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Shelley goes beyond the whole "playing god" theme, and it is essentially a means to an end to convey that what she desired to show. Victor Frankenstein is a man of pride and given over to his worldy pursuits. His pursuit leads to his own neglect of physical and mental health. He has neglected that which is most precious to him, namely his family and his best friend Clerval. He creates a monster. The monster has two roles, one it represents the culmination of Victor's pursuits and attainments, and secondly it represents inequality and injustice.

As a representation of his pursuits an attainments, it comes to occupy his whole life in a complete neglect of everything that was dear to him. It draws him away and ends in the loss of everything that is dear, his brother, Clerval, his wife and his father.

In the representation of inequality and injustice, we see the monster as a reject, spurned by society. No value was attributed to him, yet inwardly he held to good virtues, but when rejected he was changed. When thinking of young, innercity youth who join gangs, or homeless people on the street, we judge them for who they are outwardly, but would we be any different if we were subjected to the same life as they? So Shelley displays the outcome of our treatment of others. Such a story would be an excellent read in a day and age in which school shootings are commonplace and terrorism in the news. As the monster points out in the end, he has committed crimes, horrible crimes, robbing the innocent of life. But the question comes, which crime was greater, his? or the crimes by society that brought him to commit such crimes.

Then there is one other message that comes across - revenge destroys everyone.

In reading look for the underlying messages and be moved.

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What is the social and historical context of Frankenstein?

Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelley and is considered as a romantic/gothic novel. The romantics believed that nature on its own had done the best of work and that to alter it was to corrupt it. This is different from Mary Shelley's dad's view, author William Godwin, who believed that the perfectibility of Man was obvious and that god maybe was not so benine. This was a more gnostic view, and it is surprising that Mary Shelley went against that at the early age of 17.


In Frankenstein the monster learns his origins by what?

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the monster learns about his origins by observing a family living in a cottage, which he secretly watches. Through their interactions, he gains insights into human emotions and social dynamics, and he discovers the nature of companionship and acceptance. Additionally, the monster finds Victor Frankenstein's journal, which reveals details about his creation and the circumstances of his existence. This knowledge fuels his feelings of rejection and isolation, leading him to confront his creator.


Where are the delaceys from in Frankenstein?

The De Lacey family in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is from Germany. They are living in exile in a small cottage in the woods of Switzerland after fleeing their homeland due to political reasons. The family consists of the blind father, De Lacey, and his children, Felix and Agatha, who support each other through their hardships. Their background and experiences highlight themes of social injustice and the impact of isolation in the novel.


In the book Frankenstein was the creature naturally evil?

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the creature is not inherently evil; rather, it is shaped by its experiences and the rejection it faces from society. Initially innocent and seeking companionship, the creature becomes embittered and vengeful due to the cruelty and isolation imposed upon it by humans, particularly its creator, Victor Frankenstein. This transformation highlights the theme of how environment and social rejection can lead to destructive behavior, suggesting that the creature's malevolence is a product of circumstance rather than innate nature.


What Colloquialisms are in Frankenstein?

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," colloquialisms reflect the characters' backgrounds and social contexts. For example, Victor Frankenstein often uses formal language indicative of his educated status, while characters like the De Laceys exhibit simpler, more rustic speech that highlights their humble lifestyle. Additionally, terms related to nature and emotion serve as colloquial expressions of the characters' experiences and societal norms of the time. These language choices help to ground the narrative in its 19th-century setting and enhance character development.

Related Questions

What was happening when Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein?

Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1816, during a time of social upheaval in Europe following the French Revolution. The Industrial Revolution was also transforming society, bringing about rapid technological advancements. Additionally, Mary Shelley was influenced by the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion, nature, and questioning of societal norms.


What is the social and historical context of Frankenstein?

Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelley and is considered as a romantic/gothic novel. The romantics believed that nature on its own had done the best of work and that to alter it was to corrupt it. This is different from Mary Shelley's dad's view, author William Godwin, who believed that the perfectibility of Man was obvious and that god maybe was not so benine. This was a more gnostic view, and it is surprising that Mary Shelley went against that at the early age of 17.


When did Mary Shelleys father die?

Mary Shelley's father, William Godwin, died on April 7, 1836. He was a prominent philosopher and novelist, known for his works on political and social theory. His death occurred several years after Mary Shelley had already established her literary career, including the publication of her most famous work, "Frankenstein."


In Frankenstein the monster learns his origins by what?

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the monster learns about his origins by observing a family living in a cottage, which he secretly watches. Through their interactions, he gains insights into human emotions and social dynamics, and he discovers the nature of companionship and acceptance. Additionally, the monster finds Victor Frankenstein's journal, which reveals details about his creation and the circumstances of his existence. This knowledge fuels his feelings of rejection and isolation, leading him to confront his creator.


What has the author Shelley Patnoe written?

Shelley Patnoe has written: 'A narrative history of experimental social psychology' -- subject(s): History, Research, Social psychology


What was life like when Mary Shelley was alive?

Life during Mary Shelley's time (1797-1851) was marked by social, political, and technological changes. The Industrial Revolution was transforming society, while the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars brought political upheaval. Women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, making Mary Shelley's achievements as a writer particularly significant. Romanticism, with its focus on emotions, nature, and the supernatural, was a dominant cultural movement during this period.


Mary Shelley husband was important figure in his own right why?

Mary Shelley's husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, was an important figure in his own right as a renowned English Romantic poet. He wrote influential works such as "Ozymandias" and "Ode to the West Wind," and was known for his radical political views and commitment to social justice. Percy Bysshe Shelley's support and encouragement also played a significant role in Mary Shelley's development as a writer, particularly in the creation of her iconic novel, "Frankenstein."


Where are the delaceys from in Frankenstein?

The De Lacey family in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is from Germany. They are living in exile in a small cottage in the woods of Switzerland after fleeing their homeland due to political reasons. The family consists of the blind father, De Lacey, and his children, Felix and Agatha, who support each other through their hardships. Their background and experiences highlight themes of social injustice and the impact of isolation in the novel.


In the book Frankenstein was the creature naturally evil?

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the creature is not inherently evil; rather, it is shaped by its experiences and the rejection it faces from society. Initially innocent and seeking companionship, the creature becomes embittered and vengeful due to the cruelty and isolation imposed upon it by humans, particularly its creator, Victor Frankenstein. This transformation highlights the theme of how environment and social rejection can lead to destructive behavior, suggesting that the creature's malevolence is a product of circumstance rather than innate nature.


What could The use of sustainable construction techniques to address the environmental concerns could generate social and economic benefits in the future?

Sustainable construction would help address the unimaginable wastage generated in the industry.


Who was Mary Shelley's husband and what did he do for a living?

Mary Shelley's husband was Percy Bysshe Shelley, a renowned English romantic poet. He was known for his radical political and social views, as well as his poetry that reflected his passion for social justice and individual freedom.


What Colloquialisms are in Frankenstein?

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," colloquialisms reflect the characters' backgrounds and social contexts. For example, Victor Frankenstein often uses formal language indicative of his educated status, while characters like the De Laceys exhibit simpler, more rustic speech that highlights their humble lifestyle. Additionally, terms related to nature and emotion serve as colloquial expressions of the characters' experiences and societal norms of the time. These language choices help to ground the narrative in its 19th-century setting and enhance character development.