Self-Driven Isolation In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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Throughout the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, various gothic elements and motifs are prevalent to help develop and enhance the plot of the story. The motif of the “fallen man” is an inherent part of the novel that follows consistently with the plot. Through Frankenstein’s trials as he attempts to understand the forbidden knowledge and push past human limits, Shelley presents a recurring theme of self driven isolation. Even from childhood, Frankenstein shows early signs of a lust and passion for gaining knowledge. With an early interest in the nature of the physical world, Frankenstein tries to develop his knowledge on “the physical secrets of the world” (Shelley 36). While he is confined in his room during a storm, he comes across the authors Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus…show more content…
In order to further his studies, Frankenstein heads to a university, where “[...] natural philosophy, particularly chemistry, in the most comprehensive sense of the term, became nearly” his “sole occupation” (Shelley 50). Through his stay there, he gains a reputation as a skilled scientist by peers and professors. However, this leads to his fall, as he gets fascinated with the idea of creating a life from a corpse. The idea of bringing something to life is a skill often attributed to gods or any supernatural figure or power. By Frankenstein’s inquiry into the forbidden knowledge not attributed to humans, he begins his fall as a man and becomes the villain. In order to bring his experimentation to life, Frankenstein shuts himself out from the rest of the world, growing pale and neglecting his contact with his family members. Despite all his efforts into creating his monster, Frankenstein is deeply disgusted and terrified
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