"What makes Frankenstein an important book, though it is only a strong, flawed novel with frequent clumsiness in its narrative and characterization, is that it contains one of the most vivid versions we have of the Romantic mythology of the self, one that resembles Blake's "Book of Urizen", Shelley’s "Prometheus Unbound" and Byron's "Manfred", among other works. Because it lacks the sophistication and imaginative complexity of such works, Frankenstein affords a unique introduction to the archetypal world of the Romantics."
This quotation by Harold Bloom, focuses on the aspect of why the novel Frankenstein is so important and why it stands out compared to other novels of the same genre. The argument is discussed later in this paper. Consequently, more questions are answered: What is Shelley's style of writing? Which elements does the novel Frankenstein consist of, and what makes it differ from other Gothic novels? The paper's aim is to answer these questions and to give information about the question: Is Frankenstein a typical Gothic novel?
The structure is as follows. At first, the context of the novel is explained by giving background information about the author Mary Shelley. Subsequently, the Gothic genre is introduced, followed by the Gothic themes in "Frankenstein" which are analyzed under different aspects. Lastly, the findings are compiled in the conclusion.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Context
- Information about Mary Shelley
- The Gothic genre
- Gothic themes in Frankenstein
- Horror and monstrosity
- Similarity of Victor and the monster
- Sexuality and incest
- Narrative style
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The aim of this paper is to explore the significance of Frankenstein as a Gothic novel and to examine its key themes and elements. It aims to analyze Mary Shelley's writing style and the novel's unique characteristics within the broader Gothic tradition.
- The Romantic mythology of the self, exemplified by Mary Shelley's portrayal of Victor Frankenstein and his creation.
- The exploration of the Gothic genre, its conventions, and its historical context.
- The analysis of key Gothic themes present in Frankenstein, such as horror, monstrosity, and the relationship between creator and creation.
- The exploration of the similarities and differences between Victor Frankenstein and his creation, and their shared characteristics.
- The role of the supernatural in the Gothic genre and its influence on Mary Shelley's novel.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter introduces the novel Frankenstein and its significance within the context of Romantic literature. The author explores the novel's themes and its unique approach to the genre, highlighting its enduring appeal.
The second chapter focuses on the context of the novel, providing background information on the author, Mary Shelley, and the Gothic genre. The author explores the historical and literary influences that shaped Shelley's work, including the Gothic conventions and themes that were prevalent in the early 19th century.
The third chapter examines the Gothic themes present in Frankenstein. It explores the themes of horror and monstrosity through the portrayal of the monster and its impact on those around it. The chapter also analyzes the complex relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his creation, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key keywords and focus topics of the text include: Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Gothic literature, Romanticism, horror, monstrosity, creation, creator, doppelgänger, incest, narrative style, Gothic conventions, literary analysis, and critical reception. The paper examines the themes, concepts, and literary techniques that define Frankenstein as a significant work of the Gothic genre.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2022, Is Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" a typical Gothic Novel? Context and Themes in "The Modern Prometheus", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1352869
