Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

The story of Frankenstein may appear merely a work of fiction and fantasy to most people, but on closer analysis one realizes the many subtle ways in which the story reflects the various important historical events that preceded it. I am of the opinion that the novel “Frankenstein”, despite it being a work of fiction, can be considered a primary source on the basis that it offers a view of the world from the perspective of the 18th century novelist Mary Shelley; and that the story itself deals with many issues relevant during its time of publication.

“Frankenstein” was published in 1818; a revolutionary era in human history with the rapid advancement in the fields of chemistry, physics and biology. Mary Shelley, like many her contemporaries, was undoubtedly influenced by the endless possibilities that arose in the scientific revolution. Groundbreaking discoveries within the fields of science sparked the imagination and inspired young scholars in their pursuit for knowledge. Shelley’s fascination with the possibilities of science was embodied in the character of Victor Frankenstein, who at a young age was enraptured by the works of ancient philosophers. Victor was one of the growing number of young scholars who pursued higher education, (another example is Victor’s childhood friend, Henry Clerval, who despite his father’s wishes for him to be a merchant in Geneva, wanted to be “complete master of the oriental languages” ) and his passion in mastering mathematics and chemistry at the University of Ingolstadt shows the impact of the Scientific Revolution on many young, aspiring students during that time.

The Scientific Revolution is characterized by the numerous inventions and contraptions spawned from the ingenuity of scientists, and indeed the character of Frankenstein’s monster himself is in fact an invention. Victor Frankenstein, after having studied for two years at his university, became obsessed with creating a living creature, and thus used his scientific...