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Thomas Paine (1737-1809)

Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was born in Norfolk but emigrated to America in 1774 after being dismissed from his employment as an excise officer.

American Revolution

American Revolution

  • He took part in the American Revolution, serving in Washington's army, fighting against British troops.
  • Returning to England in 1787, he published the two parts of his seminal text, The Rights of Man in 1790 and 1792.
_The Rights of Man_

The Rights of Man

  • In the book, he argues for the concept of fundamental ‘inalienable rights' that should be enjoyed by all human beings.
  • This is part of the debate in Frankenstein; as the Monster becomes sentient, educated and informed about society, he begins to question his rights within the world, especially in regards to his creation.
The Monster's rights

The Monster's rights

  • In Chapter 17, the Monster feels excluded from the "chain of existence and events" which makes one human and demands a mate so to be seen as an equal to someone.
  • "I demand it of you as a right which you must not refuse to concede."
  • Even Victor is convinced by this argument and "was moved" and "felt there was some justice" in the Monster’s request for a female companion.
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Narrative Structure

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Character Summaries

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Intertextuality & Allusions

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Biographic Context

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Chapter Summaries

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Key Themes

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Recap: Main Quotes

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