Historical Figures
English Lit: Edexcel A Level Frankenstein, topic 3.2.5
Historical Figures
In terms of Frankenstein’s scientific influence, Shelley draws on famous historical figures who sought to challenge the order of nature and bend its rules for their own gain.
Agrippa
- Cornelius Agrippa: practised magic and the occult.
Magnus
- Albertus Magnus: a theologist that is rumoured to have discovered the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance said to hold the elixir of life.
Paracelsus
- Paracelsus: a Renaissance physician, alchemist, astrologer, and general occultist.
- His name was personally adopted as he wanted to state that he was ‘parallel/equal’ to Celsus, an ancient medical authority, to display his hubris - rather reminiscent of Victor!
Foreboding
- The inclusion of the names of these men immediately suggests an ominous link to dark magic and as they are constantly mocked, debunked and Victor is warned off them.
- They are a foreboding of what he will create.
Test yourself on Historical Figures
Which historical figure practised magic and the occult?
What does the adopted name Paracelsus mean?