The Role Of Romanticism In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Frankenstein: A Novel Worth Studying
Not only is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein an engaging novel, but also promotes such influential movements, eras, and philosophies based upon her time. Through in depth study and application, Frankenstein provides its readers with an intricate plot, while also offering relations that may be observed from different points of view. In addition, Shelley’s literary piece manifests upon how severe consequences may become if one opposes fate. Being the Romantic Era’s most admirable piece of literature; the novel combines a detailed critique of humanity while displaying aspects of Romanticism and the inherent state of nature through notable themes, all which provide Shelley’s work to be worthy of valued and continued
However, Romanticism seldom has little to do with the aspects believed to be “romantic”, despite any valued feelings tied into the subject. Rather, Romanticism is a philosophical movement that had redefined underlying ways in which people thought about themselves, in addition to the world around them. In Praag’s view, “There appears to be influences at work in this world, escaping from our scientific analysis; profoundly influencing our existence” (Praag). Meaning, these “influences” ideally help one establish the reality perceiving what is all around; creating a sense of oneself. As Praag remarks, “Concluded amazement—through imagination—is a primary drive for religiosity. Amazement sets this imagination in motion, and imagining nurtures religiosity” (Praag). Believing, it is crucial to place an emphasis on driving emotions through beliefs, rather than on logical conclusions. Convinced that “Such individuals do not consider existence as it appears. They are unable to live (solely) ‘functionally’, according to principles of efficiency and productivity. Rather, living ‘ornamentally’; embellishing ineffective life elements, in some sense, satisfying a sense of beauty and harmony” (Praag). Signifying that in today’s society beauty, countless times will lead to spiritual and moral development of oneself, preferably instituting simple logic over evident
This nature of humanity is solely based upon the relationship of external appearance vs internal feelings; profoundly exemplified by the creature. The creature is created as purely innocent though he is severely deformed. Noted that “His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was lustrous black:his teeth of pearly whiteness; the luxuriances formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes that seemed almost of the same color as his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips” (Shelley 43). Thus the creature’s nature is good, society seems to view only his appearance. In time, he comes to realize no matter how kind he is, people will never be able to see past his physical deformities. “He struggled violently. ‘Let me go’ he cried; monster! ugly wretch! you wish to eat me to tear me to pieces, you are an ogre-let me go, or I will tell my papa” (Shelley 131). Even though William is so young he, like everyone, made judgments based on appearance, assuming the creature was as evil as it looked. The creature also doesn't have anybody to teach, nurture, or even protect him from the outside world. After creating the creature Victor says, “I beheld the wretch...His jaws opened and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grin wrinkled his cheeks. He might have spoken, but I did not hear, one hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain