Literature of Romantic's
Home Assignment
Question 1
Q: Discuss the major themes of Pride and Prejudice.
Answer:
Introduction
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a timeless novel that continues to be celebrated for its sharp wit, engaging characters, and deep social critique. First published in 1813, it explores the nature of love, marriage, reputation, class, and family relationships in Regency England. The story revolves around Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited young woman, and her evolving relationship with the proud yet honorable Mr. Darcy. Through the ups and downs of their courtship, Austen examines the ways in which prejudice, pride, and social expectations can create barriers to personal happiness. The novel’s themes are universal, making it relevant even in modern society where social pressures still influence personal choices.
About the Author
Themes
1. Prejudice
As the title suggests, prejudice is one of the central obstacles in the novel. Elizabeth Bennet initially misjudges Mr. Darcy based on his cold demeanor and social pride, while Darcy underestimates Elizabeth because of her lower social standing. Their love story highlights the destructive nature of prejudice but also its potential to be overcome through self-reflection and growth.
2. Love
The novel is one of literature’s greatest love stories, showing different perspectives on marriage. Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship demonstrates that love must be based on respect and understanding. In contrast, Charlotte Lucas marries Mr. Collins for financial security, revealing that in Regency society, marriage was often an economic arrangement rather than a romantic union.
3. Reputation
A woman’s reputation in Regency England was of utmost importance, and Austen highlights how it could determine her future. Lydia Bennet’s elopement with Wickham nearly destroys her family’s standing, showing how fragile reputation was. Elizabeth’s muddy walk to visit her sister Jane also creates shock among the reputation-conscious Bingleys, showing that even small acts could be judged harshly.
4. Class
Social class divides characters throughout the novel. Darcy initially resists his love for Elizabeth because of her family’s lower status, while Miss Bingley openly mocks the Bennets’ lack of refinement. Austen satirizes this obsession with class and suggests that true worth comes from personal virtue rather than lineage or wealth.
5. Family
Family dynamics play a central role in shaping the characters’ lives. Mrs. Bennet’s obsession with marrying off her daughters and Mr. Bennet’s detachment from responsibility create challenges for the Bennet sisters. The contrasting Gardiners, however, act as wise and nurturing relatives, providing stability where the Bennets fail.
Conclusion
Through these themes, Austen explores both the constraints of her society and the possibilities for personal growth and happiness. Pride and Prejudice shows that while social structures often limit individuals, love and self-awareness can overcome prejudice and pride. The novel ultimately presents a hopeful vision of marriage based not on social standing but on genuine respect and affection, making its message as powerful today as it was in Austen’s time.
Class Assignment
Question 2
Q: Explain the character of Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Answer:
Introduction
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, first published in 1818, is one of the earliest examples of science fiction, blending elements of Gothic horror and Romantic philosophy. At the heart of the novel is Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant yet flawed scientist whose ambition to create life leads to his downfall. His character embodies both the potential and the danger of unchecked human ambition.
About the Author
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797–1851) was the daughter of two prominent intellectuals: feminist philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft and political thinker William Godwin. Married to the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, she was surrounded by great literary influences. Frankenstein, written when she was only 18, originated during a ghost-story contest with Lord Byron and Percy Shelley at Lake Geneva. The novel reflects her deep concerns about science, morality, and human responsibility. She went on to write other novels such as The Last Man and Mathilda, but Frankenstein remains her most celebrated work.
Victor Frankenstein
1. Ambition and Intelligence
Victor is intelligent, passionate, and curious. From a young age, he is fascinated by science and natural philosophy. His ambition drives him to study at the University of Ingolstadt, where he becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life.
2. Creator and Neglectful Parent
When he finally succeeds in creating the monster, Victor is horrified by its appearance and abandons it. This rejection makes him a negligent creator, similar to a careless parent who fails to nurture their child. His irresponsibility becomes the root cause of the tragedy that follows.
3. Guilt and Suffering
Victor is consumed by guilt when the monster kills his younger brother William, leading to the wrongful execution of Justine. His silence demonstrates his weakness and inability to take responsibility. As more deaths occur—Henry Clerval, Elizabeth, and even his father—Victor becomes increasingly tormented by his failures.
4. Tragic Hero
Despite his brilliance, Victor’s tragic flaw is his unchecked ambition and inability to foresee the consequences of his actions. His determination to play God leads to the destruction of everything he loves. His final pursuit of the monster into the Arctic reflects his desperation and endless guilt.
Conclusion
Victor Frankenstein is both a visionary and a cautionary figure. His ambition, brilliance, and recklessness illustrate the dangers of pursuing knowledge without morality. Through his character, Shelley critiques blind ambition and emphasizes the responsibility that must accompany scientific discovery. Victor’s downfall teaches that true greatness lies not in defying nature, but in respecting its limits.
Essay
Q: Write an essay on the role of the Monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Answer:
Introduction
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often remembered as a tale of scientific ambition gone wrong, but at its heart lies the story of the Monster—a complex character who is more than a creature of horror. The Monster represents themes of isolation, identity, injustice, and humanity. Though rejected for his appearance, he shows intelligence, sensitivity, and a desire for companionship. His transformation from innocent to vengeful mirrors the consequences of neglect and social rejection.
About the Author
Mary Shelley (1797–1851) grew up surrounded by radical ideas of politics, philosophy, and literature. She was inspired by her parents, William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, as well as by her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and their friend Lord Byron. Frankenstein, written in 1818 when she was only 18 years old, was influenced by scientific debates of her time, as well as Romantic ideals of nature, imagination, and human emotion. The Monster, her most famous creation, remains one of literature’s most iconic figures because of its depth and tragic humanity.
The Monster’s Role
1. Symbol of Innocence and Corruption
At the beginning, the Monster is like a newborn—curious, innocent, and eager to learn. He admires the beauty of nature and secretly observes the De Lacey family, hoping for kindness. However, repeated rejection turns him from innocent to embittered, proving that society shapes individuals.
2. Voice of the Outsider
The Monster gives voice to those excluded from society because of appearance, status, or difference. His loneliness reflects the struggles of anyone who is marginalized. His longing for companionship is deeply human, showing that even those who look monstrous possess human emotions.
3. Contrast with Victor Frankenstein
While Victor is driven by ambition and selfishness, the Monster initially desires love and community. In many ways, the Monster is more “human” than Victor. Shelley uses this contrast to blur the line between monster and man, suggesting that cruelty and neglect make one truly monstrous.
4. Embodiment of Revenge
After being rejected by both Victor and society, the Monster’s pain transforms into rage. His murders of William, Clerval, and Elizabeth are acts of vengeance, meant to make Victor suffer as he has suffered. Through this, Shelley shows how rejection breeds violence.
5. Philosophical Symbol
The Monster represents deep philosophical questions about creation, morality, and responsibility. He asks: What does it mean to be human? Is monstrosity defined by appearance or by action? These questions make the Monster one of the most thought-provoking characters in literature.
Conclusion
The Monster in Frankenstein is far more than a terrifying creature—he is a tragic figure who reflects humanity’s need for love, justice, and belonging. Shelley portrays him as a victim of rejection and neglect, shaped into a murderer not by nature but by circumstance. His role forces readers to question the nature of humanity and reminds us that cruelty, prejudice, and lack of compassion are the true sources of monstrosity. In this sense, the Monster is both the heart of the novel and its most enduring legacy.
