Frankenstein Science and the Industrial Revolution

Frankenstein: Science and the Industrial Revolution Frankenstein, written by author Mary Shelley, was a romantic based story written in Europe during the eighteen hundreds. During this time period, Europe was experiencing many social and economic changes. Many of these changes were a product of the industrial revolution of Europe. This time period can be defined and era of exploration, discovery and industrialization in which ideas were pushed to the limits. Victor’s creation of Frankenstein is a reflection of the industrial revolution and a scientific era in which the borders of the possible are pushed and society is forced to face a monster of their own. Victor Frankenstein is one of the main characters in Shelley’s novel, as well†¦show more content†¦They were forced to face the fate of their creations. Both creations were feared because of the power others knew that they held. Just before Mary Shelley had written Frankenstein, there are reports of the workers revolting and destroying some of the machinery (McCullough). This may also be symbolized when Frankenstein the monster realizes that he can take power over victor. It can also be said that when the villagers are chasing Frankenstein that it goes along with the workers trying to revolt against the factories. The anxiety which the workers embody can also be caused by the fact which the creations are pushing the boundaries of science. In thesis number five of Monster Theory (Cohen), it describes â€Å"the monster policing the borders of the possible†. The creation of Frankenstein was a result of pure curiosity. It was quickly shown that Frankenstein was a warning against the experimentation of life. The industrial revolution also pushed its limits by its creation of new machinery. This is a prime example of curiosity being more punished then embraced. While these creations were not intended to get the outcome that it did, it still led to the anxiety of society. If these types of creations could be made, what else was to come? During the industrial revolution, people feared the loss of their jobs over machinery and they knew that any further advancement could potentially hurt them.Show MoreRelatedRomanticism In Frankenstein Essay740 Words   |  3 PagesWithin Frankenstein Imagine a world without Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution,and Romanticism. Mary Shelley uses these topics in her novel to expose the effects that each of these had on society. Frankenstein is a novel that was published in the early 1800’s and tells a story about a man by the name of Victor Frankenstein. 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