This paper explores how Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein uses the Prometheus myth to engage with central Romantic-era themes, particularly those of education, family, and scientific ambition. The novel presents Victor Frankenstein as a modern Prometheus, whose pursuit of knowledge leads to tragic consequences. Through intertextual references—especially to classical mythology, Enlightenment philosophy, and literature like Paradise Lost—Shelley critiques the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the moral failures of a creator who abandons his creation. The analysis emphasizes the dual role of education: for Victor, it becomes a source of hubris and isolation; for the creature, education fosters empathy, self-awareness, and a tragic longing for acceptance. Similarly, family is shown as a source of moral grounding—Victor benefits from a loving but emotionally distant family, while the creature suffers due to total social and emotional abandonment. Shelley's narrative structure and interwoven myths highlight the importance of responsibility, emotional education, and belonging. The paper concludes that Frankenstein is a cautionary tale about ethical responsibility in science and society. Through her layered use of myth and Romantic ideals, Mary Shelley illustrates how both education and family can either nurture or destroy, depending on how they are embraced or denied.
Table of Contents
- 1. Female Writers in the Romantic Period
- 2. The Intertwinement of Frankenstein and Prometheus
- 2.1 The Role of the Promethean Myth in the Romantic Period
- 2.2 The Myth of Prometheus in Gothic Fiction
- 2.3 The Myth of Prometheus in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
- 2.4 Intertextuality in Frankenstein
- 3. The Influence of Education and Family in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
- 3.1 Education
- 3.2 Family
- 4. Mary Shelley's work as a moral guideline
- 5. Works Cited
Objectives and Key Themes
This work analyzes the influence of education and family on the characters in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, exploring how these factors contribute to both the protagonist's and antagonist's development and experiences. It examines the novel within the context of the Romantic period, focusing on the role of female writers and the significance of the Promethean myth. The study also considers the novel's use of intertextuality and its exploration of philosophical and scientific ideas.
- The role of female writers in the Romantic period
- The influence of education and family on character development in Frankenstein
- The Promethean myth in Romantic literature and its relevance to Frankenstein
- Intertextuality and its contribution to the novel's meaning
- The novel's engagement with philosophical and scientific concepts
Chapter Summaries
1. Female Writers in the Romantic Period: This chapter sets the stage by discussing the changing social landscape of the Romantic era, particularly concerning education and family. It highlights the challenges faced by female writers during this period, using Mary Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Dorothy Wordsworth as examples to illustrate how societal norms often marginalized their achievements. The chapter emphasizes how Shelley's Frankenstein can be seen as a product of this era, exploring evolving attitudes toward education and family while simultaneously engaging with complex philosophical and scientific issues. The limited recognition given to female authors during this time is contrasted with their growing influence and lasting impact on literature.
2. The Intertwinement of Frankenstein and Prometheus: This chapter delves into the multifaceted relationship between Mary Shelley's novel and the myth of Prometheus. It explores the myth's significance within the context of the Romantic period, highlighting its appeal to Romantic ideals of individualism and rebellion. The chapter analyzes how the Promethean myth is used in Frankenstein to explore themes of ambition, knowledge, and the consequences of challenging the natural order. It also examines the novel's ambivalent response to Enlightenment ideals, noting how Shelley portrays her characters as complex individuals with conflicting motivations. The influence of scientific advancements, such as galvanism, is also discussed in relation to the novel's themes and the Romantic fascination with electricity. The chapter includes a discussion on Blumenberg's work on myth, offering an understanding of myth's role in shaping human experience and understanding reality.
2.2 The Myth of Prometheus in Gothic Fiction: This section focuses on the genre of Gothic fiction, defining it as a multifaceted genre incorporating elements from other literary forms. It analyzes how Shelley's Frankenstein fits within this context, highlighting elements such as dark settings, exploration of psychological complexity, and the use of supernatural elements. Specific textual examples illustrate the Gothic aspects of the novel. The chapter emphasizes how the setting and atmosphere of the novel enhance the overall sense of horror.
Keywords
Romantic period, female writers, Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, Promethean myth, education, family, Gothic fiction, intertextuality, Enlightenment, science, ambition, knowledge, responsibility.
Frequently asked questions about Frankenstein: A Language Preview
What is the language preview about?
This language preview provides a comprehensive overview of a study analyzing Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords of the study.
What are the main topics covered in the study?
The study explores several key themes, including the role of female writers in the Romantic period, the influence of education and family on character development in Frankenstein, the significance of the Promethean myth, the use of intertextuality, and the novel's engagement with philosophical and scientific concepts.
What is the study's focus regarding female writers?
The study examines the challenges faced by female writers during the Romantic period, using Mary Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Dorothy Wordsworth as examples. It highlights how societal norms often marginalized their achievements and how Frankenstein can be seen as a product of this era.
How does the study analyze the Promethean myth in relation to Frankenstein?
The study delves into the connection between Shelley's novel and the myth of Prometheus, exploring the myth's significance in the Romantic period and its relevance to themes of ambition, knowledge, and the consequences of challenging the natural order. It also considers the novel's ambivalent response to Enlightenment ideals.
What does the study say about the influence of education and family in the novel?
The study analyzes how education and family influence the characters in Frankenstein, contributing to the development and experiences of both the protagonist and antagonist.
How does the study define and analyze the Gothic elements in Frankenstein?
The study defines Gothic fiction and analyzes how Frankenstein fits within this genre, highlighting elements such as dark settings, exploration of psychological complexity, and the use of supernatural elements. It emphasizes how the setting and atmosphere of the novel enhance the overall sense of horror.
What are the main keywords associated with the study?
The main keywords are: Romantic period, female writers, Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, Promethean myth, education, family, Gothic fiction, intertextuality, Enlightenment, science, ambition, knowledge, responsibility.
- Quote paper
- Peter Altmannsdorfer (Author), 2022, Frankenstein, Education and Family. The Influence of Education and Family in Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1597894
