Introduction
The significance of setting in literature cannot be overstated. It serves as a backdrop against which the characters ‘ lives unfold and often carries a deeper symbolic meaning that enriches the narrative. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, written in 1816 during the peak of Romanticism, presents a rich and varied setting that spans across Europe and the Arctic. The novel’s diverse geographic locations play a crucial role in symbolizing the story’s themes, while also reflecting the global expansion of European power in the 19th century.
On the other hand, Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations,” written in the Victorian era, revolves around the settings of 19th-century England, with a particular emphasis on London and the marshlands. These settings convey the protagonist Pip’s changing perspective and desires, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of his identity. This essay will provide a comparative analysis of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations,” with a particular focus on the symbolic use of setting in these two novels. Additionally, the connection between the texts and the literary periods from which they emerge will be explored.
Setting as a Symbol in “Frankenstein”
In “Frankenstein,” the setting is more than just a backdrop; it carries profound symbolic weight. The diverse locales, ranging from Switzerland to the Arctic, reflect the novel’s vast scope of knowledge and ambition. Switzerland, with its picturesque landscapes, initially symbolizes the beauty and wonder of the natural world (Shelley & Hunter, 2011). Victor Frankenstein embarks on his intellectual journey seeking to unlock the secrets of life, much like the beauty of the Swiss Alps. However, as he delves deeper into his experiments, the Swiss setting transforms from a sanctuary to a place of danger and foreboding, exemplifying the notion that not everything in nature should be tampered with.
The Arctic, where the novel’s frame story takes place, represents isolation and alienation. As Victor pursues the monstrous creation he brought to life across the frozen expanse, he becomes increasingly estranged from society. His relentless pursuit of knowledge has led to the loss of his family and the death of his wife (Shelley & Hunter, 2011). The monster, in contrast, is indifferent to the cold and isolation because, according to his perspective, he is inherently isolated as the only one of his kind. Victor, however, has lost human companionship, and the icy, desolate landscape emphasizes his excruciating fate, highlighting the consequences of his ambition.
The symbolic dimension of ice is further illustrated when Captain Walton’s ship becomes trapped in ice, signifying Victor’s impending presence. It is as if Victor carries with him a physical manifestation of his fate, as the ice keeps the crew isolated from civilization (Shelley & Hunter, 2011). When the ice eventually thaws, Walton decides to return home, choosing humanity over alienation. The setting of “Frankenstein” serves not only as a backdrop but also as a powerful symbol of the characters’ fates and the consequences of their actions.
Setting as a Symbol in “Great Expectations”
In “Great Expectations,” Charles Dickens employs setting to symbolize the protagonist Pip’s evolving perspective and desires. The novel is set in 19th-century England during the Victorian era, a time when values such as integrity, respectability, and family were highly emphasized. Pip’s journey from the marshlands to London and back to his hometown parallels his inner transformation.
The marshlands where Pip grows up represent his dissatisfaction and yearning for a better life. Pip’s description of the marshlands as “coarse and common” and his judgment that both they and his prospects are “flat and low” reflect his discontent with his current circumstances (Dickens & Rosenberg, 1999). This dissatisfaction drives Pip to aspire for more, particularly his “great expectations” (Dickens & Rosenberg, 1999). However, as he arrives in London, he is disappointed by the city’s ugliness and dirtiness, signifying the disparity between his dreams and the reality of urban life. Pip’s relentless pursuit of his great expectations makes it difficult for him to appreciate the value and appeal of any place he encounters.
Pip is not able to appreciate his surroundings until he returns to his hometown, humbled and anxious to make amends with Joe and Biddy. The countryside, previously unappreciated, becomes “more beautiful and peaceful” in his eyes (Dickens & Rosenberg, 1999). This transformation reflects Pip’s personal growth and acceptance of his history and identity. The settings in “Great Expectations” thus symbolize Pip’s inner journey and his evolving understanding of what truly matters in life.
