Revision NotesExam QuestionsFlashcardsPast PapersMock Exams
GCSEEnglish LiteratureAQARevision Notes2. The 19th Century NovelFrankensteinFrankenstein Key Theme: Science and Creation

Frankenstein Key Theme: Science and Creation (AQA GCSE English Literature) : Revision Note

Nick Redgrove

Written by: Nick Redgrove

Reviewed by: Deb Orrock

Updated on

Science and creation timeline  

 The theme of science and creation in key chapters of Frankenstein:

Frankenstein science and creation timeline - GCSE Revision Notes
Frankenstein science and creation timeline

What are the elements of science and creation in Frankenstein?

  • Playing God: Victor’s obsession and relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge leads to him defying the natural order: “It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn”. His ambition is also linked to a desire to gain power and recognition and it is this wish to play God that results in his downfall. His actions demonstrate how dangerous and unnatural scientific experiments may lead to chaos and despair.

  • The creator’s responsibility: Victor brings the creature to life and expects it to “bless” him as its creator. However, he immediately rejects and abandons his creation as after he “had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished”. This rejection leads to the creature’s suffering and eventual vengeance. Through Victor, Shelley explores the responsibility that comes with scientific discovery and the moral duty of the creator in nurturing their creation.

  • Moral and ethical questions: Through Victor and the creature, Shelley raises moral and ethical questions about creation, responsibility and revenge. For instance, the creature’s desire for revenge reveals how suffering and isolation can lead to evil. Similarly, Victor’s pursuit of knowledge results in creating life through science without fully considering the consequences.

The impact of science and creation on characters

Science and creation in Frankenstein
Science and creation in Frankenstein

Character

Impact

Victor Frankenstein

  • Victor’s obsession drives him to push the boundaries of science: 

    • He wonders “how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge”

    • Further, his refusal to take responsibility for his creation results in the deaths of others

The creature

  • The physical appearance of the creature could be viewed as being symbolic of the horrors of trying to defy nature through science:

    • Victor assembles him from dead human parts and its grotesque features reflect the unnaturalness of his existence

Elizabeth Lavenza

  • Elizabeth suffers neglect due to Victor’s scientific obsessions and her death is a consequence of his creation:

    • The creature kills her on her wedding night: “She was there, lifeless and inanimate”

Henry Clerval

  • The creature kills Henry to punish Victor for refusing to create a female companion for him:

    • “You are my creator, but I am your master: obey!”

William Frankenstein and Justine Moritz

  • Both William and Justine are innocent victims of Victor’s scientific ambition:

    • William is murdered by the creature because he is Victor’s brother and Justine is wrongfully accused and executed for William’s murder

Why does Shelley use the theme of science and creation in her novella?

1.  Setting and atmosphere 

  • Establishes science and creation as powerful but dangerous forces which may defy the natural order

  • Creates an atmosphere of mystery and fear of the unknown

2. Plot driver 

  • Drives key events as Victor’s obsession with creating life leads to tragic consequences for him and his loved ones

3. Audience appeal 

  • Engages readers by exploring the Gothic and Romantic fascination with scientific exploration

4. Narrative device   

  • Highlights the paradox of creation as both a source of life and destruction

You've read 0 of your 5 free revision notes this week

Sign up now. It’s free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

    Did this page help you?

    Previous:Frankenstein Key Theme: Power and ControlNext:Frankenstein Key Theme: Gender
    Author
    Reviewer
    Nick Redgrove

    Author: Nick Redgrove

    Expertise: English Senior Content Creator

    Nick is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. He started his career in journalism and publishing, working as an editor on a political magazine and a number of books, before training as an English teacher. After nearly 10 years working in London schools, where he held leadership positions in English departments and within a Sixth Form, he moved on to become an examiner and education consultant. With more than a decade of experience as a tutor, Nick specialises in English, but has also taught Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.

    Deb Orrock

    Reviewer: Deb Orrock

    Expertise: English Content Creator

    Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.