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Example research essay topic: Mary Shelley Frankenstein The Basic Role Of Family - 2,002 words

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A reckless, opinionated, driven feminist, who changed the face of literature, such is the perception of Mary Shelley. Truth be told, the general population would be correct in their assumptions. However, if they were to delve deeper into the psyche of Mary Shelley, they would be astounded to see the true harsh reality of Mary's existence. The Romantic era which took place between 1770 and 1848 promoted a profound shift in sensibility and a life rooted in the emotions and sentiments.

Mary Shelley, rebellious by nature, produced a literary work of art which through gruesome descriptions, bleak dark imagery, and a scary, depressing tone, defied romanticism and its followers. One can assume she wrote her book in this fashion as a rebellion against radicalism as well as romanticism. In her introduction to the novel Shelley writes... "I have no wish to ally myself with Radicals, they are full of repulsion to me, violent without any sense of justice-selfish in the extreme-talking without knowledge" (). It is feasible that Mary's opinion is partially derived from her perception of her father, a man who remained indifferent to her nearly all her life. Likewise it is easy to gather that this book is a slap in the face to him as well as other radical thinkers.

Ironically, or rather in the Shelley fashion, thoughtfully planned, all the characters who expresses radical ideas or who acted out radically, were murdered or died in the novel, perhaps expressing Mary Shelley's hopes of the end of radicalism, which, similar to the experiences of the characters, brought only heartache and misery. It seemed inevitable through her genetics, that Mary would be a writer. Her parents William Godwin and Mary Wollenstonecraft were both influential writers who made contributions to their respective causes, radicalism and feminism. William wrote Enquiry Concerning Political Justice in 1793 and Mary wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Women in 1792.

Mary Shelley also had a stepsister Fanny Imlay the product of a previous affair of her mother's. Growing up, Mary's life was far from a healthy normal childhood. Mary's mother died September 10, 1797 from childbirth complications after the delivery of Mary, leaving the baby without a strong female influence in her life. Ironically, Mary grew up to possess the same feminist ideals as her deceased mother. Shortly after his wife's death, William Godwin married Mary Jane Clairmont. Mary and her step mother had a tumultuous relationship and eventually Mary was sent to Scotland to be educated by a friend of her father's.

While in Scotland, William had little contact with his daughter and continued to remain different to her for nearly her entire life. On a visit home from Scotland, Mary met a young poet, a follower of romanticism, Percy Base Shelley who was visiting her father with his wife Harriet. Two years after their first encounter, Mary and Percy eloped to Europe. The two were wed after Percy's estranged wife committed suicide, and Mary Godwin became Mary Shelley.

Percy, Mary and her stepsister, Claire Clairmont, traveled throughout Europe although financially pressured. Eventually they found themselves at the home of Lord Byron on the Lake of Leman near Geneva. Due to inclement weather the group of friends had to find other more unconventional ways to amuse themselves. One night, Lord Byron suggested they each write a ghost story and reconvene to share them, and thus Frankenstein was conceived.

Once Shelley produced her short story, she continued to work on it and titled it Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus. Publishing her novel was a difficult task and Mary was turned down by many reputable publishers. Eventually, Frankenstein was published by a small company, Lackington, Allan and Company. Three editions were published before any form of recognition or notoriety were bestowed on this now classic tale. Frankenstein is a collection of Mary Shelley's experiences, opinions and hopes projected into the lives of the characters, played out in such a manner than when one closes the book, the story does not end in their minds.

Many influences are easily spotted in the novel, her view on feminism shown through the deaths of the female characters, the use of scientific tools and studies to reflect the time period, and most importantly the dynamics of a dysfunctional family that reflects her own family. From the preceding information it can be deduced that Mary Shelley's use of symbolism and narration in her novel Frankenstein reflect experiences from her life and support the prevalent theme of nature vs. nurture, a result of family life. We have learned that for nearly all her life, William Godwin was indifferent to Mary Shelley; he sent her off to another country and had little contact with her.

It is evident that the lack of parental guidance in her life caused a deal of emotional scarring, which she wrote about in her novel. Alfonso, Victor Frankenstein's father, pays his son little attention, and brushes his dreams and interests away. Frankenstein recalls one of the pivotal moments in his life stating, A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, 'Ah Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash'. If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers...

under such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and have contented my imagination, warned as it was, by returning with greater ardour to my former studies. It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse to led to my ruin. But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents; and I continued to read with the greatest avidity. (Shelley 37 - 38) The relevancy of this passage is blatantly obvious, due to Alfonso's indifference, Frankenstein throws himself into his studies, convinced that his father is familiar with this field of science. It is our nature to want to grow up to be like our parents, yet it is how our nature of admiration and imitation is nurtured that our futures are decided.

