Civilization has developed itself from nature, but it has also changed nature in the process. Apart from theories of much cited social analysts like Rousseau or John Locke, one equally well known example is that of man as the hunter: in his natural state, man only hunted to find food, to ensure the survival of himself and his family. In our society, humans do not have to hunt their food by themselves anymore, but we still don’t seem to have lost our natural instincts, our natural aggressions. One logical consequence is that we direct our aggressions towards each other, that we decimate our own species; the problem is, however, that natural reasons like ensuring the best breed possible don’t exist anymore, that we don’t have explanations why we kill each other apparently at random. Tim Marshall writes about a crime known as ‘The Edinburgh scandal’, which took place in the years of 1828 and 1829. Dr. Robert Knox, an anatomist from Edinburgh and very engaged in the newly upcoming art of dissection, employed two criminals to bring him fresh corpses for his dissections. At this time, grave robbing in order to obtain corpses was an usual occurrence in British graveyards, but in this case the acquired ‘objects’ didn’t come from those who had died naturally, but from people who had been murdered only for the sake of dissection. The reason for these murders was science, and with it civilization, therefore human nature was misused for the sake of science which in turn needed the bodies to explore the secrets nature still withheld from science.
The resemblance to Mary Shelley’s novel is apparent. But in Frankenstein, nature and civilization are also set in opposition to each other by the attributes they are given: nature as feminine, civilization as masculine. Shelley draws in her novel a parallel between the relationship of man and woman and the relationship between civilization and nature.
This work shows some of the major connotations nature has in the novel, followed by a chapter on civilization with a small account of the status of women in the 18th century society and a few feministic interpretations. The fourth chapter will deal with some of the many different influences which Shelley wove into her story, the fifth and sixth with the most important theories on ‘nature and civilization’ and some of the references Shelley made concerning the Bible and the complicated consequences if one attempts to create a living being by artificial means.
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Nature
- Nature And Science
- Themes Of Nature Throughout The Novel
- Victor's Problem In Understanding Nature
- Civilization
- Victor's Creation Becoming Civilized
- A Female Aspect
- Differences Between Victor And His Creation By Their ‘Education’
- Theories And Opinions On ‘Nature And Civilisation’ Adapted In The Novel
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau's ‘Noble Savage’ and ‘Emile’
- John Locke's Theory Of The ‘Blank Sheet’
- References To The Bible
- The Theme Of Adam and Satan – The Blurred Line Between Monster And Creator
- The Creation Of Eve
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the interplay between nature and civilization in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, a novel deeply rooted in the Romantic period. The analysis explores how Shelley uses these themes to comment on societal structures, scientific ambition, and the human condition. The paper also investigates the influence of philosophical theories from Rousseau and Locke on the novel’s central ideas.
- The relationship between nature and civilization in Frankenstein.
- The portrayal of nature as feminine and civilization as masculine.
- The consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.
- The exploration of human nature and its darker aspects.
- The influence of philosophical and biblical themes on the narrative.
Chapter Summaries
Preface: This preface introduces the central theme of the paper: the intertwined relationship between nature and civilization in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, contextualizing it within the Romantic period and highlighting the novel's exploration of these concepts. It uses the example of the "Edinburgh scandal," where the pursuit of scientific knowledge (civilization) led to murder, highlighting the potential conflict between human nature and societal advancements. The preface establishes the framework for analyzing the novel's complex portrayal of these themes, foreshadowing the exploration of philosophical influences and interpretations.
Nature: This chapter delves into the multifaceted representation of nature in Frankenstein. It begins by examining the inherent tension between scientific inquiry and the reverence for nature, highlighting the arrogance of scientists who seek to "penetrate into the recesses of nature." The chapter then explores Victor Frankenstein's character, analyzing his ambition and his disregard for the potential consequences of his actions. It emphasizes Victor's superstitious attitude toward nature, his growing arrogance, and his pursuit of knowledge without considering the ethical implications. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding Victor's fatal flaw – his inability to fully appreciate the power and mystery of nature.
Keywords
Nature, civilization, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Romanticism, science, ambition, human nature, Rousseau, Locke, Adam and Satan, creation, ethical implications.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Frankenstein
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of a paper analyzing the interplay between nature and civilization in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The analysis focuses on how Shelley uses these themes to comment on societal structures, scientific ambition, and the human condition, and explores the influence of philosophical theories from Rousseau and Locke.
What are the main themes explored in the paper?
The paper's central themes revolve around the complex relationship between nature and civilization in Frankenstein. This includes examining the portrayal of nature as feminine and civilization as masculine, the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition, the exploration of human nature and its darker aspects, and the influence of philosophical and biblical themes (such as Adam and Satan) on the narrative.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into several sections: a preface setting the stage, a chapter dedicated to the representation of nature in the novel, a chapter focusing on civilization, a section discussing relevant philosophical theories (Rousseau and Locke), a section analyzing biblical references, and a concluding section. Each chapter delves into specific aspects of the interplay between nature and civilization within the novel's context.
How does the paper analyze the concept of "Nature" in Frankenstein?
The analysis of "Nature" explores the tension between scientific inquiry and the reverence for nature. It examines Victor Frankenstein's character, highlighting his ambition, disregard for consequences, and superstitious attitude towards nature. It emphasizes his arrogance and pursuit of knowledge without ethical considerations, ultimately identifying his inability to appreciate the power and mystery of nature as a fatal flaw.
What role does "Civilization" play in the paper's analysis?
The analysis of "Civilization" explores how Victor's creation becomes civilized, examines the differences between Victor and his creation based on their "education", and considers the feminine aspect of nature contrasting with the masculine aspects of civilization. It also explores how the "Edinburgh scandal," where scientific knowledge led to murder, highlights the potential conflict between human nature and societal advancements.
Which philosophical theories are referenced in the paper?
The paper draws on the philosophical theories of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (specifically his concepts of the "Noble Savage" and "Emile") and John Locke (his theory of the "Blank Sheet") to provide context for understanding the novel's portrayal of nature and civilization and the development of the characters' understanding of the world.
How are biblical themes incorporated into the analysis?
The paper examines the biblical themes of Adam and Satan, focusing on the blurred line between monster and creator, and also considers the creation of Eve as a parallel to Victor's creation of the monster.
What are the key takeaways of this analysis?
The key takeaway is a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between nature and civilization as presented in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, examining how the novel uses these intertwined concepts to explore broader themes of scientific ambition, human nature, ethical considerations, and the influence of philosophical and religious thought.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Nature, civilization, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Romanticism, science, ambition, human nature, Rousseau, Locke, Adam and Satan, creation, and ethical implications.
- Quote paper
- Nadine Wolf (Author), 2004, Nature and Civilisation in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/35461
