Analyse How Shelly Makes Use of Science in Chapter 2
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- Category: English: Novels
- Date Submitted: 11/05/2015 12:14 PM
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In chapter 2 of the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, Victor talks about his ‘perfect childhood’ and the relationship he has with Elizabeth. Also, we are introduced to his best friend Henry and the theme of science along with the development of Victor’s character and his interest in “natural philosophy.”
Firstly, in the beginning of chapter 2 victor explains how “Natural philosophy is the genius that has regulated my fate; I desire, therefore, in this narration, to state those facts which led to my predilection for that science” which displays natural philosophy is something like physics which then began his curiosity and interest in the novel. Furthermore, after this begins the start of his interest in science we learn that Cornelius Agrippa, a scholar of the occult sciences, begins to influence him and furthers this interest that he takes in natural philosophy.
Moreover, we learn that when Victor was fifteen he “witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm” and he observes lightning strike a tree, he realizes that the laws of science are beyond human understanding and decides to focus on studies based in fact, like mathematics, rather than natural philosophy. Yet he notes that he eventually returned to it, leading to his "utter and terrible destruction." Here, Victor is able to sense nature as a sublime force beyond the power or understanding of man which, in this era, was viewed by many romantic writers. But his final comment, “utter and terrible destruction” indicates that his ambition overcomes his sense, resulting in disaster. Victor's shock at the complete destruction of the tree sparks his interest in science. Soon after, Victor began to immerse himself in the studies relating to science but isn’t successful and says that “It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever be known.” Victor sees how the lightning has the power of destruction when a tree near their home is destroyed from a lightning strike. This confirms his belief that electricity...
Firstly, in the beginning of chapter 2 victor explains how “Natural philosophy is the genius that has regulated my fate; I desire, therefore, in this narration, to state those facts which led to my predilection for that science” which displays natural philosophy is something like physics which then began his curiosity and interest in the novel. Furthermore, after this begins the start of his interest in science we learn that Cornelius Agrippa, a scholar of the occult sciences, begins to influence him and furthers this interest that he takes in natural philosophy.
Moreover, we learn that when Victor was fifteen he “witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm” and he observes lightning strike a tree, he realizes that the laws of science are beyond human understanding and decides to focus on studies based in fact, like mathematics, rather than natural philosophy. Yet he notes that he eventually returned to it, leading to his "utter and terrible destruction." Here, Victor is able to sense nature as a sublime force beyond the power or understanding of man which, in this era, was viewed by many romantic writers. But his final comment, “utter and terrible destruction” indicates that his ambition overcomes his sense, resulting in disaster. Victor's shock at the complete destruction of the tree sparks his interest in science. Soon after, Victor began to immerse himself in the studies relating to science but isn’t successful and says that “It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever be known.” Victor sees how the lightning has the power of destruction when a tree near their home is destroyed from a lightning strike. This confirms his belief that electricity...