If Alfonso had taken time to nurture Frankenstein's interests away from what would assuredly be a lethal path in life, then surely Frankenstein could have avoided what would eventually be a tragic downfall. Imitating his father's neglectful behavior, Frankenstein is indifferent to his creation, denying his parental obligations and responsibilities. Due to his indifference the monster rebels and promises not to rest until he has made Frankenstein's life as miserable as his own existence. Clearly the actions of the characters symbolizes William's indifference to Mary, and Shelley's unanswered questions of what her life could have been if he had given her the attention she desired, as well has her secret desires to punish her father for his neglect. On September 10, 1797 Mary Godwin died from childbirth complications leaving Mary to lead her life without a female role model. Mary's lack of female figures in the novel symbolize the lack in her own.

All the female characters either die or are murdered in the course of the novel. Justine an indentured servant who is also like another daughter to the Frankenstein family, is the female character whose experiences are most similar to that of Mary Shelley. Ironically the character most similar to the author is the first to be murdered by the creature Elizabeth almost died from scarlet fever yet was brought back from the grasp of death by her stepmother, Victor's mother, who consequently became ill and died. Before her death, Caroline called Frankenstein and Elizabeth to her bed saying, "My firmest hopes of happiness were placed on the prospect of your union. This expectation will now be the consolation of your father. Elizabeth my love, you must supply my place to my younger children" (Shelley 41).

This is rather odd considering the fact that Elizabeth and Victor grew up as siblings, and if Elizabeth is to assume the role of mother to the children, then she will also take on a motherly role toward Frankenstein. Even the young Victor had viewed Elizabeth as more then his sister and foreshadowed their union, when upon recollection of his childhood he stated "No word, no expression could body forth the kind of relation in which she stood to me-more than my sister, since till death she would be mine only" (Shelley 34). The dysfunction in the relationships of the women in the Frankenstein family is apparent and rather disturbing, thus expressing Mary's opinion about the women in her own life. The monster goes to Frankenstein demanding a female partner, and equal to spend his days with, claiming that if his request is met he shall be happy and live a peaceful life.

This is ironic because throughout the course of the novel, he is the only character to appreciate the simplicity of life, and seems to easily gauge what is most important in life. The female aspect of nature has always been viewed as the nurturer, the one who educates, teaches morals and values and administers the love in the family. There is a male and female aspect for everything, so it is no wonder that the characters seek out a partner to balance out their lives, it is human nature to seek balance and stability. When nature is not in balance, terrible things occur, which is displayed in Frankenstein when there is and absence of a female figure. Apparently Mary Shelley did not feel the stability supplied by a female in her own life.

After running off into the wilderness and stumbling upon the house of the De Lacey family, it seems as though the monster's humanity is slowly developing and exposing itself to the reader. A baby is naturally born innocent and only later in lifer learns to hate and distrust, the monster, symbolizing the loss of innocence, learns in this same fashion. The monster quietly sits and studies the family, trying to emulate the actions which he deems valuable, such as honesty, compassion, integrity and virtue. The more I saw of them, the greater became my desire to claim their protection and kindness; my heart yearned to be known and loved by theses amiable creatures; to see their sweet looks directed toward me with affection was the utmost limit of my ambition.

I dared not think that they would turn them from me with disdain and horror. The poor that stopped at their door were never driven away. I asked, it is true, for greater treasures that a little food or rest; I required kindness and sympathy; but I did not believe myself unworthy of it. (Shelley 127) It is apparent that the monster's inner humanity is driving him to socialize and bask in the attention and affection of others, an essential practice to all human beings. Eventually he draws the courage to interact with the family, and decides that the eldest the father who also happens to be blind will be first.

The symbolism of the monster choosing to interact with the blind man is clear, he cannot judge the monster based on his appearance, only his character and intellect. However when the other members of the family come home, they are not so welcoming, and Felix quickly attacks the monster, and the creature hurriedly flees from the cottage. The event was foreseen when the monster first set eyes upon his ghastly appearance and recalls that moment saying, .".. when I became fully convinced that I was in reality the monster that I am, I was filled with the bitterest feelings of despondence and mortification.

Alas! I did not yet know the effects of this fatal deformity" (Shelley...


Free research essays on topics related to: lord byron, female characters, william godwin, mary shelley, frankenstein family

Research essay sample on Mary Shelley Frankenstein The Basic Role Of Family

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