Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Dispense di Letteratura Inglese

Scarica Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein e più Dispense in PDF di Letteratura Inglese solo su Docsity! "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley is a classic Gothic novel published in 1818. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life. He succeeds in animating a creature but is horrified by its appearance and abandons it. The creature, rejected by society, seeks revenge against Victor, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel explores themes of scientific ethics, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the complexities of humanity and identity. Victor's relentless pursuit of knowledge leads him to experiment with creating life using scavenged body parts. He succeeds in bringing his creature to life, but his initial elation turns to horror as he beholds the monstrous appearance of his creation. Disgusted and terrified, he abandons the creature, setting in motion a chain of events that will ultimately lead to tragedy. The creature, shunned by society due to his grotesque appearance, yearns for companionship and understanding. He tries to integrate into human society but is met with fear and hostility. Destroyed by loneliness and a desire for revenge against his creator, the creature embarks on a path of violence, taking the lives of those closest to Victor, trying to hit Victor’s internal affections. The novel examines the ethical implications of scientific innovation, as Victor's relentless pursuit of knowledge and power results in devastating consequences for both himself and those around him. The narrative also raises questions about the nature of humanity and the responsibilities that come with creation. The creature, though initially a symbol of horror, evolves into a complex character who grapples with his own identity and the cruelty of humanity. As the story unfolds through a series of interconnected letters and narratives, Shelley weaves a tale of tragedy, remorse, and the blurred lines between creator and creation. "Frankenstein" explores timeless themes such as the dangers of unchecked ambition, the limits of scientific knowledge, and the moral responsibilities that come with wielding great power. THE FUNCTION OF LETTERS In "Frankenstein," letters serve as a narrative device that provides insight into the characters' emotions, motivations, and experiences. They also help to establish a frame narrative, where the main story is framed by multiple layers of narration. The letters primarily come from three different characters: Captain Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the Monster. Captain Robert Walton's Letters: The novel begins with a series of letters written by Walton to his sister, detailing his voyage to the North Pole. These letters provide context for the main narrative and introduce themes of ambition and exploration. Walton's correspondence frames the entire novel and adds an external perspective to the events that unfold. Victor Frankenstein's Letters: Victor's letters to Walton form a significant part of the narrative. Through these letters, Victor recounts his life story, his scientific ambitions, and the tragic consequences of his actions. The letters give readers a firsthand account of Victor's emotional and psychological journey, as well as his growing guilt and horror over creating the Monster. The Monster's Narrative: The Monster's narrative, presented in the form of a letter to Victor, allows readers to understand his side of the story. In this letter, the Monster reveals his experiences, emotions, and the challenges he faces due to his appearance. This narrative adds complexity to the Monster's character and underscores the themes of loneliness and rejection. Overall, the letters in "Frankenstein" serve as a way to convey multiple perspectives, enhance the depth of characters, and create a sense of intimacy between the characters and the reader. They contribute to the novel's epistolary structure, where the story is composed of various forms of written communication, and they allow the characters to express their thoughts and feelings in a more personal and introspective manner. Chapter 1: Captain Walton's letters establish a sense of isolation and longing, mirroring Victor's own experiences. The pursuit of knowledge and ambition, evident in Walton's desire to explore the Arctic, foreshadows Victor's later actions. The use of letters as a narrative device introduces the idea of storytelling and the subjectivity of truth. Chapter 5: Victor's horrified reaction to the creature he brings to life reveals a complex mix of guilt, regret, and the realization that his actions have crossed a boundary. This chapter underscores the theme of unintended consequences, reflecting the idea that scientific progress can lead to moral dilemmas and emotional turmoil. Chapter 16: The creature's narrative humanizes him, challenging the reader's initial perception of him as a mere monster. His experiences of rejection and attempts at integration highlight themes of social exclusion and the search for identity. This chapter can be seen as a commentary on societal prejudices and how people are treated based on appearance. Chapter 23: The creature's killing of Elizabeth on Victor's wedding night underscores the destructive power of unchecked emotions and revenge. It symbolizes the disruption of innocent moments and the inescapable consequences of Victor's actions. The theme of the monstrous is further explored as society's rejection turns the creature into the very monster they fear. Chapter 24: Walton's reflections on Victor's story emphasize the importance of sharing experiences and learning from mistakes. The novel closes with a sense of caution, suggesting that ambition without ethical considerations can lead to tragedy. The creature's loneliness serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of isolating oneself from others. In these chapters, Mary Shelley layers hidden meanings and themes. The Arctic exploration in Chapter 1 symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge into the unknown, mirroring Victor's scientific pursuits. The creature's creation in Chapter 5 touches on themes of childbirth, reflecting Shelley's personal experiences and commenting on the potential consequences of disregarding ethical considerations. Chapter 16 delves into the theme of empathy, challenging readers to consider the perspectives of marginalized individuals. The killing of Elizabeth in Chapter 23 can be seen as a metaphor for the loss of innocence and the destruction that follows when human emotions are ignored or suppressed. Lastly, Chapter 24's reflection on loneliness and sharing stories underscores the novel's larger message about the importance of understanding and human connection. These hidden interpretations enrich the narrative and reveal the depth of Shelley's exploration of human nature, society, and ethics. CHARACTER’S DESCRIPTION Victor Frankenstein: The protagonist of the story, Victor is a brilliant and ambitious scientist with a passion for natural philosophy. His curiosity leads him to experiment with creating life, but his actions lead to tragic consequences. Victor is tormented by guilt and remorse, driven by a sense of responsibility for the havoc his creation wreaks. The Creature: Also known as "Frankenstein's monster," the creature is Victor's creation. He starts as a grotesque and misunderstood being, but as the story unfolds, his complexity becomes apparent. He's intelligent, sensitive, and yearns for companionship. The creature's experiences of rejection and isolation lead him to question his own identity and purpose. Elizabeth Lavenza: Elizabeth is Victor's adoptive sister and eventual wife. She is gentle, caring, and a source of comfort for Victor. She symbolizes purity and domesticity in the novel. Tragically, she becomes a target of the creature's vengeance. Henry Clerval: Victor's childhood friend and later a student at Ingolstadt University, Henry provides a stark contrast to Victor's intense ambition. He is nurturing, loyal, and represents a more balanced approach to life. Henry's role is significant in highlighting the cost of Victor's obsession. Captain Robert Walton: The explorer who writes letters to his sister, framing the narrative, Walton shares similarities with Victor. He's ambitious and driven by a thirst for knowledge. His interactions with Victor and the overall narrative structure provide insight into the themes of loneliness and ambition. Justine Moritz: Justine is the Frankenstein family's housekeeper. She is kind-hearted and selfless, becoming a victim of circumstance when she is wrongly accused of murder. Her tragic fate serves as