Frankenstein Case

"Frankenstein"

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the scenes of nature help portray the value of separation of society and nature. While in nature, Victor and the creature find themselves at home due to the lack of society's criticism. The vivid country scenes reflect their inner emotions, and helps make the impossible storyline seem possible. The impossible happens while on the outskirts of town leaving a false sense of reality, for while in the forest Victor and the monster live in a perfect dream world. In "Frankenstein," nature provides a false sense of reality for they're no rules of society to constrict the mind, which makes the plot seem possible.

While lurking through the forest or traveling across Europe, a false sense of reality is provided by the beauty of nature. As the monster views the DeLacy family, he learns the ways of the humans, which convinces the monster he belongs. However reality quickly sets in when the family is horrified by the sight of the monster and moves away. The monster is forced to isolation in the woods, for every villager runs in terror at the sight of him. The country provides a beautiful cover-up for reality. When Victor's in Geneva or Ingolstadt, his secrets eat away at his soul. Once he leaves town, he escapes his lies and can convince himself he's happy. "I seemed to drink in a tranquility to which I had long been a stranger."(159) The beautiful landscapes provide contrast to the tortured souls of Victor and the monster. It allows Victor and the monster to allow their mind to wander into a false reality.

While on the outskirts of town there are no rules of society to constrict the mind. Victor first makes the monster secluded from society in Ingolstadt, for his mind would not let him create such a being close to home. With the help of his instructors, he quickly forgot his senses and the consequences involved in creating such a being. After the monster is made, he can't live in town not only for his appearance, but for his utter lack of acceptance to the laws. After the killings, the monster still can't be charged for its impossible to find him. It proves the lack of structure and law within nature. When Victor decides to create a she-monster, he runs to the Orkney Islands, for their desolate and bleak appearance provides the perfect seclusion from society. As Victor describes, "It was a place fitted for such a work, being hardly more than a rock whose high sides were continually beaten upon by waves." (168)The forest and mountains provide an escape, where anyone can fit in. Nature is free from the judgements and disturbances of town, which allows Victor's mind to set at ease. Throughout the story, both Victor and the monster run to nature for it remains symbolic of safety.

The unrealistic setting of the forest and Alps, helps make the impossible storyline