How does the context of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein contribute to greater understanding of the novel?

To begin, the word “context” must be defined in regards to understanding the two main meanings of the word in regards to literary use. First, context refers to the circumstances which form the setting, statements, or ideas within a novel or text. In this regard, one must understand the importance of the setting of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. Second, context includes the words or images which precede another word or passage in order to clarify its meaning. In this regard, one must know certain things about the movement of the novel in order to follow what happened, what is happening, and what will happen.

 In regards to the first definition of context, one must understand that the novel is both Romantic and Gothic. As for the Romantic aspects of the novel, much of the scenery is highly detailed in regards to the surrounding countryside through the highlighting of nature and the regenerative power of nature. In regards to the Gothic aspects, Shelley includes the context of frozen lands, horrific dreams (the death of Elizabeth in Victor’s arms), and the Creature himself.

 As for the use of the second definition, a reader must know how Victor and Walton came to know each other, the history of Victor’s life, the creation of the Creature, and Victor’s pursuit of the creature through the ice fields. Without this knowledge, the story of Victor, his ambition, and the quest to end the Creature’s life would be lost to the reader.

Outside of these things, the study of a novel should always be rooted in the period which it was written in. Given the change in both scientific and industry, one should apply the changes within the period to the novel as well.