Frankenstein By Mary Shelley Frankenstein Published in 1818
Frankenstein By Mary Shelley
Frankenstein § Published in 1818 § Gothic and Romantic Style § AKA “The Modern Prometheus”
The Modern Prometheus § Prometheus was a Titan who was known as the “champion for mankind”. § He stole the secret of fire from Zeus and gave it to mortals (man). § As punishment, Zeus had Prometheus tied to a rock and everyday an eagle would come and eat his liver, and every night it would grow back.
Prometheus § Eventually Prometheus was rescued by Hercules. § There are clear connections between the story of Prometheus and the story of Victor Frankenstein. § Prometheus steals fire from Zeus= Victor stealing secret of life from God.
Origin § The story of Frankenstein was born the summer of 1816 while Mary and her husband, Percy, were visiting their friend, Lord Byron in Geneva. § They had a contest to see who could come up with the best scary story.
Galvanism § During the period that Shelley was writing this book, scientists of the time were experimenting with electricity and its effects on the human form and other living beings. § Galvanism is the science and experiments which were performed at the time which had to do with using electricity to bring back life.
Galvanism § Had a huge influence on the Shelley’s and obviously on Mary (she based her novel on this scientific idea. )
Story § § § The story is written in a “frame narrative” A story within a story The story of Cpt. Robert Walton is the outside of the frame § The story of V. Frank. is the inside § Ends with Walton.
Story § The story’s outer frame starts out as an “epistolary” novel. § Epistola means letter. § So the novel starts out as a series of letters and ends the same way. § In between, the readers learn the story of Victor Frankenstein.
Story § Victor Frankenstein is a scientist who becomes obsessed with the idea of reanimation/Galvanism (bringing things back to life). § He creates a being from various body parts and brings it to life. § However, things do no go as planned.
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Mary Shelley § Mother was Mary Wollstonecraft, author of The Vindication of the Rights of Women, and a famous feminist. § Born in London, England in 1797. § Studied at home with tutors and knew Latin, French, and Italian.
Mary Shelley
Mary Shelly § Met her husband, Percy, at age 16. § He was already married, but believed in an “open marriage”- Mary did not. § They eventually eloped to various parts of Europe and they married when she was 18. § Percy died 6 years after they were married.
The Shelley’s Summer of 1816 § They travelled around France, Switzerland, and Germany. § Traveled through the forests of the areas and more than likely saw/visited the Frankenstein Castle (no connection to the Frankenstein of the novel. ) § Stayed with Lord Byron and this is where the story of Frankenstein was “born”.
Mary Shelly § After Percy died, Mary spend the majority of her time compiling his works and poetry and getting them published. § Eventually, she moved back to England with her son. § Died at age of 53 (1851) from a brain tumor.
Romantic Style/Romanticism § Became popular during the Industrial Revolution § It was a reaction against rationalization of nature due to the Age of Enlightenment. § Helped spawn Transcendentalism.
Romanticism § § § Valued aesthetics (beauty) and nature Based on strong emotion Reliance on intuition Commitment to individualism Free- thinking, non-conforming, independent § Considered rebels
Romanticism § Natural world= good § Human society= corruption § A literary, artistic, and intellectual movement
Romantic Art
Gothic § Same basic elements as Romanticism § Also included elements of the supernatural world (ghosts, monsters, etc. ) § Rejected Rationalism
Gothic § § § Sad Suspenseful Darkness and gloom Mystery Overly dramatic Terror/Fear
Gothic Archetypes § § § § Woman in danger/damsel in distress Supernatural occurrences Ambiguous hero Dungeons, tombs, castles Overly emotional Violent weather Big landscapes (large forests)
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