The Power of the Imagination and Its Relationship to Mary...

The role of the imagination in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein is a vital when defining the work as Romantic. Though Shelley incorporates aspects that resemble the Enlightenment period, she relies on the imagination. The power of the imagination is exemplified in the novel through both Victor and the Creature as each embarks to accomplish their separate goals of scientific fame and accomplishing human relationships. The origin of the tale also emphasizes the role of the imagination as Shelley describes it in her â€Å"Introduction to Frankenstein, Third Edition (1831)†. Imagination in the text is also relatable to other iconic works of the Romantic Period such as S. T. Coleridge’s Biographia Literaria in which he defines Primary and†¦show more content†¦Simply speaking Primary imagination occurs when the author or poet has no control over the imagination; the work is creative and natural not labored over. Frankenstein is a product of Primary imag ination according to Shelley’s account in the â€Å"Introduction to Frankenstein, Third Edition (1831)† in which she describes the birth of Frankenstein stating, When I placed my head on my pillow, I did not sleep, nor could I be said to think. My imagination, unbid- den, possessed and guided me, gifting the successive images that arose in my mind with a vividness far beyond the usual bounds of reverie. I saw- with shut eyes, but acute vision,- I saw the pale student of unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together. . I saw the hideous phantasm of a man stretched out,..(168) In this moment of Frankenstein’s conception, Shelley describes the uncontrollability of her imagination as it reaches far beyond the bounds of â€Å"reverie† or â€Å"the state of being lost in thought or day dreaming† (OED). This instance of being completely controlled by the imagination, of effortless and spontaneous creativity is the embodiment of Primary imagination. Shelley can see Victor standing over his creation and feel his terror; she has become the creator of his world and his circumstance. In this way imagination is the birth place of the story of Victor Frankenstein. Imagination also plays a crucial role within the novelShow MoreRelatedFrankenstein, by Mary Shelley1078 Words   |  5 PagesMary Shelley’s Frankenstein has undoubtedly withstood the test of time. Frankenstein’s direct association with fundamental Gothic literature is extremely renowned. However, the novel’s originality is derived from the foundational thematic values found within the relationship (or lack there of) between Victor Frankenstein and the monster he had created, in combination with a fascinatingly captivating plot. 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