Frankesntein  ways in which social upheaval can taint the sanctity of humanity

Frankenstein explores the ways in which social upheaval can taint the sanctity of humanity, in
particular the effects of the Age of Enlightenment on a society previously underpinned by traditional,
Romantic ideals. Victor Frankenstein is characterised as the typical Promethean scientist, and
recklessly pursues a knowledge corrupted by the unexplored opportunities of science. He desires to
‘bestow animation upon lifeless matter’ whereby Shelley integrates Gothic elements of death and
decay to define the perverse nature of pursuing the unknown. This uncertainty is used to caution
Captain Walton in a foreshadowing statement of how poorly motivated aspirations can destroy
one’s life. Shelley writes, “I ardently hope the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to
sting you” whereby the religious allusion likens reckless ambition to challenging divine authority. By
drawing on Romantic aspects of writing, Frankenstein subtly criticises the Age of Enlightenment and
its potential to oppose the sublimity of nature. Victor’s abundance of knowledge also deviates from
the typical Gothic literary convention wherein it is usually a lack of knowledge that leads to havoc.
Furthermore, the Creature itself challenges the image of a typical Gothic monster, as Shelley
dedicates an entire volume to him as well as exposing his origins to the reader. Whilst it was born
out of actions driven by the Age of Enlightenment, its character has been shaped by Romantic ideals.
However, Shelley, as per Godwinian beliefs, presents an individual whose harmony with the world
has been corrupted by artificial political and social constraints. The Creature reflects on its existence,
stating ‘Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and
abhorred.’ The biblical allusion which states that even Satan is not subjected to isolation
encapsulates the cruelty that derived from Victor’s degradation of traditional values in the face of
revolution. Shelley’s epistolary novel thus becomes a documentation of social upheaval, and its
ability to induce the plight of the individual, particularly minorities as represented by the Creature.
As such, it is Shelley’s primary motive to propagate messages of unity and acceptance using the
strong link between Romanticism and the restorative role of nature. Despite Victor’s active disregard
for nature, it remains as a steady source of peace whereby he declares, “The very winds whispered
in soothing accents, maternal nature bade me weep no more.” The sibilance and personification of
the wind in conjunction with the ‘maternal’ overtone of nature portrays its motherly role and
soothing abilities. Hence, whilst Victor’s reliance on nature conflicts with his desire to assume
control, it only critically refines Shelley’s lens in denouncing the dangerous pursuit of knowledge and
power.