English Literature: An Article Of Role Of Nature In Frankenstein Novel (Essay Sample)

ROLE OF NATURE IN FRANKENSTEIN NOVEL
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ROLE OF NATURE IN FRANKENSTEIN NOVEL
Introduction
Mary Shelley, a romantic author of the novel “Frankenstein" and other novels had a more profound value of nature and appreciated the roles of the environment in shaping the life of an individual. In her work Frankenstein, all the characters she has developed seem to find peace and recreation from their worries of life through the contact and experience with nature. For instance, Victor who has been established as the main character in the novel finds pleasure, peace, solace, and serenity from nature by exploring the natural environment and having various hikes and long vacations on the mountains and areas such as the forests. Shelley has by large extent used the nature or the environment as a metaphor. It is good to note that nature has got both building and destructive role in the life of the individuals hence the need to be keen on how one exploits it.
The roles of nature are clear all the way from the beginning of the novel up to the end. The reader is first introduced to the letters by Robert Walton. In his letters Robert request to visit and explore the North Pole. His urge to explore this region were motivated by his imaginations of how beautiful that land was. Additionally, Robert perceived nature to be the most important thing than the rest (Shelley 2005: 15). His perception of this territory as a beautiful scenery is different from Frankenstein who views the place as unpleasing and dull, a place with an ice cover. Mary Shelly uses this view intentionally to create a message to the reader that people have got different views on the significant roles of nature. One's value of nature is also not the same.
Nature as an agent of restoration is the most significant role employed by the author. Nature has been illustrated as the source of peace of mind, an excellent source of joy and hope for a better future as well as a pain relief agent. According to Frankenstein and his monster, the environment is a source of both joys as well as a state of peace and enjoyment. From their view, nature should elevate one to joy and happiness because of its characteristic of relieving pain. After pain relief, one gets pure pleasure.
Shelley compares and contrasts the beauty of nature and the ugliness of the monster. While the monster is ugly, abominable and repugnant, nature is lovely and to a large extent soothing. It is until when one keeps the secrets of nature that peace, joy, love, and enjoyment is found. One can only tame or manipulate the environment to suit his or her needs but can never have the power to change nature overwhelmingly. The powers to change the nature are only rested with God the creator.
Nature acts as stress relief agent. When Frankenstein is stressed he always sought relief from nature. He wonders solely towards Chamounix valley. This rescues him from the haunting experience after committing murder. Frankenstein's psyche had experienced much torture after the killing of William and the persecution and execution of Justine who was innocent. Without any other alternative, Frankenstein turns to nature as the only part of consolation. Though the grief is short-lived, the beauty of nature plays a very significant role in cheering him up. The realization that the monster he created had murdered his youngest brother had tortured him. He needed a rest, rest that could only be found by having a fresh air that could refresh him.
On the other hand, nature can as well turn to be hostile. It is especially when one ignores conservation. Shelly in her work suggests that man cannot be able to emancipate himself from nature. There is no given time that a person can be able to run away from the forces of nature. The forces of nature are more significant and overwhelming.
Shelly employs...