Introduction
This essay explores how Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein* (1818) reflects Romantic ideals concerning the sublime in nature and a deep-seated distrust of scientific and technological advancement. The Romantic movement, flourishing in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, celebrated the awe-inspiring power of the natural world while often expressing apprehension towards industrial progress and human overreach. In *Frankenstein*, these themes are interwoven through the protagonist Victor Frankenstein’s doomed ambition and the contrasting portrayal of nature as both a source of inspiration and a reminder of human limitations. This analysis will focus on two key aspects: the depiction of nature as a sublime, restorative force, and the warning against the unnatural consequences of scientific hubris. The thesis of this essay argues that *Frankenstein* embodies Romantic ideals by juxtaposing the sublime beauty and power of nature against the perilous overreach of science, ultimately portraying nature as a moral and spiritual guide.
Nature as a Sublime Restorative Force
One of the central ways *Frankenstein* echoes Romantic ideals is through its portrayal of nature as a sublime, restorative force that offers solace and spiritual renewal. Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge often depicted nature as a transcendent entity, capable of evoking profound emotional and moral insights (Abrams, 2009). In *Frankenstein*, Shelley mirrors this reverence when Victor seeks refuge in the natural world after moments of intense despair. For instance, after the death of his brother William, Victor describes the Alps with a sense of awe, noting how the “sublime and magnificent scenes afforded me the greatest consolation” (Shelley, 1818, p. 90). Here, nature is not merely a backdrop but a powerful presence that momentarily heals his tormented mind, reflecting the Romantic belief in nature’s capacity to elevate the human spirit. Furthermore, the vast, untamed landscapes—whether the icy desolation of the Arctic or the towering mountains—evoke the sublime, a concept central to Romantic thought, where beauty and terror coexist to remind humanity of its smallness in the face of the infinite (Burke, 1757). This reverence for nature underscores Shelley’s alignment with Romantic ideals, positioning the natural world as a counterbalance to human ambition.
Science as a Violation of Natural Order
Another significant way *Frankenstein* reflects Romantic ideals is through its critique of scientific overreach as a violation of the natural order, embodying the era’s distrust of unchecked technological progress. The Romantics often viewed the rapid advancements of the Industrial Revolution with suspicion, fearing that they distanced humanity from nature and morality (H обс ур, 2010). In the novel, Victor’s creation of the Creature represents a dangerous transgression of natural boundaries, driven by his obsession with mastering life itself. This act of hubris leads to catastrophic consequences, as Victor acknowledges, “the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelley, 1818, p. 56). Shelley’s narrative thus serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the perils of scientific ambition divorced from ethical consideration—a distinctly Romantic critique. Indeed, the Creature’s unnatural existence contrasts sharply with the purity of nature’s landscapes, reinforcing the idea that human interference disrupts a sacred harmony. This theme resonates with Romantic anxieties about technology’s potential to dehumanise and destroy, positioning nature as the ultimate arbiter of moral limits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein* encapsulates Romantic ideals through its profound engagement with the sublime in nature and its critical stance on scientific overreach. By portraying nature as a sublime, restorative force, Shelley aligns with the Romantic veneration of the natural world as a source of spiritual and emotional renewal. Simultaneously, the novel’s depiction of Victor’s tragic ambition serves as a stark warning against the unnatural consequences of technological hubris, reflecting the era’s apprehensions about industrial progress. These themes not only highlight the tension between humanity and nature but also underscore the enduring relevance of Romantic thought in questioning the ethical boundaries of scientific innovation. Ultimately, *Frankenstein* remains a powerful testament to the Romantic belief in nature’s supremacy as a guide for human morality and humility, urging readers to consider the implications of defying natural limits in the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
References
- Abrams, M.H. (2009) The Mirror and the Lamp: Romantic Theory and the Critical Tradition. Oxford University Press.
- Burke, E. (1757) A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful. R. and J. Dodsley.
- Hobsbawm, E.J. (2010) The Age of Revolution: Europe 1789-1848. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
- Shelley, M. (1818) Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones.
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