Romantic writers are concerned with nature, human feelings, dreams, compassion, rebellion against society, and freedom of individuals. All of these characteristics are expressed in the novel Frankenstein.
The monster which is created by Victor, whom is representing God in this novel, is a Romantic hero, because he has been rejected by society. The monster is chased away wherever he goes due to his hideous appearance and large size. Shelley attempts to have the readers sympathize with the monster because he is so misunderstood, and he can never become part of the mainstream society.
The elements of nature Shelley expresses have a powerful impact on Victor. Shelley shows how nature has the power to refresh Victor’s mind and soul, and put humanity back into him before he goes completely insane. When Victor seeks solitude in the mountains of Switzerland, Shelley shows how nature regenerates his mind after encountering the horrific site of his creation. She also shows how nature has the power to change man when Victor uses lightning to give dead human flesh life.
Victors dream was to create life, the perfect man. Victor took perfect parts of deceased humans and put them together to create the perfect being. He was later faced with horror and fear from his creation because of his hideous appearance. Victor’s dream of creating life was a success, but creating the perfect man was a failure.
The monster rebels against the society that has rejected him by committing vicious acts upon Victors loved ones. Due to the harsh rejection from his creator, followed by the rejection of society, the monster resorted to violence as the only revenge. The monster murders everyone Victor loved.
The power and freedom of the individual was also a major Romantic characteristic. Victor shows that he has great power when he surpasses his professors, and they learn they can no longer teach him anything, and when he goes on his own to create life. Victor also proves himself to be powerful because of all the challenges he faces. Victor loses everyone he is close to, and he still finds the strength to find the monster he created. Victor shows the extent of his power when he puts himself on the same level as God. God is the only one to create a new species, and Victor creating the monster, which is putting himself as a creator and a god.
The elements of Romanticism were present throughout the novel as well as gothic characteristics. The violent acts done by the monster were examples of Gothic literature, and the examples of nature, dreams, rebellion, and freedom of the individual were Romantic characteristics found throughout the novel.