Examples of Theory Terms from Frankenstein
- Class: The practice of everyday life directly relates to both high and low culture. Frankenstein focuses heavily on the life of a scientist; the life of Victor reveals a man of status who has enough wealth to pursue his interests-a manifestation of great luxury. However, some of the minor characters are not as upper-class. Though not as luxurious, Felix and his family’s life is simplistic but satisfying.
- Social Values: In University of Ingolstadt, Frankenstein encounters two radically different professors: Professor M. Krempe and Professor M. Waldman. While Professor Krempe, a natural philosopher, dismisses Frankenstein’s interest in medieval authors such as Cornelius Agrippa like his father, Professor Waldman embraces Frankenstein’s thoughts and helps him study about most recent scientific achievements. This shows the conflicting influence between science and religion on people. The more conservative, like Frankenstein’s father, seems to dismiss the advancements in science. However, young minded individuals such as Frankenstein readily took interest in scientific thoughts.
- Religion: In Victorian England, science was an integral part of culture. In particular, bringing life to the inanimate was a subject that intrigues scientists.
- This directly relates to the clash between the natural and the unnatural. A dominant question that was posed was the morality behind creation. Was creation limited to God? This was a question that relates to religion vs. science.
- Religion in 19th century England
- Dominant part of culture that was not only limited to the wealthy class
- Aesthetics: Culture is shown when Frankenstein is shunned due to his monstrous appearance. Victorian Era used to particularly value physical aesthetics and outward look. Such conservative view on people’s physique further rejected the physically wretched monster from human society.
- Only the blind man accepts him for his words, intelligence, and emotions.
- Even his owner is reluctant to take responsibility for his creation.
- Social Identity: Frankenstein emphasizes human nature and the potential to utilize human experience to define cultural values. It particularly draws attention to the vulnerability regarding education. There's no direct reference to class and gender, but the monster represents the isolated social groups.