Introduction
Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein* (1818) is a seminal Gothic novel that engages deeply with the intellectual currents of its time. Written during the waning years of the Enlightenment—a period marked by an emphasis on reason, science, and individualism—the novel reflects and critiques many of these ideals through its complex plot and tragic protagonist, Victor Frankenstein. This essay explores how Enlightenment principles influenced the narrative structure and thematic development of *Frankenstein*, focusing on the pursuit of knowledge, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the tension between reason and emotion. Through an analysis of these elements, it becomes evident that Shelley uses the Enlightenment framework to both drive her plot and caution against its potential dangers.
The Pursuit of Knowledge as a Driving Force
Central to the Enlightenment was the belief in human progress through scientific inquiry and rational thought. Victor Frankenstein embodies this ideal as he seeks to transcend natural boundaries by creating life, driven by an insatiable desire for knowledge. His statement, “The world was to me a secret which I desired to divine” (Shelley, 1818, p. 36), mirrors the Enlightenment quest to uncover the mysteries of the universe. This ambition propels the plot forward, as Victor’s experiments lead to the creation of the Creature, setting off a chain of tragic events. However, Shelley critiques this unbridled pursuit by illustrating how Victor’s obsession blinds him to ethical considerations—a subtle warning against the Enlightenment’s over-reliance on rationality divorced from moral responsibility. Indeed, Victor’s ultimate failure suggests that knowledge, without restraint, can lead to destruction rather than progress.
Unchecked Ambition and Its Consequences
Enlightenment thinking often celebrated individual ambition and the power of human ingenuity, yet *Frankenstein* exposes the darker side of such ideals. Victor’s ambition to rival divine creation reflects the period’s hubris, as thinkers sought to challenge traditional religious authority with scientific achievement. This ambition shapes the plot’s central conflict, as Victor’s rejection of his Creature incites a cycle of revenge and loss. As Botting (1991) argues, Victor’s actions reveal the dangers of Enlightenment individualism when taken to extremes, resulting in isolation rather than societal benefit (Botting, 1991). Furthermore, the Creature’s own quest for acceptance highlights the failure of Enlightenment universalism to account for emotional and social needs, underscoring a critical limitation of the era’s ideology within the novel’s narrative arc.
Tension Between Reason and Emotion
Another significant Enlightenment influence on the plot is the tension between reason and emotion, a recurring theme in Shelley’s work. The Enlightenment prized rational thought over superstition, yet *Frankenstein* portrays reason as insufficient when detached from human compassion. Victor’s cold, calculated approach to science contrasts sharply with the Creature’s emotional pleas for understanding, driving the narrative toward tragedy. For instance, the Creature’s violent acts stem from rejection rather than inherent evil, challenging the notion that reason alone can govern human behaviour (Mellor, 1988). This dichotomy enriches the plot by creating a moral ambiguity that forces readers to question Enlightenment ideals, particularly the assumption that rationality can fully control or perfect human nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Enlightenment profoundly shapes the plot of *Frankenstein* through its emphasis on knowledge, ambition, and reason, while simultaneously offering a critique of these principles. Victor’s pursuit of scientific discovery drives the narrative, yet his failure to temper ambition with ethics leads to catastrophic consequences, reflecting Shelley’s cautionary stance. Similarly, the tension between reason and emotion enriches the story’s complexity, highlighting the limitations of Enlightenment thought. Ultimately, Shelley’s novel suggests that while the Enlightenment inspired remarkable progress, its ideals, when unchecked, could sow destruction—a message that remains relevant in discussions of science and morality today.
References
- Botting, F. (1991) Making Monstrous: Frankenstein, Criticism, Theory. Manchester 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.
