Gothicism in Frankenstein

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses "Frankenstein", written by Mary Shelly. The paper relates that the novel is a masterpiece of nineteenth-century Gothicism and the prototype of the twentieth-century science-fiction novel. The paper also relates that "Frankenstein" is a subversive and morbid story warning against the dehumanization of art and the corrupting influence of science. The paper further explains that, in common with Gothic tales, "Frankenstein" makes use of the correspondence between theme, character and setting.

From the Paper:

"The Monster appears to be an almost perfect creation (apart from his horrible appearance), who is often more human than humans themselves. He is benevolent (he saves a little child; he helps the De Lacey family collecting firewood), intelligent and cultured (he learns to read and talk in a very short time; he reads Goethe's Werther, Milton's Paradise Lost and Plutarch's works). The only reason why he fails is his repulsive appearance. After having been rejected and attacked again and again by the people he runs into only because of his horrible physiognomy, the Monster, alone and left on his own, develops a deadly hatred against his creator Frankenstein and against all of mankind. Therefore only society is to blame for the dangerous threat to mankind that the Monster has become. If people had adopted the Monster into their society instead of being biased against him and mistreating him he would have become a valuable member of the human society due to his outstanding physical and intellectual powers."

More papers on Gothicism in Frankenstein:

• Analytical Essay # 127862 : "The Gothic Elements in "Frankenstein"
• Book Review # 102813 : "Parallels in "Frankenstein"
• Book Review # 105542 : "Romantic and Gothic Influences in "Frankenstein"

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