Ecocriticism and Frankenstein - 1224 Words

Given the deep ties to nature that Mary Shelley explores within Frankenstein, the principles and methodology of ecocriticism can be applied in many different ways. The interaction of humanity and nature is a concept explored throughout the novel, relating directly to a core tenet of ecocriticism, directly relat[ing] who we are as human beings to the environment (Bressler 231). Being as there is no single, dominant methodology (235) within ecocriticism, the extent to which we can use ecocriticism to interact with Frankenstein contains considerable depth. However, I will look to a few main methodologies of ecocriticism to look at Frankenstein in detail to uncover how the novel deals with the changing attitudes of humanity and nature in†¦show more content†¦Victor states that even human sympathies were not sufficient to satisfy [Clervals] eager mind (Shelley 112) and that Clerval loved nature where others merely admired it, only to be destroyed by the results of a humans attemp t to meddle with natural processes. By expressing the difference between admiration or aesthetic appreciation of nature and the true appreciation of its vital importance, Victor brings to light a great conflict in Romantic-era England between the progress of humanity in the sciences and the responsibility to preserve nature. An assumption in Bresslers synopsis of Ecocriticism, the maintenance of dialog between sciences and humanity is important to maintain to preserve the vital balance that allows us to exist on our planet. However, Victor is part of the problem throughout the novel, as his defiance of natural process exemplifies the need for humanity to control nature, through modification, identification, and oppression. Victor initially is inspired to create due to his unchecked foray into the sciences, to explore where the principle of life proceed[ed] (Shelley 31), and defy the natural courses of life and death. Victors result, in that his creation subverts both humanity and nature through its actions, serves to illuminate the potential danger in attempting to control or modify nature forShow MoreRelated Playing God in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay5215 Words   |  21 Pageshis Poetics, Aristotle defines the tragic hero as a man of high social status who invites the gods to punish him through overbearing pride and/or presumption – hubris. It would be simple to assign the label of hubristic tragic hero to Victor Frankenstein, but such assignment of a label would be an oversimplification. The gods in Greek drama punish, albeit harshly, in an outright manner. The tragic figure is aware that the gods have forsaken him, and he resigns to live his life under the demands