Untitled Quiz

Study Notes

A period of change in political, social, and artistic landscapes.
Preceded the Neoclassical period.
Major historical events: Industrial Revolution, scientific advancements, exploration.
Nature is used as a reflection of human emotions in writing.
The Sublime: Powerful and awe-inspiring natural phenomena like tornadoes and waterfalls, viewed as both scary and beautiful.
Romantics challenged the status quo and gave voice to the silenced by exploring the struggles of industrialization.
Emphasis on individualism, both in real life and through characters in literature.
Social criticism is prevalent throughout Romantic literature.
Use of framing devices: Plots within plots, unreliable narrators, and multiple perspectives.
Epistolary narration: Stories told through letters, diary entries, etc.
The perspective presented in epistolary narration is singular and potentially inaccurate.
In Frankenstein, the story is entirely told through Robert Walton's perspective, even though it centers on Victor.

Characterized by a dark and eerie atmosphere, grotesque imagery, and complex characters grappling with internal terror.
Initially used as an insult toward previous literary eras.
Found in Shakespeare's works: Omens, ghosts, disregard for conventional literary rules (tragedies turning into comedies and vice versa).
Faced criticism as a gateway to depravity and questioning of God's existence.
Dominated the literary landscape from 1750 to 1820, with increased popularity in the 1970s.
Inspired countless poets, even if they were unaware of the genre's influence.
Frankenstein as a Gothic text:
- Gloomy setting to create unease.
- Exploration of the darker side of human nature.
- Fear of the unknown.
- Isolation and alienation experienced by Victor and the Creature.
Common characteristics of Gothic fiction:
- Darkness, tragedy, and death.
- Storms, supernatural elements.
- Villain, heroine, and suspense.
- Loss of light, terrifying events, shadows.
The Uncanny: Introduced by Sigmund Freud, it evokes fear and discomfort through the familiar.
Liminality: Liminal spaces evoke disorientation, existing "on a threshold" between the real and fake, such as hallways, airports, schools, and doorways.

Mary Shelley's father was William Godwin, and her mother was Mary Wollstonecraft, who wrote about women's rights.
Shelley’s mother passed away shortly after giving birth to her.
Surrounded by books and intellectual discussions due to her father's influence.
Mary's half-sister died by suicide, highlighting mental health issues within her family.
Shelley's daughter passed away a few days after birth.
Her husband, Percy Shelley, drowned in a boating accident, marking a significant loss.
She became more involved in social and political activism, advocating for the freedom of slaves.
Mary Shelley originated the genres of science fiction and horror.
Her fourth son, Percy Florence Shelley, survived.
She kept Percy's burnt heart wrapped in silk in her writing case.
Women during Shelley's time were considered second-class citizens, with men dominating public and domestic spheres.
Frankenstein was met with fascination and unease upon publication.
Blending of Gothic Romance and sublime nature.
The idea of scientists playing God challenged the concept of Divine Right present in religious norms at the time.
Many attributed the writing to her husband, believing a woman couldn't write something "so good."
Frankenstein sparked philosophical debates.
Summer of 1816 was a time of intellectual and artistic collaboration for Mary Shelley.