Lecture Notes on Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"

Background and Influence

• Mary Shelley: Early Life and Influences

  • Conceived "Frankenstein" at 18 after losing a child.
  • Grief over daughter’s death and mother’s death influenced the novel’s themes of abandonment and reanimation.
  • Shelley's personal experiences with childbirth, motherhood, and mourning paralleled Victor Frankenstein’s experimental obsessions.

• Scientific and Social Context in 1818

  • Advancements in science, particularly in galvanism and anatomy, influenced the novel.
  • Debates on vitalism vs. materialism, medical ethics, and social injustices shaped the narrative.
  • A period of instability: post-Napoleonic Wars, industrialization, and colonial disputes.

Shelley's Personal and Literary Journey

• Mary and Percy Shelley

  • Met Percy Shelley at 15, eloped defying social norms.
  • Early motherhood and social ostracization.
  • Published "Frankenstein" anonymously in 1818 to avoid scrutiny.

• Social and Literary Challenges

  • Limited rights and societal expectations for women in 19th-century UK.
  • Female writers faced societal backlash; anonymity protected Shelley.

Themes and Structure of "Frankenstein"

• Central Themes

  • Ambition and the dangers of playing God.
  • Sympathy for the marginalized and societal rejection.
  • Complex ethical questions and moral ambiguity.

• Character Analysis

  • Victor Frankenstein: Obsessed scientist, embodies unchecked ambition.
  • The Creature: Intelligent, rejected by society, reflective of Mary’s own feelings of alienation.
  • Elizabeth Lavenza: Represents passive feminine virtue.
  • Justine Meritz: Victim of injustice, reflecting societal flaws.
  • Captain Robert Walton: Frame narrator, learns from Victor’s tragedy.

• Literary Techniques

  • Epistolary form lends legitimacy, drawing inspiration from earlier novels.
  • References to mythology, literature, and science.
  • Nested narration presents multiple perspectives.

Impact and Legacy

• Cultural Reception and Adaptations

  • Initial acclaim despite critical scrutiny.
  • Numerous film adaptations reflect changing cultural anxieties, often altering character portrayal.

• Enduring Questions

  • Exploration of humanity, creation, and societal failure to nurture.
  • The novel’s themes resonate with ongoing discussions on social justice and ethical responsibility.

Conclusion

• Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" remains a profound exploration of ambition, ethics, and societal norms, its relevance and complexity enduring across generations.

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