Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1798-1832
ROMANTICISM
Time of revolution and liberty, equality, and brotherhood A search for truth
In
George III
Blamed
for the loss of the American colonies Ruled during the French revolution
Caused
unrest in England
English were sympathetic, at first, but quickly realized the ruling party was radical and too violent Growth of laborers caused some distress but was quickly quieted
RESISTANCE TO REFORM
Harsh
Industrial Revolution
Brought prosperity to middle and upper classes Working classes spiraled further into poverty Lack of regulation
A REVOLUTIONARY STYLE
Birth of the lyrical poem, the historical novel, horror and science fiction, and novels of manners (Jane Austen).
A REVOLUTIONARY STYLE
and evil Innocence and experience Heaven and hell William Blakes Songs of Innocence and Songs of
Experience
A REVOLUTIONARY STYLE
Natural universe was mysterious world of its own Believed in remoteness of time or place Inspired by ancient British Druids and medieval knights
Science
Greek
and Latin
(derived from
Vaccination
Latin cow)
Old
locomotive
Foreign Words
Increased
Pajamas,
Writers
Frankenstein
or The Modern Prometheus
Mary Shelley
Wrote Frankenstein in 1816 at the age of 18. Grew up among the upper classes of London, but later lived a life of scandal Feminist
The Novel
Mary spent the summer of 1816 in Geneva in the company of Lord Byron and Percy Shelley.
Read
German ghost stories and discussed the works of Luigi Galvani who was believed to animate dead matter. Byron had the idea of that they each write their own supernatural tale
The Novel
Story of Victor Frankenstein, a Swiss scientist, who creates a monster in an unusual experiment.
Warns
of the dangers of the Industrial Revolution The desire to control nature The source of all mad scientist stories Considered a pioneer of science fiction and horror
Gothicisim Characteristics
Often associated with horror and science fiction writing. Tied to romanticists fascination with the supernatural
Gothic Conventions
Murder Gloomy settings Vampires Distressed Damsel Death Family secrets Spirits Secret Rooms Suicide Dungeons Castles Curses Ghosts Curses Tombs Demons Torture Terror
Cemeteries Dreams
Literary Elements
Vivisections Galvanism
Related to the Romanticists views of truth and beauty Reflects ideas of Classical mythology and the Bible
Evaluating
Classical mythology
Bringer
of fire to mankind
Knowledge
Sometimes
the creator of
mankind
John Miltons story of the fall of man, the temptation of Adam and Eve by Satan, and their expulsion from the garden of Eden.
Reflects
Frankenstein
Foil
A character that contrasts with a character (usually the protagonist) to call attention to certain qualities that both exhibit.
A second self or alternative identity Sometimes a physical twin Can appear in a demonic form, such as Mr. Hyde Gothic doppelgangers haunt or threaten the victim to whom they become attached.
Often the goal of the Gothic protagonist Tries to overcome human limitations Attempts to make himself God Although ambition becomes downfall, it evokes admiration in the reader.
Told through a series of secret manuscripts or multiple tales, each revealing a deeper secret, so the narrative gradually spirals inward toward the hidden truth. First-person narrator compelled to tell the story to a fascinated or captive listener.