Frankenstein: historical context

The Enlightenment Period

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” was written during the Enlightenment period, an era of great change and new ideas, particularly in the fields of science, politics and society.
The novel reflects the tension between science and religion that defined the era. Victor Frankenstein embodies the Enlightenment philosopher, using logic and reason to unlock the secrets of life.
However, his pursuit of knowledge leads to his downfall, perhaps suggesting Shelley’s critique of unregulated scientific experimentation.

The novel was also set against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution which brought about dramatic social and economic changes in Europe.
Themes of creation and destruction, intrinsic to the Industrial Revolution, are explored in the novel. The creature, much like the machinery of the era, is a creation of man that ultimately threatens its creator.
The narrative expresses anxieties about the consequences of unchecked technological progress, highlighting these changes as both a source of potential prosperity and peril.

“Frankenstein” is considered a Romantic work. During Shelley’s lifetime, Romanticism was a powerful cultural movement that emphasised emotion, nature, and individuality as counter to the rationality championed by Enlightenment.
Victor’s overreaching ambition can be seen as a critique of Romantic ideals of limitless exploration and the pursuit of glory.
The natural world in “Frankenstein” is depicted as powerful and therapeutic, reflecting Romantic ideals of nature.

Shelley’s novel has left an enduring legacy, influencing numerous adaptations, reinterpretations and responses across various media.
These interpretations range from horror films and novels to serious academic discourse, reflecting the range and complexity of issues Shelley raised.
Consequently, knowledge of the historical context can provide a deeper understanding of the themes and ideas explored in the novel, promoting a more nuanced interpretation.