Topic > Nature as a restorative agent in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

IndexIntroductionThe theme of nature in FrankensteinConclusionIntroductionOne would not think that nature could significantly influence a person's mental health, but it does. In Mary Shelley's famous novel, Frankenstein, the reader explores the life and problems Victor Frankenstein endures after creating and abandoning his nameless creature. In Frankenstein's early life, he was fascinated by science and the ability to create new life. He subsequently attends the University of Ingolstadt in Germany where he studies biology, galvanism and electricity to create the monster that will soon bring disturbance and anxiety into Victor's life. Because of its appearance, the creature is rejected by society and takes revenge on Victor by killing his loved ones. Both characters endure suffering and a sense of loneliness, but also find peace and comfort in nature. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley uses nature as a restorative agent for both the monster and Victor, where they can find a sense of tranquility within themselves while their outside world is chaotic. Mary Shelley also uses nature to show how it can also be a great and powerful force. Victor experiences nature as a powerful force firsthand as he watches lightning strike an oak tree, which inspires him to create the monster. In Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, nature is demonstrated as a restorative agent and also as a great and powerful force; this can be demonstrated by Victor's longing for nature in times of grief, the creature's quest for knowledge, and Victor's obsession with science. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Theme of Nature in Frankenstein In 1700, there was a “destructive extratropical cyclone” (Jones) that affected Germany, England, and the Netherlands. This storm that appeared caused widespread destruction in Germany and the countries surrounding Germany. During this time, there were extreme rains and storms that lasted all year and could have prompted Mary Shelley to write her novel, Frankenstein, in which nature and weather were a major theme throughout the book . Even in Switzerland and Germany the geography varies greatly. The landscape ranges from large plains stretching towards the North Sea, hills and mountains with large amounts of forest, river valleys, numerous lakes and the mountainous Alps. In the late 1800s, Sir Francis Galton brought the term “Nature versus Nurture” to people's attention; this term ultimately means how much a person's behavior is influenced by their genes and how much it is influenced by their surroundings and life experience. In Frankenstein the reader can explore the theme of nature and how it is used as a restorative agent for both. Victor and the monster. Justine, a young girl adopted by the Frankenstein family, was accused and executed for the death of William, the youngest son of Alphonse and Caroline Frankenstein. Although Victor did not kill him, he feels guilty for young William's death, because he created the monster who committed the murder. Victor is therefore drowned in the feeling of grief and feels “unusually melancholy.” The day after Justine's execution, Victor and his family spent the day in nature near “the Arveiron and rode through the valley until evening.” Victor finds serenity in the valley and says that the magnificent and beautiful scenery of nature passing before him gave him the greatest consolation for his grief that he could have ever received. While in the valley, his mind wandered away from his melancholy thoughts. Looking at the..