The main character of Mary Shelley’s novel is the scientist Victor Frankenstein, obsessed with creating a human prototype. Exalting science and knowledge which can be acquired, he works tirelessly to achieve success. However, when Victor manages to make his creation, he cannot control it, which brings him misfortune. It should be noted that the description of the society in the novel is not provided; it is possible to judge it by the main characters’ reaction. Society in Frankenstein is the catalyst for change in the protagonist and his creation.
In the course of the plot, Victor’s pursuit of knowledge leads to the creation of a monster which has brought nothing to the society but destruction. The innovative force in the novel has wholly destroyed the cultural elements. It was the product of a dangerous oppressive influence disguised as a new technological element.
Frankenstein’s monster represents a technical power which continually tries to trample on traditional or cultural factors. During the era described in the novel, Frankenstein’s creation looked as a monster or a gigantic force which caused various types of damage to European culture, traditions, and character (Botting 132). Human-made new technology also proved to be a curse for humanity in the form of a monster made by Victor.
Tradition and cultural impacts paved the way for a literary legacy. Tradition or succession of traditions intertwines in the novel and develops an attitude which gives rise to academic work with complex insertions of culture, belief, and practice. In such an environment, one can undoubtedly find a clash between tradition and innovation, this parameter is noticeable in the novel Frankenstein. It represents nothing more than a fierce battle between the strength of practice and the original potential of science and technology.
The force of creation is portrayed in the novel as a coercive effort which will destroy the power of tradition and culture. The oppressive aspect of innovation collides with the cultural significance in Frankenstein. The growth of science and technology always poses a threat to the culture which operates at the lower or foundational levels of society. This tendency acts as an autonomous force which restrains natural human vigour.
Work Cited
Botting, Eileen Hunt. Mary Shelley and the Rights of the Child: Political Philosophy in” Frankenstein”. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2018.