In Frankenstein, Shelley explores the transgression of the natural order in the Romantic ideal by humanity's ongoing pursuit of progress and knowledge, a consequence of the Enlightenment Era and the Industrial Revolution. ... The connotation of "penetrate the secrets of nature" reflects the Romantic concern that specific aspiration was an exploitative violation of nature. ... At birth, Victor's creation reflects the Lockean "blank slate" concept as he begins in a state of innocence, exemplified in the metaphor "my soul glowed with love and humanity." He develops characteristi...

• Word Count: 1236
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Graduate