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The writers create various situations and expositions to convey the ideas of their work. The orientation towards the past or future is one of the core elements of a literary text. While some discover secrets of the past, others reveal the consequences of current actions for the future. We faced authors of different periods focused on the future and the past during the course. However, Frankenstein by Shelley and Gulliver’s Travels by Swift conveyed the message for the future generation and humankind’s development by applying the elements of the past and present.
Despite the differences in the plot points of books, some similar themes and ideas illustrate the thoughts of their time and the effect that they may have on the next generations. One such theme is the persuasion of knowledge, shown by Shelley and Swift through opposite perspectives. It may be seen in Shelley’s book, as she gave all her characters a desire to know more. For instance, Henry Clerval was an explorer, and the Monster tried to understand the nature of human beings. However, the most dangerous power of knowledge was illustrated by Victor Frankenstein, who said, “Far more, will I achieve; treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation” (Shelley, 2013, p. 46). The author shows how the determination to have God’s power through science can harm society. This idea also seems to depict the rising industrialization during this period. If people invented machines to replace handwork, what would be when manufactured machines replace the people? It is the central question that puts the perspective for the future generation to answer, while the image of Victor serves as a reminder of the consequences of such a desire.
In contrast, the other book took an opposite approach to the question of knowledge for the future. Even though the knowledge-centered discussion took place in the third voyage of Gulliver, his first travel reflects the past-oriented look at learning in the context of political power. Swift’s satirical view of the political problems describes the situation through the perspective of trivial matters that appear to be of the highest importance. This occurs in the division between classes by heel height and the rivalry between people based on the discussion about eggs (Swift, 2018). The Lilliputians are skilled in mechanics and engineering but lack knowledge in politics, admitting that a fool should be in politics, which prevents corruption. Swift shows not the knowledge problem in science but through the lens of political knowledge and the danger of its absence.
The theme of knowledge, however, is not the only one conveyed in the books. The idea of alienation is vividly proposed through both plots. We can see how Shelley develops this theme through the Monster and his desire to be a part of society, which he could never be. The author explores the idea of loneliness; the Monster is sure that he relates to and depends on no one, questioning his existence (Shelley, 2013). We can see Rousseau’s philosophy and the Enlightenment idea of the period that the natural mind of a human is kind without the external influence of social rules. Thus, illustrating the views of her time, Shelley conveyed a timeless approach to humanity.
Alienation in terms of colonization is one of the first plots of Swift’s book that builds toward identity discovery. Swift creates the exaggerated image of the society as an analogy to England and its government to show the perspectives and disadvantages of the current state of affairs. Gulliver became the subject of reinvention of personality in the culture, similar to the England politics towards colonized countries. Swift’s character shows how quickly one can become a traitor in the society where he was praised earlier. Hence, the Gulliver represents the universal concept of alienation as an individual in the new community, which informs people of the reality of colonized nations.
In addition to future-oriented plot aspects, Shelley integrates the method of referring to the past. It is proved by mentions of Paradise Lost, comparing Victor Frankenstein to Satan, who wanted the power of God and was punished for their ambitions (Shelley, 2013). Alongside comparison to the Greek titan Prometheus, who suffered the same fate. The opposition between religious themes and modern capitalism correlates to the issue of power. In contrast to Gulliver’s up-to-date problems of society, Shelley depicts the eternal issues of individuals by referencing images of the past to warn future generations.
Thus, Shelley and Swift wrote future-oriented works to warn humanity and reflect their time’s ideology. At the same time, Gulliver’s travels relied chiefly on the reflection of Swift’s period of England in the book. Frankenstein created images closely connected to the past that align with modern problems and ideas. Nevertheless, both books sent strong messages that are relevant even in contemporary society and will be for many years later because they explore the universal problems of human nature.
References
Shelley, M. W. (2013). Frankenstein. Dover Publications
Swift, J. (2018). Gulliver’s travels into several remote nations of the world. StreetLib.
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