How is 'Frankenstein' considered as a Romantic and Gothic novel?
'Frankenstein' is a Romantic novel as it emphasizes the power of the human mind and the consequences of unrestrained creativity. Victor's character embodies the Romantic hero - brilliant but flawed. The Gothic aspect comes from the macabre nature of the story. The idea of a man-made creature defying nature is both terrifying and fascinating. The novel also uses Gothic settings like the desolate landscapes and the gloomy castle - like laboratories to heighten the sense of horror and unease. It's a perfect blend of Romantic and Gothic elements.
In 'Frankenstein', the Romantic elements are evident in its exploration of the sublime. The vastness of nature, which both Victor and the monster experience, is a key Romantic concept. As for being a Gothic novel, it has all the hallmarks. The grotesque appearance of the monster, the sense of dread and doom that pervades the story. The novel uses the Gothic to explore deeper moral and psychological questions about humanity.
Well, it's a Romantic novel as it focuses on the individual's emotions and imagination. Victor Frankenstein's pursuit of creating life is a grand, almost heroic in a sense, ambition which is a Romantic trait. And it's Gothic because of the spooky elements like the creation of the monster, the dark laboratories, and the overall atmosphere of horror and mystery.
