Mary Shelley’s classic novel “Frankenstein” is a literary masterpiece that has captivated readers for generations. While many may view it simply as a horror story, the novel is much more than that. In fact, it is an allegory that conveys a hidden meaning through the use of symbolic characters and events.
At its core, “Frankenstein” is an allegory for the creation story from the Book of Genesis. The novel’s protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, creates a monster that is an allegory for Adam, the first man created by God. Like Adam, the monster is created in the image of his creator and is initially innocent and pure. However, he is rejected by society and ultimately becomes a symbol of humanity’s fall from grace.
Through the use of allegory, Shelley explores complex themes such as the dangers of playing God, the consequences of scientific progress, and the nature of humanity. By examining the novel through this lens, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for its timeless message and enduring relevance.
Historical Context of ‘Frankenstein’
In the early 19th century, the world was experiencing social, political, scientific, and economic upheaval. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing, and the world was rapidly changing. Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ was written during this time, and it reflects the fears and anxieties of the era.
The novel emphasizes the importance of the Enlightenment, which was a philosophical movement that emphasized reason and individualism. The Romantic movement, which celebrated emotion and the natural world, was also a significant influence on the novel. Both of these movements were responses to the social and political changes of the time.
Furthermore, the novel reflects the scientific developments of the era, particularly in the field of electricity. The discovery of electricity was a major scientific breakthrough, and it inspired many scientists to explore the limits of what was possible. This scientific curiosity is reflected in the character of Victor Frankenstein, who is obsessed with creating life.
Main Characters as Allegorical Figures
Victor Frankenstein and the Pursuit of Knowledge
Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist of the novel, can be seen as an allegorical figure for the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the pursuit of knowledge. His obsession with creating life leads him to create the Creature, which ultimately becomes a destructive force that he cannot control. This can be interpreted as a warning against the dangers of playing God and the consequences of scientific hubris.
The Creature and Human Nature
The Creature can be seen as an allegorical figure for the darker aspects of human nature. His isolation and rejection by society lead him to become vengeful and violent. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the destructive nature of prejudice and the importance of empathy and acceptance.
Robert Walton and Exploration
Robert Walton, the captain of the ship that rescues Victor at the beginning of the novel, can be seen as an allegorical figure for the dangers of unchecked exploration and ambition. His obsession with discovering the North Pole leads him to risk the lives of his crew and ultimately endangers his own life. This can be interpreted as a warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of balancing exploration with caution.
Themes and Their Allegorical Significance
The Dangers of Knowledge
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein explores the dangers of knowledge and its consequences. Victor Frankenstein’s pursuit of knowledge leads him to create a monster that he cannot control. This theme is allegorical because it represents the dangers of playing God and the consequences that come with it. Just as Victor’s ambition led to his downfall, the pursuit of knowledge without regard for consequences can lead to destruction.
Isolation and Companionship
Another important theme in Frankenstein is isolation and companionship. The monster created by Victor Frankenstein is rejected by society and left to live a life of isolation. This theme is allegorical because it represents the importance of human connection and the consequences of isolation. The monster’s isolation leads him to seek revenge against his creator and society.
Nature Versus Nurture
Nature versus nurture is a recurring theme in Frankenstein. The monster created by Victor Frankenstein is inherently good but becomes evil due to the way he is treated by society. This theme is allegorical because it represents the debate over whether behavior is determined by nature or nurture. The monster’s behavior is a result of his environment and the way he is treated by society.
The Role of Creator and Creation
Frankenstein also explores the relationship between creator and creation. Victor Frankenstein creates a monster that he cannot control and is ultimately destroyed by it. This theme is allegorical because it represents the responsibility of creators for their creations. Just as Victor is responsible for the monster he created, creators in the real world are responsible for the products they create and the impact they have on society.
Scientific Innovation and Ethical Responsibility
In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the theme of scientific innovation and ethical responsibility is explored through the character of Victor Frankenstein. Victor’s pursuit of scientific knowledge and ambition to create life ultimately leads to disastrous consequences.
