Why does Shelley have Frankenstein choose England for the creation of the second creature. What possibilities from her life might be reflected in this? How does this choice relate to Romanticism?
To understand why Shelley has Frankenstein choose England for the creation of the second creature in her novel, "Frankenstein," and how it might reflect possibilities from her life, as well as its relation to Romanticism, we need to explore the context of the time period and Shelley's personal experiences.
Firstly, it's important to note that Mary Shelley was a prominent Romantic writer. The Romantic movement, which emerged in the late 18th century, emphasized individualism, imagination, and intense emotions, often focusing on the power and beauty of nature. Romantic writers also frequently highlighted the conflict between science and nature, and questioned the consequences of unchecked scientific progress.
Now let's consider Shelley's own life. Mary Shelley's parents, Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin, were both notable intellectuals of their time. They were deeply influenced by the Enlightenment and believed in the power of reason and progress. However, Shelley's life was also marked by tragedy. Her mother died shortly after giving birth to her, and Shelley herself experienced the loss of several loved ones throughout her life.
In "Frankenstein," the character Victor Frankenstein is motivated by a desire to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and create life. He initially believes his creation will bring about a new era of scientific progress and benefit humanity. However, he soon realizes his experiment has gone terribly wrong, and he is consumed by guilt and the destructive consequences of his actions.
When Frankenstein decides to create a second creature, he chooses England as the location. England was a significant center of scientific and intellectual progress during the Romantic era. By setting this part of the story in England, Shelley may be reflecting the clash between her parents' Enlightenment ideals and the darker side of scientific progress.
Moreover, the choice of England as the setting may also reflect Shelley's personal experiences. Throughout her life, she struggled with grief and loss, much like Frankenstein does in the novel. This creates a parallel where England represents both the optimistic potential for progress and the harsh reality of personal tragedy.
From a Romantic perspective, Shelley's choice to have Frankenstein create the second creature in England embodies the Romantic themes of the time. It explores the hubris of science and its potential to evoke unintended consequences. By confronting the issues of unchecked scientific progress, Shelley critiques the arrogance of humanity in tampering with nature and disrupting the natural order of things.
In conclusion, Shelley's decision to have Frankenstein choose England for the creation of the second creature in "Frankenstein" reflects both the conflicting ideals of her parents and her own experiences of loss. It also embodies the Romantic movement's exploration of the boundaries of science, the power of nature, and the consequences of violating the natural order.