ENG 510 Lecture 7: 7. Frankenstein (Wrapt-Up)
Document Summary
The novel is marked by a fundamental pessimism and darkness, especially in terms of humanity. We are self-absorbed creatures, easily turned to do evil. The novel treats frankenstein as a parent and scientist, and fails in both accounts. His inability to care for his own creation. He attempts to throw the blame off himself and spread it towards others. His lowest point is just after justine"s death, when he says his suffering is worse than hers because he feels guilt. He builds himself up as a titanic scientist hero, but when he fails, he is unable to fully acknowledge it. His creation is an unnatural birth and thus takes the attributes of god and women that he owes him anything. Fails as a parent because of his utter rejection of the creature and the fact. This is often connected to shelley"s particular personal problems and her relationship with her mother.