Connection to Literary Periods
The symbolic use of setting in “Frankenstein” and “Great Expectations” is closely tied to the literary periods from which these novels originate. Both works reflect and respond to the distinct characteristics and values of their respective literary eras, providing a deeper layer of meaning and context to the narrative. “Frankenstein,” written by Mary Shelley during the Romantic era, embodies the quintessential themes and ideals of this literary period (Shelley & Hunter, 2011). The Romantic movement, which reached its peak in the early 19th century, celebrated the sublime, the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, and the boundless potential of human imagination.
The Swiss setting serves as a representation of the sublime, a central concept in Romanticism. Victor Frankenstein embarks on his intellectual quest in the heart of Switzerland, a place of unparalleled natural beauty. The soaring peaks, majestic mountains, and pristine lakes evoke a sense of wonder and magnificence. Victor’s initial motivation to seek knowledge and transcend the boundaries of human understanding aligns with the Romantic fascination with nature’s grandeur.
However, as Victor delves deeper into his experiments and breaches the moral and ethical boundaries, the Swiss setting transforms. The beauty of the natural world becomes increasingly foreboding and inhospitable as Victor’s creation brings about a “shift from wonder to terror” (Shelley & Hunter, 2011). The Swiss Alps, once a sanctuary for Victor, become a hostile, desolate place, mirroring the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition. This transformation of the Swiss setting is a direct reflection of the Romantic concern with the dangers of pushing the boundaries of human knowledge too far.
The Arctic, where Captain Walton’s frame story unfolds, further reinforces the connection to Romanticism. The frozen, isolated landscape symbolizes the alienation and the pursuit of the unattainable—a common theme in Romantic literature. Captain Walton’s journey to explore the Arctic mirrors the Romantic quest for the unknown. At the same time, Victor’s pursuit of the monster across the frozen expanse reflects the Romantic fascination with pushing the limits of exploration and knowledge.
In contrast, “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens is a product of the Victorian era, a literary period that began with the reign of Queen Victoria in 1837 and lasted until she died in 1901. The Victorian era was characterized by its emphasis on moral values, social decorum, and societal expectations. The settings in the novel, primarily 19th-century England, are reflective of these Victorian ideals.
Pip’s initial surroundings in the marshlands of England serve as a stark contrast to the Victorian values of respectability and social class. The marshlands are described as “coarse and common,” highlighting the societal disdain for Pip’s humble origins (Dickens & Rosenberg, 1999). This setting reflects the prevailing social hierarchy and class divisions in Victorian England. Pip’s discontent with his surroundings and his yearning for something greater align with the Victorian focus on self-improvement and social mobility.
As Pip’s aspirations lead him to London, he encounters a different kind of setting—one that embodies the reality of urban life in Victorian England. London is described as “ugly, crooked, narrow, and dirty,” reflecting the societal disillusionment that often accompanied the pursuit of material success (Dickens & Rosenberg, 1999). This portrayal of London underscores Dickens’ critique of the moral and social shortcomings of Victorian society. Pip’s unfulfilled expectations in the city serve as a commentary on the disparity between material success and genuine happiness.
Conclusion
The settings in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” are not merely backdrops but powerful symbols that enrich the narratives and convey profound thematic and symbolic meaning. In “Frankenstein,” the settings of Switzerland and the Arctic represent the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of alienation. In “Great Expectations,” the evolving settings reflect Pip’s shifting desires and his eventual understanding of what truly matters in life. These novels, written in distinct literary periods, use setting as a vehicle to convey the values and themes of their respective eras, making them timeless classics that continue to resonate with readers today.
References
Dickens, C. (1999). Great expectations: Authoritative text, backgrounds, contexts, criticism (E. Rosenberg, Ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
Shelley, M. W. (2011). Frankenstein: The 1818 text, contexts, criticism (J. P. Hunter, Ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.