Frankenstein and Romanticism
Why do we do horrible things?
1. AUGUSTINIAN view: Because we have evil natures.
2. ENLIGHTENMENT view: Because our social institutions are corrupt.
3. ROMANTICISM view: "I am malicious because I am miserable."
2. REASON
3. FEELINGS/IMAGINATION
Romanticism: from the medieval/chivalric "romance" or QUEST story.
ALCHEMY as "quest."
19th-century Romanticism -- secular, adventure, exploration
What promotes flow of emotions and imagination?
What stifles them?
Romanticism's critique of the Enlightenment:
Frankenstein's creature: mediated monstrosity
Who is the greater monster?