In my paper “Beyond Archangel” I take a semiotic and thematic approach to the theme of Archangel in the novel. In the novel the term “Archangel” shows up over and over again and many references are made to other themes relating to heaven and hell, such as Dante’s Inferno.
Geographically, the novel begins in a place beyond the city Archangel. It is an actual city in the Artic named after the archangel Michael. It is the Christian archangel Michael, but a whole tradition; Judaic, Greek… surrounds him. Therefore, in the text the word Archangel takes on multiple meanings as it refers to the physical place but also the spiritual place the three main characters are in. Victor, Walton and the Creature, all three of them are beyond Archangel, that means beyond the state of being in God’s grace. They are closer to hell than to heaven. Victor, one of the characters has already fallen and there is no help for him. The Creature and Walton seem to be beyond all hope for salvation as well, but one of them will ultimately be saved. It is the Creature who takes on another archangel persona and through this selfless act manages to save Walton from his fast track to damnation. Through the Creature Walton manages to shake off Victor’s spell over him, and return to the save haven of Archangel. Here again, the city takes on a meaning of being a place of God. The Creature never physically returns to Archangel, but he is redeemed through his actions. The three main characters therefore represent the three different spiritual states: Fallen, redeemed and saved by grace.
I will look at religion and what the meaning of an archangel is. Mary Shelley herself was acquainted with different religions and her knowledge influenced her novel, of course. I want to be present the different religious traditions that are found in the text and explore what it means for Frankenstein.
Table of Contents
- Archangel and Archangels
- Victor Frankenstein
- The Creature
- Robert Walton
- Fall and Salvation
Objectives and Key Themes
This work analyzes the significance of "Archangel" in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, exploring its dual meaning as a geographical location and a religious concept. It examines how the three main characters—Victor Frankenstein, the Creature, and Robert Walton—transcend the literal and metaphorical boundaries of Archangel, representing different responses to destiny.
- The dual meaning of "Archangel" as a physical place and a religious symbol.
- The contrasting destinies of Victor, the Creature, and Walton.
- The exploration of choice and its consequences in relation to destiny.
- The role of ambition and exploration in the narrative.
- The thematic representation of archangels and their significance.
Chapter Summaries
Archangel and Archangels: This chapter establishes the dual significance of Archangel. It explains the historical context of Archangel as a Russian port, detailing its development and importance in trade. The chapter also delves into the theological meaning of "archangel," exploring its representation across various religions and its implications for the narrative's exploration of destiny and choice. The geographical limitations of Archangel serve as a literal and symbolic threshold, representing a point beyond which the characters journey, both physically and spiritually. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the characters' actions within the framework of the overarching theme of transcending limitations, both geographical and spiritual.
Victor Frankenstein: This section delves into Victor's character, exploring his ambition, his creation of the Creature, and the consequences of his actions. His story will likely highlight his flawed choices and the catastrophic results that follow from his hubris and lack of responsibility. The chapter emphasizes his journey beyond Archangel as a reflection of his inner turmoil and his attempts to escape the consequences of his creation. His actions are contrasted with the other characters, particularly the Creature, to explore the thematic variations in how one responds to challenges and destiny.
The Creature: This chapter focuses on the Creature's perspective and experiences. It likely analyzes his development, his attempts at integration into human society, and his reactions to rejection and isolation. His journey beyond Archangel mirrors a spiritual journey of self-discovery and attempts to overcome the limitations imposed upon him by his creation and societal rejection. This section would likely contrast the Creature's actions with Victor's and Walton's, showcasing his unique response to destiny and highlighting his potential for both good and evil.
Robert Walton: This chapter analyzes Walton's character and his ambition to explore the Arctic. His actions are viewed in relation to the overarching themes of the novel, his voyage serving as a parallel to the journeys of Victor and the Creature. The chapter will explore his motivations, his friendship with Victor, and his personal growth throughout the narrative. Walton's journey beyond Archangel is symbolic of human ambition, exploration, and the potential for both success and failure in the pursuit of knowledge and achievement. His role as a potential foil to Victor's disastrous choices is likely highlighted.
Keywords
Archangel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, destiny, choice, ambition, exploration, archangel (theological), Arctic, Victor Frankenstein, the Creature, Robert Walton, humanity, responsibility, isolation, salvation, fall.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of "Archangel" in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
What is the main focus of this analysis?
This analysis centers on the significance of "Archangel" in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, exploring its dual meaning as a geographical location and a religious concept. It examines how the three main characters—Victor Frankenstein, the Creature, and Robert Walton—transcend the literal and metaphorical boundaries of Archangel, representing different responses to destiny.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis explores several key themes including the dual meaning of "Archangel," the contrasting destinies of the three main characters, the exploration of choice and its consequences, the role of ambition and exploration, and the thematic representation of archangels and their significance. It also examines the characters' journeys beyond Archangel as reflections of their inner turmoil and attempts to escape the consequences of their actions or creations.
What are the chapter summaries included in the preview?
The preview includes chapter summaries focusing on: "Archangel and Archangels" (establishing the dual significance of Archangel geographically and theologically); "Victor Frankenstein" (exploring Victor's ambition, creation of the Creature, and consequences); "The Creature" (analyzing the Creature's perspective, experiences, and attempts at integration into society); and "Robert Walton" (examining Walton's ambition, exploration, friendship with Victor, and personal growth).
How are the characters' journeys described?
The characters' journeys beyond Archangel are interpreted both literally (as physical journeys) and symbolically (as spiritual and emotional journeys). Each character's journey represents a unique response to destiny and the challenges they face, highlighting the consequences of their choices and actions.
What is the significance of the geographical location "Archangel"?
Archangel serves as a literal and symbolic threshold. Its geographical limitations represent a point beyond which the characters journey, both physically and spiritually, signifying a transition into the unknown and a confrontation with their destinies.
What keywords are associated with this analysis?
Keywords include: Archangel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, destiny, choice, ambition, exploration, archangel (theological), Arctic, Victor Frankenstein, the Creature, Robert Walton, humanity, responsibility, isolation, salvation, and fall.
What is the overall objective of this analysis?
The overall objective is to analyze the significance of "Archangel" within the narrative of Frankenstein, demonstrating how the concept's dual meaning (geographical and religious) shapes the characters' actions and their responses to destiny and the consequences of their choices.
Who are the main characters analyzed?
The main characters analyzed are Victor Frankenstein, the Creature he creates, and Robert Walton, whose Arctic exploration parallels the others' journeys.
What is the intended audience for this analysis?
The intended audience is academic, focusing on a structured and professional analysis of themes within Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
- Citar trabajo
- Melanie Kirkham (Autor), 2005, Beyond Archangel - The Archangel Theme in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/78252
