Background and Purpose
- Collect a copy of the preface from Mrs Plunkett and read it. After reading it (and conductin research if you feel the need to), write a summary of the notes on the following points:
- Mary Shelley’s background.
- The conditions in which the novel Frankenstein was created.
- Outline P.B. Shelley’s thoughts on the realistic nature of ‘the event’ which the novel draws upon.
- In the preface, Shelley reflects on what she wanted to achieve with this novel. She states: “I busied myself to think of a story,- a story to rival those which had excited us to this task. One which would speak to the mysterious fears of our nature and awaken thrilling horror.” In light of this quote, write a response to the following statements below:
- Shelley states that she wanted to write a story to ‘rival one which had excited us to this task.’ To what is she referring to? Do you think Frankenstein fulfils this brief? Why/why not?
- She goes on to say that she wishes to write a story that will ‘speak to the mysterious fears of our nature’. Provide a definition of ‘human nature’ and then discuss what ‘mysterious fear’ Shelley is seeking to tap into with Frankenstein.
Human nature is the shared characteristics and behaviours, found in all humans. I think the mysterious fear that Shelley discusses is about how morally ‘good’ we actually are, and also where our boundaries are, and what happens when we push them too far. Shelley shows this by using Frankenstein, someone who we believe is good (but arguably isn’t), and the consequences of him pushing past societal limitations.
- In what way do you think the novel ‘awaken(s) thrilling horror’? Why would Shelley want to frighten her readers? What do you think they should actually be afraid of if they look back and consider the novel?
Considering the time period, readers may have found Shelley’s novel to be a more realistic possibility, and therefore finding the novel even more thrilling and horrifying. I think Shelley wants to frighten her readers for fun but to also warn them. She makes it clear the dangers of meddling with science and being blinded by ambition. She also warns them of making blind assumptions of others and the dangers of isolation. The readers are forced to change their views with a change of narration, and I think that helps them to receive these messages.
1 Comment
Add Yours →Hi Annabel,
Something else you could consider in your answer here is the function of the gothic genre. It serves to present the readers with the common fears of humanity and does so by manifesting these in a supernatural form. I think part of Shelley’s intention here was to use the supernatural character of the Creature to symbolise humanity’s fear of the unknown in a time period where people were attempting to explain the unknown with Science. But many were afraid of where this would lead ( as you have mentioned in your analysis).
With your work on this post, try to consistently link your thoughts to the text. You begin to do this in some of your answers (in the second bullet point you reference Frankenstein) but you could look to take this further.
Mrs. P