Historical Context and Literary Connection

Almost two decades after the tumultuous end of the French Revolution, Mary Shelley unveiled her gothic masterpiece, "Frankenstein," in 1818. Shelley's upbringing was steeped in intellectual radicalism, influenced by her parents, yet she consciously distanced herself from their revolutionary fervor, gravitating towards a more conservative outlook (Sterrenburg 143). Despite this ideological divergence, Shelley immersed herself in the literature and ideas surrounding the French Revolution (Sterrenburg 143). This extensive study is reflected in the themes and narratives of "Frankenstein," where echoes of revolutionary thought resonate through the complex relationship between creator and creation.

The Birth of the Monster: A Symbolic Relationship

The novel opens with Victor Frankenstein, a young man consumed by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, particularly in the realms of alchemy and the occult, inspired by figures like Cornelius Agrippa and Paracelsus. His quest leads him to animate a creature, one he immediately abhors and abandons. This abandonment parallels the historical neglect of the French lower classes by the ruling nobility, drawing a poignant analogy between Frankenstein’s relationship with his monster and the socio-political dynamics preceding the French Revolution.

Socio-Economic Reflections

A pivotal scene unfolds when the creature recounts his tale to Frankenstein, lamenting societal inequities: “the possessions most-esteemed by your fellow creatures were high and unsullied descent united with riches” (Shelley 115). This realization mirrors the socio-economic chasm that spurred the French Revolution. In 18th-century France, societal worth was determined by wealth and lineage, leaving the impoverished to bear the burdens of labor and deprivation. The creature’s growing awareness of his own marginalization echoes the awakening consciousness of the French lower classes, who began to question their societal roles and demand change.

Revolution and Revenge: A Parallel Path

The polarization between Frankenstein and his creation mirrors the opposing factions of the Revolution. As the creature, shunned by his creator and society, harbors feelings of vengeance, he reflects the burgeoning resentment among the French populace. This animosity is articulated when the creature, filled with newfound hatred, declares, “for the first time feelings of revenge and hatred filled my bosom” (Shelley 134). Similarly, the disenfranchised French citizens harbored deep-seated anger towards the aristocracy, seeking not just change, but retribution for years of systemic oppression.

The Quest for Rights and the Consequences of Violence

The creature’s demand for a female companion, met with Frankenstein’s refusal, symbolizes the denial of the lower classes’ aspirations by the aristocracy. In retaliation, the creature vows to “cause fear” and “swear indistinguishable hatred” towards his creator (Shelley 141). This mirrors the revolutionary fervor in France, where the oppressed sought to dismantle the societal structures that confined them. The creature’s subsequent acts of violence, including the murder of those dear to Frankenstein, reflect the bloody course of the Revolution, during which the lower classes exacted vengeance on the nobility, culminating in regicide.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Creation and Destruction

In the aftermath of the French Revolution, the ideals of liberty and equality were marred by the violent upheaval. Similarly, Frankenstein’s ambition to create life results not in triumph, but in tragedy. Both the novel and the Revolution underscore the perils of unchecked ambition and the destructive potential of marginalized rage. As Shelley’s creature laments, “misery made me a fiend” (Shelley 95), we are reminded of the transformative power of suffering and disenfranchisement. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, reflecting the historical reality of the Revolution and the enduring human struggle for recognition and justice. Through "Frankenstein," Shelley offers a profound commentary on the human condition, illustrating the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, both in literature and in history.

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