Topic > The myth of the "noble savage" illustrated in...

The political philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau is often credited with discussing the "noble savage" and the existence of natural man. In numerous literary works, the theme of the “noble savage” is prevalent and enduring, providing indirect commentary from the authors through the actions and development of various characters. Two of these novels are Frankenstein by Mary Shelly and The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. In both novels, Shelly and Goethe demonstrate strong romantic ideals, while also developing various characters using Rousseau's myth. Shelly's Frankenstein follows a young doctor, Victor Frankenstein, who sets out to design a functioning human-like being. Throughout the novel, Shelly uses characterization of both Victor, and the monster he creates, to demonstrate the novel's roots in Rousseau's myth. In the case of Victor Frankenstein, Shelly describes an innocent Swiss boy, living with his parents, who becomes interested in scientific exploration by reading various diaries of scientists from the past. Despite his interest in science, Victor is told that "every moment you [he] wasted with those books is completely and entirely lost", by M. Krempe, a university professor in Ingolstadt, where Victor attends college. As a result, Shelly recognizes Victor's turn from innocence as he begins his studies of modern science in Ingolstadt. Using his knowledge of anatomy, learned in Ingolstadt, Victor secretly begins work on a humanoid creature. After months of labor, Victor's creation is complete and showing signs of life. However, the creature's monstrous appearance scares Victor, eventually forcing him to leave his home, leaving the monster alone. The abandonment of Victor... middle of paper... tic, a young man with a jealous and suicidal lover is a great example of the Rousseau myth. His misinterpretation of Lotte's behavior and poor relationship with the aristocracy lead to her death. If Werther's sublime and natural being had not been contaminated by these unpleasant experiences, perhaps he would not have suffered these alterations and would have been able to live. Through the sophisticated use of characterization in their respective novels, Shelly and Goethe create characters who are prime examples of Rousseau's myth. of the noble savage. The changes in each character's personality and tendencies throughout both novels are the product of the characters' environments. By incorporating Romantic ideals of nature and traditionalism into their books, both authors effectively comment on the structure and evolution of human society, outwardly demonstrating Rousseau's myth..