reality triumph over experimentation with life.
Nature vs. Science – version 2 Science is the knowledge gained by the systematic study of the things around us. Nature makes up the things that surrounds us. One of the many links between nature and science is evolution. A major difference can be found between evolution in science in nature: in science humans have the power to decide evolution while in nature, the progression of life is determined by external agents and elements.
This bond between science and nature can be seen in the novel Frankenstein, by M. Shelley. By
Nature vs. Science – version 1
In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley one of the most explored themes is the contrast between nature and science. Nature is the world as it primarily exists meanwhile science is the variation and remodeling of nature’s course by mankind’s intervention. Through the portrayal of the two main protagonists Frankenstein and the monster, Mary Shelley emphasizes the dominance of nature over science, thus reflecting the foundations and ideals of Romanticism. Frankenstein’s experiment is the symbol of the boundary between nature and science, and the monster represents the exploitation of the moral values of society. As the author demonstrates throughout the novel nature is the real source of life and when altered provokes terrible disasters; furthermore, nature’s power is reflected on many occasions, such as when the ice in the North Pole blocks the course of the ship and Frankenstein is unable to confront the powerful current of the sea. The entire novel is Shelley’s own reflection on the relationship between nature and science. The author’s perspective of the world, profoundly influenced by her romantic view, is a developed critic of the effect of science on society which she emphasizes the dramatic evolvement of events with the death of the most important characters. Shelley’s ultimate comment on society is that nature and reality triumph over experimentation with life.
Nature vs. Science – version 2 Science is the knowledge gained by the systematic study of the things around us. Nature makes up the things that surrounds us. One of the many links between nature and science is evolution. A major difference can be found between evolution in science in nature: in science humans have the power to decide evolution while in nature, the progression of life is determined by external agents and elements.
This bond between science and nature can be seen in the novel Frankenstein, by M. Shelley. By