Introduction
Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein* (1818) is a seminal Gothic novel that explores the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world. Central to the text is the theme of man versus nature, depicted through Victor Frankenstein’s obsessive quest to transcend natural boundaries by creating life, and the catastrophic consequences that ensue. This essay examines how Shelley portrays the conflict between human ambition and the immutable laws of nature, focusing on Victor’s hubris, the creature’s unnatural existence, and the symbolic role of the natural landscape. Through this analysis, informed by academic perspectives, the essay argues that Shelley warns against the dangers of overreaching human control over the natural order, a concern resonant with Romantic ideals of the era. The following discussion will explore these dimensions in detail, demonstrating the tensions and implications of man’s struggle against nature.
Victor’s Hubris and the Defiance of Natural Law
Victor Frankenstein’s pursuit of scientific mastery epitomises the Enlightenment drive to conquer nature through reason and innovation. However, his ambition to “penetrate the recesses of nature” (Shelley, 1818, p. 39) leads him to violate its sacred boundaries by creating life from inanimate matter. This act of hubris positions Victor as a modern Prometheus, a figure who defies divine order and suffers dire consequences. As Clark (2011) argues, Victor’s transgression reflects a broader Romantic critique of Enlightenment rationalism, highlighting the perils of prioritising human intellect over natural harmony. Indeed, Victor’s obsessive desire to transcend mortality—evident in his studies of alchemy and galvanism—reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of nature’s limits. His eventual horror at the creature’s grotesque form underscores the unnaturalness of his creation, suggesting that some domains are beyond human control. This conflict between man’s ambition and nature’s authority sets the stage for the novel’s tragic trajectory, illustrating the inevitable backlash when natural laws are defied.
The Creature as a Product of Unnatural Intervention
The creature, often referred to as Frankenstein’s monster, stands as a physical manifestation of man’s interference with nature. Assembled from disparate human parts, the creature is inherently unnatural, lacking the organic unity of a being born through natural processes. His rejection by society and even by his creator highlights the impossibility of integrating an unnatural entity into the natural order. As Mellor (1988) notes, the creature’s tragic isolation stems from Victor’s failure to assume responsibility for his creation, reflecting a broader ethical lapse in humanity’s manipulation of nature. Furthermore, the creature’s yearning for companionship—a natural human desire—contrasts sharply with his monstrous exterior, creating a poignant tension. This dichotomy arguably serves as Shelley’s caution against scientific overreach, suggesting that creations divorced from nature’s design are doomed to alienation and suffering. The creature’s plight thus reinforces the novel’s critique of man’s attempts to play God, a theme deeply embedded in Romantic thought.
Symbolic Landscapes and Nature’s Power
Shelley employs the natural landscape as a powerful symbol of nature’s supremacy over human endeavour. The sublime settings of the Alps and the Arctic, where key events unfold, evoke awe and terror, reminding readers of nature’s untameable force. For instance, Victor’s pursuit of the creature across the Arctic wastes—a desolate, inhospitable terrain—mirrors his internal desolation and the futility of his quest to dominate nature (Shelley, 1818, p. 198). Botting (1991) suggests that these landscapes serve as a backdrop to human insignificance, contrasting sharply with Victor’s earlier aspirations. Moreover, nature often appears as a restorative force for characters like Victor and Walton, offering solace amidst their turmoil, yet it remains indifferent to their plights. This duality underscores nature’s ambivalence—nurturing yet destructive—further emphasising that humanity cannot fully control or escape its influence. Shelley’s use of the sublime thus reinforces the thematic conflict between man and nature, aligning with Romantic reverence for the natural world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein* presents a profound exploration of the man versus nature conflict through Victor’s hubris, the creature’s unnatural existence, and the symbolic power of the natural landscape. The novel serves as a cautionary tale against the overambition of human science, reflecting Romantic anxieties about the consequences of disrupting natural order. Victor’s tragic downfall and the creature’s alienation highlight the perils of defying nature’s laws, while the sublime landscapes underscore humanity’s ultimate subordination to the natural world. These themes remain relevant today, prompting reflection on contemporary issues such as bioethics and environmental exploitation. Shelley’s warning, therefore, transcends its historical context, urging a balanced coexistence with nature rather than domination. This analysis, supported by critical perspectives, affirms the enduring significance of *Frankenstein* as a critique of human overreach.
References
- Botting, F. (1991) Making Monstrous: Frankenstein, Criticism, Theory. Manchester University Press.
- Clark, T. (2011) The Cambridge Introduction to Literature and the Environment. Cambridge University Press.
- Mellor, A. K. (1988) Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters. Routledge.
- Shelley, M. (1818) Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones.
