Frankenstein: Ambition, Responsibility, and Myth

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein masterfully blends moral dilemmas with mythic themes. This presentation explores the novel’s central concerns—ambition, responsibility, and isolation—while highlighting the parallels between Victor Frankenstein, Paradise Lost, and the myth of Prometheus. Dive into the timeless questions Shelley raises about human ambition and ethical responsibility.

1. Moral and Myth in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

2. Information Name : Jay P. Vaghani Roll No. : 6 Enrollment No. : 5108240035 Sem. : 1 Paper Name : Literature of Romantics Paper No. : 103 Paper Code : 22394 Unit 2 : Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Topic : Moral and Myth in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein E-mail : [email protected]

3. Introduction Mary Shelley's Frankenstein combines moral dilemmas with mythic themes. The novel explores ambition, responsibility, and isolation. Key focus: The parallel between Frankenstein , Paradise Lost , and the myth of Prometheus.

4. The Myth of Creation Modern Prometheus: Victor Frankenstein mirrors the Greek myth of Prometheus, who created humans and was punished for defying divine boundaries. The Monster’s Struggle: The Monster compares his plight to that of Adam and Satan, highlighting themes of creation, rejection, and suffering.

5. Knowledge and Guilt Both Frankenstein and Walton are consumed by a thirst for knowledge, leading to isolation. Lesson: Knowledge without compassion leads to destruction, as seen in Frankenstein’s regret for creating the Monster. Moral Message: The pursuit of knowledge must be balanced with social responsibility.

6. Isolation and Its Consequences Frankenstein’s Isolation: His obsession with his experiment isolates him from society, leading to guilt and despair. The Monster’s Isolation: Rejected by society, the Monster’s pain turns to anger and revenge. Moral Insight: Solitude and rejection transform noble intentions into malevolent actions.

7. Moral Lessons from the Narratives Walton’s Warning: Frankenstein’s tale serves as a cautionary lesson for Walton, urging him to avoid the same path of ambition and isolation. The Role of Compassion: Compassion and love are essential for happiness and societal integration. Key Quote: “Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example.”

8. The Role of Sympathy Sympathy in the Novel: The Monster longs for acceptance and sympathy, but his rejection by humanity leads him to vengeance. Moral Conflict: The novel asks whether the Monster’s crimes are the result of his creator’s negligence. Key Idea: Moral and ethical behavior is rooted in the ability to empathize with others.

9. Guilt and Redemption Frankenstein’s Guilt: Victor’s pursuit of knowledge leads to the death of loved ones and his ultimate demise. The Monster’s Regret: The Monster, while evil, reflects on his lost innocence and the circumstances that led him to violence. Moral Theme: The novel explores the relationship between guilt, responsibility, and redemption.

10. Conclusion Moral of the Story: Frankenstein is a story of ambition, isolation, and the importance of compassion. The novel integrates mythic themes with moral lessons, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked ambition and the need for societal connection. Legacy: The novel continues to raise questions about the responsibilities of creators and the consequences of isolation.

11. References Cottom, Daniel. “Frankenstein and the Monster of Representation.” SubStance , vol. 9, no. 3, 1980, pp. 60–71. JSTOR , https://doi.org/10.2307/3683905. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Gothic novel | Definition, Elements, Authors, Examples, Meaning, and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Nov. 2024, www.britannica.com/art/Gothic-novel .

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