Romanticism In Frankenstein Research Paper

Romanticism was an aesthetic movement that originated in Germany in the eighteenth century. The Romantic Movement was a reaction against the age of Enlightenment and its rational thinking. Romanticism's most important features are: celebration of nature and the struggle of the individual against society; these features play vital roles in Mary Shelley's 1818 masterpiece, Frankenstein, which is a classic romantic novel, combine to create one of the most important novels in the English literature.

The theme that plays a greater role in the Romantic Movement is the power of nature, and this theme serves a vital purpose in Frankenstein. The mystery of nature is admonished in the novel, especially in the moments of crisis.
In contrast to the Enlightenment perspective, for the Romantics, civilization is not the greatest human good, moreover, they see it as a corrupting and abusive system that deprive individuals of their individuality and humanity. For example, when Dr. Frankenstein leaves his Alpine home to join the University, his manic pursuits begin; he is corrupted by his ambition that also saturates these large university towns. This change in Victor's character pursuits the reader that knowledge and progress leads only to dehumanization and the destruction of the individual. Moreover, the corruption of society is also relevant in the townspeople's reactions to Frankenstein's monster. However, it becomes clear that the monster is naturally brilliant minded and has a strong capacity for feelings, including his desire to love and be loved back; however he is refused because of his appearance.

In conclusion, nature and the individual versus society are the main themes that discuss Romanticism in Frankenstein. In every home and every town that supposed to be enlightened and civilized, we find people to be judged by their appearance, and that civilized people are not guided by reason or rationality and are incapable of looking beyond