Frankenstein poem by edward field – Edward Field’s “Frankenstein” delves into the depths of the Romantic era, intertwining the legacy of Mary Shelley’s iconic novel with Field’s own poetic sensibilities. This haunting and evocative poem grapples with the nature of creation, the fear of the unknown, and the complexities of the human condition.
Through its intricate structure, Field’s poem unfolds a tapestry of themes and motifs, inviting readers to confront their own fears and ponder the boundaries of humanity.
Historical Context
Edward Field’s “Frankenstein” was written during the Romantic era, a literary and artistic movement that emphasized emotion, imagination, and the individual. This era was characterized by a fascination with the supernatural, the macabre, and the exotic, as well as a celebration of nature and the human spirit.
Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”
Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein” (1818) had a profound influence on Field’s poem. Shelley’s novel explored themes of scientific hubris, the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of creating life without fully understanding its implications. Field’s poem echoes these themes, using the figure of Frankenstein’s monster to explore the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of empathy and compassion.
Structure and Form
Edward Field’s “Frankenstein” is a poem composed of three stanzas, each with six lines. The poem’s rhyme scheme follows an ABCBDB pattern, creating a sense of regularity and predictability.
The first stanza introduces the speaker’s encounter with the monster, describing its physical appearance and demeanor. The second stanza shifts to the monster’s perspective, revealing its longing for companionship and acceptance. The third stanza returns to the speaker’s perspective, expressing a sense of pity and understanding towards the creature.
Stanzas and Lines
The three stanzas of the poem serve distinct purposes. The first stanza establishes the setting and introduces the monster, while the second stanza explores the monster’s inner thoughts and emotions. The third stanza brings the poem to a close, offering a resolution and a sense of closure.
The six lines in each stanza contribute to the poem’s compact and concise structure. Each line is carefully crafted, with a specific rhythm and flow that enhances the poem’s overall impact.
Rhyme Scheme, Frankenstein poem by edward field
The ABCBDB rhyme scheme creates a sense of musicality and coherence throughout the poem. The regular pattern of rhymes helps to emphasize certain words and phrases, drawing attention to key themes and ideas.
For example, the rhyme between “door” and “before” in the first stanza highlights the monster’s desire to enter the human world. The rhyme between “face” and “race” in the second stanza emphasizes the monster’s sense of isolation and difference.
Themes and Motifs
Field’s poem explores profound themes through the use of evocative motifs. The central themes revolve around the nature of creation, the fear of the unknown, and the human condition.
The motif of the monster and the creator is central to the poem. The monster represents the fear of the unknown and the dangers of unchecked creation. The creator, on the other hand, embodies the hubris and responsibility that comes with creating life.
The Nature of Creation
- Field explores the dangers of unchecked creation, suggesting that it can lead to unintended consequences.
- The poem questions the ethics of creating life and the responsibility that comes with it.
The Fear of the Unknown
- The monster represents the fear of the unknown and the other. It is a symbol of what we do not understand and fear.
- The poem explores the ways in which we project our fears onto others, creating monsters out of what we do not know.
The Human Condition
- The poem explores the human condition through the lens of creation and destruction.
- Field suggests that we are all capable of both creating and destroying, and that the balance between these two forces is delicate.
Language and Imagery: Frankenstein Poem By Edward Field
Edward Field’s “Frankenstein” employs vivid language, figurative devices, and potent imagery to create a haunting and evocative atmosphere. His diction is carefully chosen, often employing words with multiple meanings or connotations, enhancing the poem’s depth and complexity.
Figurative Language
Field employs a range of figurative language, including metaphors, similes, and personification. These devices breathe life into the inanimate, making the creature a haunting and sympathetic figure. For instance, the creature is described as “a man, but not a man,” capturing its grotesque yet human-like qualities.
Symbolism
Symbolism is a crucial aspect of Field’s poem. The creature itself represents the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the isolation that can result from societal rejection. Additionally, the act of creation and the subsequent abandonment of the creature symbolizes the profound responsibilities that come with scientific advancements.
Imagery
Field’s use of imagery is particularly striking. He paints a vivid picture of the creature’s grotesque appearance, evoking both pity and horror. The creature is described as “a monster,” “a nightmare,” and “a horror,” creating a powerful emotional impact on the reader.
Symbolism and Allegory
The poem “Frankenstein” by Edward Field employs a range of symbols and allegories to convey its themes and ideas. These elements contribute to the poem’s depth and complexity, allowing for multiple interpretations and resonances.
One significant symbol in the poem is the monster itself. It represents the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of playing God. The monster is a grotesque and terrifying creation, but it is also a victim of its own creator’s hubris and neglect.
It symbolizes the alienation and isolation that can result from a lack of love and compassion.
The Creature as an Allegory of the Industrial Revolution
The monster can also be seen as an allegory of the Industrial Revolution. It is a powerful and destructive force that is created by human beings but ultimately turns against them. The monster’s rampage through the countryside can be seen as a metaphor for the environmental destruction and social unrest that accompanied the Industrial Revolution.
The Creation of the Monster as a Symbol of the Enlightenment
The creation of the monster can also be seen as a symbol of the Enlightenment. Frankenstein’s desire to create life from scratch reflects the Enlightenment’s belief in the power of human reason and science. However, the monster’s failure to live up to Frankenstein’s expectations is a reminder of the limits of human knowledge and the dangers of hubris.
The Monster as a Symbol of the Romantic Imagination
Finally, the monster can also be seen as a symbol of the Romantic imagination. It is a creature that is both beautiful and terrifying, both creative and destructive. It represents the Romantic fascination with the sublime and the irrational.
Comparison to Other Works
Edward Field’s “Frankenstein” shares similarities with Mary Shelley’s novel of the same name, both exploring the ethical implications of scientific advancement and the dangers of unchecked ambition. However, Field’s poem differs in its brevity, its focus on the monster’s perspective, and its use of modern language.
Mary Shelley’s Novel
Shelley’s novel presents a complex and nuanced exploration of the monster’s humanity, delving into his emotions, motivations, and desires. Field’s poem, on the other hand, captures the monster’s anguish and alienation in a more condensed and immediate manner. While Shelley’s novel provides a comprehensive narrative of the monster’s creation and journey, Field’s poem offers a distilled glimpse into his inner torment.
Other Poems on the Monster
Field’s poem also differs from other poems about the monster by its use of modern language and contemporary references. Unlike the Romantic or Gothic language often found in other works on the subject, Field’s poem employs a colloquial and accessible tone, making the monster’s plight relatable to a wider audience.
By grounding the monster’s experience in the present, Field highlights the enduring relevance of the themes of scientific hubris and the search for identity.
FAQ Corner
What is the central theme of Field’s “Frankenstein”?
The poem explores the nature of creation, the fear of the unknown, and the complexities of the human condition.
How does Field use symbolism in the poem?
Field employs symbols such as the monster and the creator to explore the themes of creation and the fear of the unknown.
What is the significance of the Romantic era in Field’s poem?
The Romantic era’s emphasis on emotion, imagination, and the individual influenced the poem’s themes and imagery.
