FEMINIST SCIENTIST

Feminist Scientist

Feminist Scientist

In the novel, Frankenstein, we see the composer Mary Shelley unambiguously reflects her values as well as that of her society. The context in which it was composed exemplifies profound statements of Mary Shelley's time.

Initially, conceptions of man and the human race are characterized, distinguishing man as dominant over women, merely perceiving them as objects of man thus creating gender roles of the early eighteenth century. On the other hand we see perceptions of greed and obsessive behavior through the central characters Frankenstein and Walton who become driven by selfish desires. (Marilyn 1994)

The influence of the development of science evidently caused a foremost impact upon Mary Shelley's society therefore it became a primary theme during Frankenstein, particularly the ascendancy of science over nature. Nature becomes symbolism of the sublime while Mary Shelley's conception of the negative consequences of science over nature becomes apparent. In addition we may distinguish science as a representation of man and nature as women, which was most likely a view determined by Shelley's view of her mother and father since her mother was a feminist and father was a scientist. Thus, Mary Shelly includes these ideas in Frankenstein making imperative statements as well as reflecting values due to the context it was written. As well as commenting on men Shelley expresses her attitudes concerning humankind along with civilization in general.

In view of the fact that the responder witnesses Frankenstein's brutal consequences as a result of taking his knowledge too far, we may conclude that Mary Shelley observed numerous imperfections in humanity and because of this they must experience regrettable consequences for their actions. This is reflected by the Prometheus Myth seeing that Frankenstein is subtitled The Modern Prometheus. (Marilyn 1994)

Prometheus aspires for forbidden knowledge by stealing fire from the Gods identical to Frankenstein with electricity. Because of his desire to overcome man's limitations, Prometheus is tied up while vultures devour his insides all day and night, although he never dies. This is equivalent to Frankenstein observing those he loves being murdered knowing he will by no means be killed by his own creation.

Thus, when Shelley looks to the human race she witnesses voraciousness as well as egocentricity, which consecutively deserve to be punished. Novels during the eighteenth century generally consisted of characters with similar elements in their lives revealing that that was what was accepted and expected of the ...