The novel highlights the importance of ethical considerations in scientific innovation. Victor’s lack of concern for the ethical implications of his experiment and his disregard for the potential consequences of his actions ultimately lead to the destruction of himself and those around him.
The novel serves as a cautionary tale, warning readers of the dangers that can arise when scientific innovation is pursued without ethical responsibility. It emphasizes the importance of considering the potential consequences of scientific advancements and the need for ethical guidelines to govern scientific research.
In today’s society, the theme of scientific innovation and ethical responsibility remains relevant. As technology continues to advance, it is important for scientists and researchers to consider the ethical implications of their work and to ensure that their innovations are used for the betterment of society.
Social Critique in ‘Frankenstein’
Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ is more than just a gothic horror novel. It is a social critique of the industrial revolution and the consequences of scientific advancement. The novel’s protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, represents the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge without regard for its consequences.
Shelley’s critique is not limited to Frankenstein’s character. The novel also highlights the societal implications of scientific advancement. The creature, Frankenstein’s creation, is a symbol of the dangers of science without ethics. The creature is abandoned by its creator and is forced to navigate a world that is hostile to its existence.
Shelley’s novel also critiques the role of women in society. The female characters in the novel are limited to domestic roles and are not given the same opportunities as men. This is exemplified by the character of Elizabeth, who is confined to the role of a wife and is unable to pursue her own ambitions.
Religious Symbolism in “Frankenstein”
Religion plays a significant role in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” The novel explores the theme of creation and the consequences that arise from it. The religious symbolism in the novel adds depth to the story and highlights the moral and ethical issues that arise from the pursuit of knowledge.
One of the most significant religious symbols in “Frankenstein” is the concept of the creator and the created. Victor Frankenstein is often seen as a god-like figure who creates life, and his creation is often compared to Adam, the first man created by God in the Bible. This comparison highlights the dangers of playing God and the consequences that arise from it.
Another religious symbol in the novel is the use of light and darkness. Light represents knowledge and enlightenment, while darkness represents ignorance and fear. Victor Frankenstein’s pursuit of knowledge leads him into the darkness of obsession and madness. The monster, on the other hand, is initially in darkness and ignorance but seeks light and knowledge.
Finally, the novel also uses the symbol of fire to represent the dangers of knowledge and the consequences of playing God. Fire is a powerful and dangerous force that can be used for good or evil. In “Frankenstein,” fire represents the dangerous and destructive power of knowledge and the consequences that arise from using it for selfish purposes.
Romanticism and the Sublime
Romanticism was a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century and lasted until the mid-19th century. It was characterized by a fascination with nature, emotion, and the supernatural. One of the key themes of Romanticism was the sublime, which referred to an experience of awe-inspiring beauty that was simultaneously terrifying and overwhelming.
In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, the theme of the sublime is evident in the descriptions of the natural world. The novel’s protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, often finds himself overwhelmed by the beauty and power of nature. For example, when he first sees Mont Blanc, he is struck by its “sublime and magnificent” appearance. This sense of awe and wonder is a hallmark of Romanticism.
The sublime also plays a significant role in the novel’s exploration of the dangers of unchecked ambition. Victor’s pursuit of knowledge and power ultimately leads him to create the monster, which becomes his undoing. The monster itself is a sublime creation, both beautiful and terrifying. Its very existence challenges the limits of human understanding and control.
The Prometheus Myth in ‘Frankenstein’
Frankenstein is subtitled “The Modern Prometheus,” which suggests that the novel is related to the Greek myth of Prometheus. In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans. In doing so, he defied the gods and suffered eternal punishment.
The allusion to Prometheus in Frankenstein is significant because it highlights the theme of the dangers of knowledge and the consequences of playing God. Victor Frankenstein, like Prometheus, seeks to create life and gain knowledge that should be reserved for the gods. This pursuit leads to his downfall and the destruction of those he loves.
Furthermore, the allusion to Prometheus is also ironic. In the myth, Prometheus creates humans after his brother Epimetheus gives all of the good qualities to animals. In contrast, Frankenstein creates a monster that is rejected by society and causes destruction. The irony highlights the dangers of playing God and the consequences of creating life without considering the ramifications.