Appeal For Harmony Between Man And Nature In Frankenstein

Being the daughter and wife of such literary giants as William Godwin, Mary Wollestonecraft and Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft (Godwin) Shelley is honored and remembered in her own right as the authoress of Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, a novel which is valuable in itself. Frankenstein enjoys an enduring popularity among the reading public and critics as well.Taking the perspective of Ecocriticism, this thesis explores Mary Shelley's reflection on the relationship between man and nature by analyzing the tragedies of both Victor Frankenstein and his Creature. Through Victor's story, Shelley cautions people that if man pursues his goal recklessly, regardless of natural laws and man's limitations, a terrible revenge would be inflicted upon him by nature and he would bring destruction upon himself. At the same time, Mary Shelley appeals for a harmonious relationship between man and nature. In addition to the introduction and conclusion, the thesis consists of four chapters.The introduction provides general information about historical and present criticism on Frankenstein and points out the feasibility of using Ecocriticism to approach the story.Chapter One gives a general account to Frankenstein's biographical and historical background, which influenced Mary Shelley's making of Frankenstein. In the latter part of the chapter, a brief introduction of Frankenstein, Or the Modern Prometheus and Ecocriticism are given.Chapter Two is about the reckless ambition and self-destruction of the overreaching scientist—Victor Frankenstein. Victor proves to be a fallen Adam whose violation of nature kills and ends life rather than protecting or giving life and whose story serves as a moral lesson of human destructive desire against nature.Chapter Three traces the demonization of Victor's Creature who is the embodiment of the conflict between nature and human culture. The Creature seeks recognition and love from man, but is deserted and demonized by human culture. As a result, the once friendly and benevolent Creature avenges mankind, which indicates that nature will go against humanity if it is being neglected and overridden.Chapter Four holds that Victor and his creature are actually two soulless, split selves and Frankenstein's monstrous self determines Victor's destruction. As symbolic imagery, fire and ice are later discussed to reveal the basic elements of the characterization of Victor and the Creature.The conclusion summarizes the analysis of the previous chapters, reaffirming Mary Shelley's concern about the relationship between man and nature and her plea for harmony.