Essay on Creation and Alienation in Mary Shelleys...

Since the beginning of time, we have believed that the act of childbirth is miraculous, and one of the most selfless things a person can do. In addition, when one is created, one is inevitably born with a genetically predisposed look. However, nowadays, it is common for someone to judge a person based on things in particular, but not limited to a slender physique, or a beautiful face, in essence ones looks, rather than their personality. Therefore, it seems befitting to say that we are shallow and petty, and thus avoid talking to people who do not fit into this particular criterion, ultimately isolating ourselves from them. Throughout Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, also known as The Modern Prometheus, this notion of alienation, is an†¦show more content†¦Marc Rubenstein takes a psychoanalytic approach on this theme of creation, and says that it â€Å"reflects the many deaths and births that impinged on the life of its author† (Rubenstein 93). This quote is referr ing to the death of Mary’s mother, only four weeks after giving birth, the death of her three children, and the accidental death of her husband, states Brannstrom (Brannstrom 7). Rubenstein stresses that this idea is emphasized and supported by the way in which the text is being narrated, this being the way in which Victor Frankenstein thinks and adheres to the idea of nature and creation (Rubenstein 93). Rubenstein is trying to elucidate that this fixated thought of creation by Victor, is similar to â€Å"the female reproductive apparatus† (Rubenstein 93). Ergo, Frankenstein is taking on the role of a woman in his attempt to create his creature, and Rubenstein believes that â€Å"the novel becomes a kind of monstrous baby Mary Shelley (Rubenstein 93) In essence, Rubenstein is saying that metaphorically, Victor represents Mary’s mother, and Mary represents this abandoned and monstrous child (Rubenstein 93). Furthermore, the scrutiny of creation by Rubenstein makes one think that perhaps conscious thoughts, repressed thoughts from childhood, such as loosing loved ones or becoming alienated within ones own home, orShow MoreRelatedMary Shelley and Flannery OConnor: Gothic Isolationists1724 Words   |  7 Pagesdeveloped into a 19th century phenomenon. The success of this dominant genre in England is frequently attributed to Mary Shelley. Despite its success during this time period, gothic fiction ceased to be a dominant genre by the Victorian Era. However, in many ways it had now begun to enter into its most ingenious phase. This paper will analyze the influence of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein on Flannery O’Connor’s work, specifically her novel Wise Blood. 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