The anti-Enlightenment theory in Frankenstein. In the Age of Enlightenment, knowledge is considered power, focusing primarily on reason and science. However, shortly after the 18th century, as this period neared its end, Romanticism began to take root. An era that emphasized individualism, inspiration, and subjectivity was prized by many liberal writers and activists. Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein and one of these writers, used the diabolical twists and turns of Victor Frankenstein's life to point out that, in reality, knowledge is suffering. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay that shows Frankenstein through the actions of Victor Frankenstein, his monster and secondary characters, the flaws in the ideals of the Enlightenment and the righteousness of Romanticism. Shelley saw the Enlightenment as self-centered, characterized by the archetype of selfishness and the disbelief that all is well in the world. Enlightenment philosophers saw this time period as an opportunity to test the limits of human understanding and to advance scientific reasoning. It was also an attempt by many to discourage others from the power of nature. Victor, a selfish character, is supposed to represent an enlightenment thinker. He ignores the warnings of his professors in Ingolstadt about the repercussions of his intentions to create a stronger, more superior, human-like creature. He is obsessed with the idea that “a new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures owe their existence to me” (Page 40). Due to his shortsightedness, he suffers the final consequences. In chapter 5, after creation, Victor and the monster have their first interaction. The monster created by Victor is a metaphor for the advent of industrialization in Europe. As the plot thickens, the monster undertakes a rebellious act: he kills Victor's brother, William. This is the climax of the story, showing the consequences of imitating God's unique ability to create life. However, Victor does not consider the repercussions of his actions. He sees scientific progress as a way to improve humanity and to prove that it is worth something. Victor finds his worth by taking walks on the slopes of Montanvert and this newfound connection with nature is representative of the romantic visions that became more prominent later. the Enlightenment. This connection helps him re-establish what he thinks are his true intentions; which, in fact, is worth something. However, in a hut on the slopes of Montanvert, the monster confronts Victor, asking him to “create for me a female, with whom I can live in the exchange of those sympathies necessary for my being” (Page 133). Out of sympathy for the monster, Victor begins to create a female version. Victor refrains from completing the new invention, representing how the romance in Victor's character begins to win. In response to this, the monster vows to destroy Victor and everyone he loves. Likewise, because of the fiasco with the De Laceys, Shelley believes that the Enlightenment robbed the poor of their worth. Shelley believes that the poor are important people in the world; they should not be mistreated or threatened by the control of the unknown. Elizabeth, Justine, and other women represent the poor in this novel. Before the discovery of Victor's creation, the main female characters in this novel are complacent. They are the vision of Romanticism; representative of the true love that the world can offer. Elizabeth and Justine, influential women in Victor's life, are unaware of the monster Victor has created...