Mary Shelley, Romanticism, and <i> Frankenstein </i>

The last line of that clip nails it for me: “Well your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” This question is one that particularly interests me. If mankind is capable of an act, does that mean we should automatically do that act? This question is asked all throughout our lives, not just in movies. And, it’s one of several brought up in Frankenstein!

But reading Frankenstein as a form of scientific commentary is just one way to approach this novel. There are many other social and environmental ways to interpret the story. As you read, consider what Shelley might be implying about the role of women, or about our role as human beings in our environment, or the responsibilities we have to our families. Here is a list of possible questions that the novel asks:

1. Is survival a matter of chance?

2. What is the relationship between our actions and the consequences of those actions?

3. What is our responsibility to ourselves, others, our country, and the world?

4. How do pride, jealousy, and/or loyalty affect our choices?

5. What is the price of knowledge?

6. When does knowledge become dangerous?

7. What is a monster?

8. What is our responsibility to our family?

9. Can people live in isolation?

I want you to select one of these questions, and spend five minutes reflecting on the question. Use the handout to write the reflection, and also write which question you are reflecting on. I’m not asking you to necessarily answer the question, but I do want to see your thoughts on the matter. Keep this reflection in mind as you read Frankenstein, and look to see if Mary Shelley and her characters feel the same way. There is no “correct” answer to these questions. When you finish, click below to continue on to the next page.