Introduction
Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, was written in the first half of the 19th century. This was a time of scientific advancement and the development of new technologies, and specific traits of this time are noticeable in the novel. For example, such details as the attitude towards the use of natural science, the perception of chemistry’s role in society, and mentions of mastering electricity show the tendencies common to the science of the 19th century.
Peculiarities of the 19th Century Reflected in Shelley’s Frankenstein
Scientific Development
The first element reflective of the time Mary Shelley lived in is the main character’s attitude towards the change in the purpose of natural science. In the second chapter, Victor says, “I was required to exchange chimeras of boundless grandeur for realities of little worth” (Shelley 28). He expresses regret that scientists do not try to reach power and immortality anymore (Shelley 28).
This attitude illustrates the development of science as a professional field, structured and systematic, and the establishment of a scientific way of life and view of the world. It also shows the rejection of the metaphysical perception of natural science, which was typical for the 19th century. The new perception was focused on a more materialistic approach. With time, even the concept of God’s will subject to natural laws appeared and gained popularity (Croce). Victor’s reaction shows this transformation from a mystic and metaphysical view of science to a more realistic one.
The Place of Chemistry in Light of Scientific Advances
The second element illustrating the peculiarities of the age the author lived in is the attitude toward chemistry. M. Waldman says, “They have acquired new and almost unlimited powers; they can command thunders of heaven, mimic the earthquake, and even mock the invisible world with its own shadows” (Shelley 29). He says this about the scientists who study chemistry.
The 19th century was a time of development in physics and chemistry. Chemistry societies and laboratories were created to teach this discipline. New prominent scientists such as Humphry Davy, Joseph Priestley, and William Hyde Wollaston made their discoveries (Josefowicz). The character’s attitude reflects the interest in this field of study in the 19th century.
The Power of Electricity
Finally, the third trait of the time is learning more about electricity. Victor describes the astonishment caused by another character’s words about electricity and its power (Shelley 28). Exploring electricity as a source of power was one of the tendencies in the science of the 19th century. For example, in the first half of the 19th Century, Michael Faraday started his experiments and revealed the results of his studies about the connection between electricity and magnetism (Williams). The mention of Victor’s reaction to the information about electric power shows the intense development of knowledge about this subject.
Conclusion
The novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley, shows the changes and tendencies in the scientific field of the 19th century. It captures the characteristic traits of this epoch, especially the ones that are related to natural science. The novel illustrates the alteration of society’s perception of natural science from a metaphysical focus to a concentration on the laws of nature. It also shows the growing interest in chemistry. The novel is based on the scientific achievements of the time and reflects on the interest and development of certain fields of science.
Works Cited
Croce, Paul Jerom. “Encyclopedia Entry on Nineteenth-century Science and Religion.” Stetson University. Web.
Josefowicz, Diane. “Chemical Societies in Victorian London”. The Victorian Web. Web.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein; or the Modern Prometheus. Global Grey, 1818. Global Grey.
Williams, L. Pearce. “Michael Faraday: British Physicist and Chemist.” Brittanica. Web.