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  • Essay / Nature as a Restorative Agent in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

    Table of ContentsIntroductionThe Theme of Nature in FrankensteinConclusionIntroductionYou wouldn't think that nature could affect mental health significantly, but it could. In Mary Shelley's well-known novel Frankenstein, the reader explores the life and problems Victor Frankenstein must endure after creating and abandoning his nameless creature. Early in his life, Frankenstein was fascinated by science and the ability to create new life. With this, he attends the University of Ingolstadt in Germany where he studies biology, galvanism, and electricity in order to create the monster that will soon bring disruption and turmoil into Victor's life. Due to 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 they also find peace and comfort in nature. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley uses nature as a restorative agent for the monster and for 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 directly experiences nature as a powerful force as he watches lightning strike an oak tree which inspires him to create the monster. Nature is shown in Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein as a restorative agent and also as a great and powerful force; this can be proven by Victor's desire for nature in times of mourning, 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 should not be banned"? Get the original essay The theme of nature in Frankenstein In the 1700s, a "destructive extratropical cyclone" (Jones) affected Germany, l England and the Netherlands. . This storm that appeared caused widespread destruction in Germany and countries bordering Germany. During this period, extreme rains and storms lasted throughout the year, which may have inspired Mary Shelley to write her novel, Frankenstein, in which nature and weather were an important theme. Furthermore, 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 forests, river valleys, numerous lakes and mountainous Alps. In the late 1800s, Sir Francis Galton brought the term “Nature versus Nurture” to public attention; this term ultimately means, to what extent a person's behavior is influenced by their genes and to what extent is influenced by their environment 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. Even though it was not Victor who murdered him, he feels responsible for young William's death, because he created the monster who committed the murder. Victor is then drowned in the feeling of grief and feels "unusually melancholy". The day after Justine's execution, Victor and his family spend the day in nature near "l'Arveiron" and wander the valley until the evening. Victor finds serenity in the valley and says that the beautiful and magnificent scenery of nature passing by gave him the greatest consolation he could ever receive for his..