Connection to Nature
English Lit: Edexcel A Level Frankenstein, topic 6.1.4
Connection to Nature
By taking nature out of the process of creating new life, Victor breaks the sacred connection with nature.
Schools of thought
- The Romantic Movement places importance upon the power of the imagination, emotions and our deeply rooted connection to nature.
- It came about in reaction to the era of Neoclassicism, or the Age of Enlightenment, which foregrounded the idea of rationalism, logic and man conquering nature through scientific discovery.
Frankenstein
- In Frankenstein, both these schools of thought are present.
- Walton and Victor may be viewed as aspiring to Age of Enlightenment ideals.
- The Monster and Clerval, along with Elizabeth, could be aligned with nature and therefore Romanticism.
Romanticism
- Victor does appear to have Romantic tendencies as he always feels peaceful and restored when he is surrounded by nature.
- But because of his hubris, Victor rejects the warnings he is given by nature and goes ahead with his terrible experiment.
Nature
- By taking nature out of the process of creating new life, Victor breaks the sacred connection with nature. From that decision, he turns life into death throughout the novel.
Test yourself on Connection to Nature
What does Victor take nature out of the process of?