A Study Of Frankenstein In Perspective Of Ecological Ethics

Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus written by Mary Shelley was published in 1818. Since its publication, this novel has attracted many critics attention because of its various themes. It also gains ageless popularity as an outstanding gothic story and the first science fiction.From the 19th century, different perspectives and focuses were taken to interpret the novel, such as earlier biographical and narrative structure study. Since the 20th century, various modern critical approaches have been adapted, such as Psychoanalytic analyses, Marxism, Post-colonialism, Post-modernism etc. Since the middle of the 20th century, feminist criticism dominates the critical attention. Recently some scholars have already studied this novel from the angle of ecocriticism, yet few have combined ecocriticism with ethics. This thesis attempts to approach this novel from the perspective of ecological ethics. In the context of world-wide environmental crisis, it is very important and meaningful to explore and inspect the profound thoughts of ecological ethics in this novel.This thesis consists of five chapters. Chapter One is a brief introduction to the literature review of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein. The research method and thesis structure are also presented.Chapter Two explores the background, development and basic principle of ecocriticism and ecological ethics.Chapter Three mainly analyzes the relationship between human and nature reflected in this novel. Both Victor Frankenstein and Walton disobey natural laws and have conflict with nature. On the contrary, Elizabeth and Henry Clerval respect natural laws and live with nature harmoniously.Chapter Four further reveals human society's destruction towards the poor creature. Frankenstein is the arch criminal in the process of destroying his own creature. At first, Frankenstein disregards natural law and creates a monster; after creation, he abandons his creature without taking any responsibility; at last, he chases the creature in order to kill him. At the same time, the monster is full of hatred toward human society because of the De Lacey family's rejection. What's more, other cottagers and little William's prejudice make creature take vengeance on society. Finally human beings also pay for their own mistakes. The last chapter reaffirms the theory of ecological ethics on the basis of summary of the whole thesis. It means that humans should respect life as well as nature and live harmoniously with nature. With the interpretation of this novel from the perspective of ecological ethics, this thesis tries to awake human's ecological ethical awareness—to respect natural laws and every living thing and calls on people to take their ecological responsibility to create a harmonious society.