"What makes Frankenstein an important book, though it is only a strong, flawed novel with frequent clumsiness in its narrative and characterization, is that it contains one of the most vivid versions we have of the Romantic mythology of the self, one that resembles Blake's "Book of Urizen", Shelley’s "Prometheus Unbound" and Byron's "Manfred", among other works. Because it lacks the sophistication and imaginative complexity of such works, Frankenstein affords a unique introduction to the archetypal world of the Romantics."
This quotation by Harold Bloom, focuses on the aspect of why the novel Frankenstein is so important and why it stands out compared to other novels of the same genre. The argument is discussed later in this paper. Consequently, more questions are answered: What is Shelley's style of writing? Which elements does the novel Frankenstein consist of, and what makes it differ from other Gothic novels? The paper's aim is to answer these questions and to give information about the question: Is Frankenstein a typical Gothic novel?
The structure is as follows. At first, the context of the novel is explained by giving background information about the author Mary Shelley. Subsequently, the Gothic genre is introduced, followed by the Gothic themes in "Frankenstein" which are analyzed under different aspects. Lastly, the findings are compiled in the conclusion.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Context
- 2.1. Information about Mary Shelley
- 2.2 The Gothic genre
- 3. Gothic themes in Frankenstein
- 3.1 Horror and monstrosity
- 3.2 Similarity of Victor and the monster
- 3.3 Sexuality and incest
- 3.4 Narrative style
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, exploring its significance within the Romantic literary tradition and its adherence to Gothic conventions. It investigates Shelley's writing style, the novel's constituent elements, and its divergence from other Gothic novels. The analysis will determine whether Frankenstein conforms to the typical characteristics of the Gothic genre.
- The significance of Frankenstein within the Romantic movement.
- The novel's adherence to and divergence from established Gothic conventions.
- Analysis of key Gothic themes present in Frankenstein.
- Examination of the relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his creation.
- Exploration of Shelley's narrative style and its contribution to the novel's overall effect.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the paper's central question: Is Frankenstein a typical Gothic novel? It highlights the novel's importance, despite its narrative flaws, by emphasizing its portrayal of the Romantic self. The chapter also outlines the paper's structure, promising to explore Mary Shelley's background, the Gothic genre, and the analysis of Gothic themes in Frankenstein, ultimately culminating in a conclusion that addresses the central question. It cites differing critical perspectives on the novel, previewing the complexity of the interpretations to be explored.
2. Context: This section provides background information essential to understanding Frankenstein. It begins by establishing Mary Shelley's significance as a Romantic author, detailing her prolific literary output and influence on subsequent film adaptations. The chapter also touches on criticisms she received, particularly regarding allegations of borrowing from family writings. Further, this section delves into the Gothic genre, its definitions, and its evolution across various art forms. It explains the genre's formulaic structure and recurring themes, highlighting its appeal to a widely familiar audience. The chapter concludes by discussing the unique blend of monstrosity and creation found in Frankenstein, connecting it to Enlightenment-era themes and the changing role of women in Gothic literature.
3. Gothic themes in Frankenstein: This chapter delves into the core Gothic themes present in Frankenstein, starting with an examination of horror and monstrosity. It differentiates the novel's depiction of horror from that of other Gothic novels by highlighting the moral ambiguity of the monster's actions and the "coldly logical justification" behind its ruthlessness. The chapter then examines the striking similarities between Victor Frankenstein and his creation, emphasizing their "doubleness" and exploring the concept of the Doppelgänger as a Gothic trope. This section analyzes their shared traits, including their desire for knowledge, inability to love, and self-centeredness. The exploration of their mirrored destinies and the intricate relationship serves as a critical element in understanding the novel's central themes.
Keywords
Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, Gothic novel, Romanticism, horror, monstrosity, Doppelgänger, creation, creator, Victor Frankenstein, the monster, narrative style, Gothic themes, incest, Romantic self.
Frequently Asked Questions: Frankenstein - A Gothic Novel Analysis
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic paper analyzing Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The goal is to offer a structured overview of the analysis of Frankenstein within the context of the Gothic genre and the Romantic movement.
What topics are covered in the analysis of Frankenstein?
The analysis explores Frankenstein's significance within the Romantic literary tradition and its adherence to Gothic conventions. Key themes investigated include horror and monstrosity, the similarity between Victor Frankenstein and his creation, sexuality and incest, and Shelley's narrative style. The relationship between Victor and the monster, and the novel's divergence from other Gothic novels are also central to the analysis.
What are the main objectives of the academic paper?
The paper aims to determine whether Frankenstein conforms to the typical characteristics of the Gothic genre. It seeks to analyze the novel's adherence to and divergence from established Gothic conventions, explore key Gothic themes, examine the relationship between Victor and his creation, and analyze Shelley's narrative style and its impact.
What is the structure of the academic paper?
The paper is structured into four chapters: an introduction establishing the central question and outlining the paper's structure; a contextual chapter providing background information on Mary Shelley and the Gothic genre; a chapter dedicated to analyzing Gothic themes in Frankenstein; and a concluding chapter addressing the central question.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis of Frankenstein?
Key themes explored include the significance of Frankenstein within the Romantic movement; the novel's adherence to and departure from Gothic conventions; horror and monstrosity; the complex relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his creation (including the Doppelgänger motif); and Shelley's narrative style. The analysis also touches upon sexuality and incest.
What is included in each chapter summary?
The chapter summaries provide detailed overviews of the content and arguments presented in each section of the academic paper. The introduction establishes the central question and previews the analysis. The context chapter provides background information on Mary Shelley and the Gothic genre. The chapter on Gothic themes in Frankenstein delves into specific themes like horror, monstrosity, and the Victor/monster relationship. The conclusion summarizes the findings and addresses the central question posed in the introduction.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, Gothic novel, Romanticism, horror, monstrosity, Doppelgänger, creation, creator, Victor Frankenstein, the monster, narrative style, Gothic themes, incest, and Romantic self.
Who is the intended audience for this document?
This document is intended for an academic audience interested in the analysis of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and its place within the Gothic and Romantic literary traditions.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2022, Is Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" a typical Gothic Novel? Context and Themes in "The Modern Prometheus", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1352869
