Group+2

  =How is Frankenstein a Romantic Novel?=

Diana Weisman, Kim Chan, Bill Murphy
[|Google images: Frankenstein]
 * ===It all starts with the creation===
 * Romanticism stresses that the creation of a being demonstrates the beauty and goodness of nature and the universe
 * Irony-Victor Frankenstein was drawn to this original idea which horribly backfired
 * Is the Monster a romantic hero for being a pariah of society?
 * the Monster, living on the elements from the earth and harmony with nature to survive, proves the answer to this question is yes.


 * ===The lessons learned from Victor Frankenstein===


 * [[image:image1.jpg width="199" height="151"]]
 * Victor's goes into extreme isolation and becomes a hermit with his work
 * Romanticism emphasized escaping from modern life into primitive unspoiled nature
 * Is there a hidden symbol behind Victor's illness because of his lack of nature in his life?
 * "Every night I was oppressed by a slow fever, and I became nervous to a most painful degree; the fall of a leaf startled me..." (pg 50)
 * Mont Blanc is always linked with Victor's happiness and illevation of his sickness - rolling hills, streams, glaciers and mountains.
 * Message: Nature = Good Healt h
 * "The supreme and magnificant Mont Blanc, raised itself from the surrounding aigullies and its tremendous dome overlooked the valley."

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 * ===Social Criticism===
 * Romanticism: draws awareness to the close-minded such as depicted in Frankenstein
 * Monster is born innocent then victimized by society and even his own creator
 * Doesn't commit any monstrous acts until victimized by society
 * While the monster spent much time admiring the family he was eventually rejected upon meeting them face to face
 * Only the blind man is able to get past the monsters looks in the beginning
 * Shallowness of the blind man's kids, as well as all people
 * Was there a reason the monster sought out the blind man alone?
 * Yes, he had it pre-programmed in him that people will reject him upon first glance, possibly from the original abandonment by his creator
 * Then again, does the cottagers reaction to the monster show their inner or shallowness? or was it simply an initial reaction that could not be helped?
 * "Who can describe their horror and consternation on beholding me? Agatha fainted; and Safie, unable to attend to her friend, rushed out of the cottage." (pg 134)
 * What does the fact that none of the characters overcame their horror at the monster's physical features signify?


 * **Stretching the imagination**
 * When the monster was created Victor ventured into the supernatural
 * It was no longer science, but beyond
 * People of the time looked at science differently