The Zeitgeist Employees of the 1800s
Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” explores themes of obsession and desire, and consequences of scientific and social conquests. In this analysis, I will explore the use of the word “employment” in two critical moments within the novel and its impact on the narrative and characters. These moments reveal the complicated relationship between intent and ethical principles, as well as the human desire for companionship.
How To Employ the Employment of Employees (Frankenstein Edition)
The Oxford Dictionary provides insights into the word “employment,” showcasing its evolving meanings and usages from 1616 to 2011. During the time when “Frankenstein” was written, “employment” meant the action or practice of engaging or utilizing an individual to execute a task. Later, it specifically referred to hiring someone for paid work, often under an employment contract.
In the first scene, the word “employment” is used to describe Victor Frankenstein’s obsession to uncover scientific mysteries. Victor is aware of responsibilities at home, but his focus is on his “employment,” which he finds “loathsome.” Here, “employment” represents Victor’s dedication to science and education, particularly his project of creating the monster. It signifies his obsession and self-absorption.
Victor’s employment reflects his single-minded focus on scientific discovery, causing him to neglect his family duties and view them as distractions. The term “loathsome” highlights Victor’s awareness of the moral and ethical implications of his actions. .
The impact of the word “employment” in this scene stretches into the narrative and character development. It highlights Victor’s ambition and obsession, revealing his willingness to sacrifice ethics and personal relationships for science. His employment motivates the creation of the monster, thus a series of events are set off to highlight the outcomes of loose ambition.
In the second scene, “employment” takes on a different meaning, referring to the monster’s desire for companionship, a female companion in particular. Here, “employment” highlights the emotional and social aspects, suggesting that the monster has a profound need for social connection.
The monster’s employment is not about traditional work but centers on emotional and social needs. His desire for a companion reflects his longing to relieve the pain associated with isolation and loneliness. This use of “employment” underlines the theme of isolation and the basic human need for connection, suggesting that social employment is as crucial for well-being as traditional work.
The word “employment” in this scene spotlights the emotional and social aspects, illustrating the monster’s intense yearning for understanding and connection. It sheds light on the human need for companionship and the possible repercussions of rejection and isolation.
A comparison between these two scenes reveals that “employment” is used to underscore the characters’ unbreakable dedication and focus. Victor is devoted to his scientific pursuits, while the monster is determined to find companionship.
In both cases, the characters are absorbed by their individual employment, highlighting their distractions. Victor’s obsession reflects the monster’s yearning for companionship, showcasing their single-mindedness.
The use of “employment” in both scenes emphasizes the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. Victor struggles with the moral involvement of his scientific work, while the monster yearns for social acceptance despite his disfigurement.
However, there are significant differences between these scenes. The nature of employment differs, with the first focusing on scientific experiments and the second on emotional and social aspects of companionship.
Employing The Summary Phase
In summary, the use of the word “employment” in these scenes underscores the characters’ dedication, ethical dilemmas, and the fundamental human need for connection. It contains the complex themes explored in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” including the consequences of unchecked ambition, clouded moral limits, and the profound impact of isolation and loneliness. “Employment” connects these scenes, shedding light on the characters’ pursuits and the overall themes of the novel.