Frankenstein: Background and Author Brief Introduction
Frankenstein is the first science fiction novel in western literature, written by mary shelley, which belongs to the Gothic novel influenced by romanticism. Mary shelley is the wife of percy bysshe shelley, a famous English poet. Yes, that's the one that says, "If winter comes, can spring be far behind?" The poet Shelley.
Shelley and his wife often associate with Byron, a famous English poet, and Leigh Hunt, an essayist and poet. It is said that Frankenstein was written at Byron's suggestion. After the book was published in 18 18, it attracted the attention and attention of critics all over the world.
Mary shelley lived in a period of profound historical changes in the whole western society. At that time, Britain, France, the United States and other countries successively completed the industrial revolution, and the scientific and technological civilization was unprecedentedly developed. The general public generally blindly follow science and have all kinds of unrealistic fantasies and even superstitions about science and technology.
The rapid development of science and technology is both gratifying and frightening. The topic that Shelley and their writers and friends often discuss is how human beings view the rapid development of science and technology.
abstract
Frankenstein is a scholar engaged in life science research. In his laboratory, through countless explorations, he created an abominable and ugly monster. At first, this monster was full of kindness and gratitude to human beings. He longed for all kinds of equal rights with human beings, and even asked Frankenstein to create a spouse for him.
However, when he was hated and discriminated against by Frankenstein and people again and again, he felt very painful. He hates everything, he wants to destroy everything, and he intends to die with his creator. He killed Frankenstein's brother William and his fiancee Elizabeth. Frankenstein angrily chased the demon he created.
Finally, in the struggle, Frankenstein died and the monster committed suicide by jumping into the sea.
theme
The novel not only depicts the conflict between human beings and the development of science and technology, but also causes us to think deeply: what kind of harm will be caused if science and technology are abused. For nature, human beings should always maintain a state of awe, rather than blindly trying to control or conquer nature, otherwise, human beings will face a series of unpredictable and terrible consequences. ?
The novel also reflects other themes, including affection, justice and exploration.
Common thesis topics
1) Discuss the transformation of the novel in narrative perspective. What is the effect of presenting the views of different characters, especially Victor and the monster?
Analysis: Discuss the change of narrative angle in the novel. From the perspective of different characters, especially from the perspective of Victor and the monster, what kind of effect does it have?
2) Trace back and discuss the role of letters and written communication in the whole novel.
Analysis: Correspondence runs through the novel. Discuss the function of letters in novels.
3) Discuss the presentation of women in the novel. Do Victor and Monster have different views on women? If not, what is it like?
Analysis: Discuss the description of women in the novel. Do Victor and Monster have different views on women? If so, what's the difference?
4) Does the monster's eloquence and persuasiveness make it easier for readers to sympathize with him? Why do you think most movie versions of this story describe this monster as dumb or inarticulate?
Analysis: Monsters are eager to have the same rights as human beings. Can his language ability make people more sympathetic to his fate? In many movies adapted from novels, the setting of monsters is silent. What is the reason?
Victor attributed his tragic fate to his unremitting pursuit of knowledge. Do you think this is the real cause of his pain? In what ways does this novel show the danger and destructiveness of knowledge?
Analysis: Victor's tragedy is caused by his constant exploration of knowledge. Do you agree with this view? From what aspects does the novel illustrate the danger and destructiveness of knowledge?