The motif of Nature vs. Technology in Mary Shelley Essay Example
The motif of Nature vs. Technology in Mary Shelley Essay Example

The motif of Nature vs. Technology in Mary Shelley Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (479 words)
  • Published: February 3, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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Shelley effectively conveys the message that technology should not interfere with nature. She does this by contrasting technology and nature, questioning the impact of advancements on personal and spiritual growth during the Industrial Revolution in Europe and Britain. The impression is that reliance on technology hinders soul development.

When individuals become slaves to machines instead of controlling them, their personal freedom is sacrificed. Victor, for example, loses his moral guidance while pursuing gruesome experiments on corpses and becomes a lost soul. Excessive reliance on technology diminishes his humanity and leads to disastrous consequences. Victor fails to consider that his experiments may have unintended effects, resulting in the deaths of his loved ones including his wife. His downfall can be traced back to his ambitious attempt to improve technology, which Shelley effectively co

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To restore Victor's sanity, Shelley uses nature as a means of solace. Despite being overwhelmed with grief from losing his loved ones, he rejects human companionship and seeks revitalization in nature instead.

Shelley establishes a connection between Victor and the natural world in the fifth chapter of the first volume. Unlike earlier descriptions using metaphors, Shelley now shows Victor's recovery from illness through his affinity with nature. Despite being cared for by friends, it is ultimately breathing in the air that restores Victor's strength. He states that his health and spirits had been restored, gaining additional strength from the salubrious air he breathes. This emphasizes that air has a positive impact on Victor's well-being and even gives him newfound strength. The word "salubrious" reinforces the message that air and nature can heal. Throughout Frankenstein, Shelley consistently portrays nature

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as a source of rejuvenation for Victor, contrasting it with the absence of support from others. This becomes evident after the deaths of William and Justine; these tragic events deeply affect Victor as his brother is murdered by his own creation.In the face of deep despair, Victor finds comfort and solace in nature. Although he is unable to find solace in his friend Henry due to his terrible condition, nature provides healing and helps him maintain his sanity. As he rushes back to his family in Geneva, the calmness of the placid waters of the lake and the snowy mountains, which he calls "the palaces of nature," bring him comfort and contribute to his restoration. The heavenly scene gradually restores him as he continues on his journey towards Geneva. However, as he nears his family, the healing effects of nature start to fade and reuniting with them does not offer much relief for Victor. His passionate exclamations towards the mountain surpass any emotional connection he has with his family or other humans. Shelley's portrayal convincingly shows that Victor finds more solace in primitive nature than in the technology he creates because of nature's healing powers and the destructive nature of his creation.

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