Historical Context (Frankenstein)

This section explores the historical context of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Frankenstein, first published in 1818, was written during a time of significant social, scientific, and philosophical change. Understanding the historical context helps to explain the novel’s themes and ideas, such as the dangers of unchecked ambition, the consequences of playing God, and the fear of the unknown. Below are key elements of the historical context that influenced Mary Shelley's novel.

The Age of Enlightenment and Romanticism

The Enlightenment: Frankenstein was written in the aftermath of the Enlightenment, a period (roughly from the 17th to the 18th century) when reason, science, and human progress were highly valued. Enlightenment thinkers believed in the power of human reason to understand and control the world. Victor Frankenstein embodies these Enlightenment ideals as he uses science to push the boundaries of human knowledge by creating life itself.

Romanticism: However, Frankenstein also reflects the Romantic movement, which arose as a reaction against the rationality of the Enlightenment. Romanticism emphasised emotion, nature, and the sublime — the awe-inspiring power of nature and the dangers of human hubris. In the novel, nature is portrayed as both beautiful and terrifying, contrasting with Victor’s obsessive desire to control it through science. The novel warns against the hubristic belief that science can conquer nature, suggesting that this overreach leads to disastrous consequences.

Scientific Advancements and Fears

The Rise of Scientific Discovery: The early 19th century was a time of rapid scientific advancement, with many breakthroughs in fields such as chemistry, biology, and electricity. Shelley’s novel reflects both the excitement and the fears surrounding these new discoveries. Scientists like Luigi Galvani and Alessandro Volta were experimenting with electricity’s effect on animal tissue, leading to speculation about the possibility of reanimating dead bodies. This is mirrored in Victor Frankenstein’s use of electricity to bring the Creature to life.

The Dangers of "Playing God": Shelley’s novel engages with the fear that science could allow humans to "play God" by creating or controlling life. Victor’s attempt to create life in his laboratory reflects these anxieties. The disastrous consequences of his experiment serve as a warning about the ethical implications of scientific experimentation without consideration of its moral consequences. The novel suggests that scientific knowledge must be tempered with responsibility and humility.

The Industrial Revolution: The novel was written during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution, a time when machines and technology were starting to dominate the natural world. Frankenstein can be seen as reflecting fears about the dehumanising effects of industrialisation and the unnatural power that humans were gaining over nature. Victor’s creation of the Creature can be interpreted as an allegory for the creation of machines; powerful and potentially uncontrollable forces that threaten humanity.

The Gothic Tradition

Gothic Literature: Frankenstein is part of the Gothic literary tradition, which was popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Gothic novels often featured dark, mysterious settings, supernatural elements, and an exploration of human psychology and fear. Shelley's novel is filled with Gothic tropes, such as isolated, gloomy settings (the Arctic, mountains, and Frankenstein’s laboratory), the monstrous figure of the Creature, and the sense of horror and dread that permeates the narrative.

The Sublime: Romanticism and Gothic literature were both preoccupied with the sublime — the feeling of awe and terror that arises from the vastness and power of nature. In Frankenstein, Shelley frequently describes natural landscapes in terms of their sublime beauty and power. The icy wastes of the Arctic and the towering Alps serve as a reminder of humanity’s insignificance in the face of nature’s overwhelming force. Victor's downfall is partly due to his failure to respect the sublime power of nature, which he attempts to control through science.

Philosophical Influences

Prometheus Myth: The novel’s full title, Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus, alludes to the Greek myth of Prometheus, who defied the gods by giving fire to humanity and was punished for his transgression. Victor Frankenstein’s creation of life mirrors Prometheus’s defiance of natural order, and like Prometheus, Victor suffers greatly for his actions. The novel questions the consequences of defying natural laws and the limits of human knowledge.

The Influence of Rousseau: The Enlightenment philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that humans are born innocent but are corrupted by society. This idea can be seen in Shelley’s depiction of the Creature, who begins life with an innocent and curious nature but becomes violent and vengeful after being rejected by society. Rousseau’s ideas reflect the novel’s exploration of how social prejudice and neglect can corrupt the human soul.

Mary Shelley’s Parents: Shelley’s own background significantly influenced the novel. Her father, William Godwin, was a political philosopher who believed in the power of reason, while her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was a pioneering feminist thinker who advocated for the rights of women. Shelley’s novel can be seen as a reflection of her engagement with her parents’ ideas, particularly in its exploration of the responsibilities of parents (Victor as the "father" of the Creature) and the consequences of abandoning one’s duties.

Social and Political Context

The French Revolution: The novel was written shortly after the French Revolution (1789-1799), a period of great political upheaval and social change. The revolution raised questions about the nature of power, authority, and the rights of individuals, which are reflected in Frankenstein. The Creature’s desire for justice and equality can be seen as echoing the revolutionary ideals of liberty, fraternity, and equality, but his violent rebellion also suggests the potential dangers of uncontrolled power and anger.

Social Class and Alienation: Shelley’s novel also explores themes of social class and alienation. The Creature is rejected by society because of his appearance, which reflects the way society often marginalised and ostracised those who did not fit in. His isolation and loneliness mirror the experiences of many lower-class individuals in the rapidly industrialising society of the 19th century. Shelley critiques the way society judges individuals based on superficial qualities, such as appearance and status.

The Role of Women

Limited Roles for Women: The role of women in Frankenstein is reflective of the broader limitations placed on women in early 19th-century society. The female characters, such as Elizabeth and Justine, are largely passive and suffer because of the actions of men. However, the novel can also be read as a critique of the marginalisation of women, highlighting the dangers of a world dominated by male ambition and power. Shelley, the daughter of a prominent feminist, may be subtly questioning the patriarchal structures of her time.

The historical context of Frankenstein significantly informs its themes and ideas. The novel reflects the scientific, social, and philosophical tensions of the early 19th century, from the impact of Enlightenment thought and Romanticism to the fears surrounding industrialisation and scientific progress. Through Victor Frankenstein’s tragic story, Shelley explores timeless questions about the limits of human ambition, the ethics of scientific discovery, and the consequences of defying nature. Understanding this historical backdrop enhances our appreciation of the novel’s relevance, both in its time and today.