Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Q: _Emile (1762)_

Rousseau wrote an influential text called _Emile_ which tells the story of an orphan who is well educated in the ways of nature by a mentor, becoming an ideal member of society.

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Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Rousseau was a highly influential philosopher in the 18th century, who was born in Geneva (interestingly, where Shelley decides to have Victor grow up!).

Epistemological theory

Following on from Locke’s idea of Tabula Rasa, Rousseau furthers this line of epistemological theory with his concept of the human being born into the world as, not quite a blank slate, but one who is innocent and compassionate and only has the instinct of self-preservation.

Innocence

He argues that if man was to stay in his natural state, away from organised society, he would stay innocent and benevolent.
It is only society that has the power to corrupt man by imposing inequality, restrictions and suffering upon him.
We can see this acted out in Shelley’s text, with the Monster starting life as an innocent child, wide-eyed to the wonders of the world, having to learn quickly about the reality of his environment.

The Monster

"In my joy, I thrust my hand into the live embers, but quickly drew it out again in a cry of pain."
"I knew nothing about the science of words or letters."
"When they rejoiced, I sympathised in their joys".

Abandonment

Rousseau also argued that anyone abandoned at birth, without anyone to guide them and support them, would be ‘the most disfigured of all’.

Emile (1762)

Rousseau wrote an influential text called Emile which tells the story of an orphan who is well educated in the ways of nature by a mentor, becoming an ideal member of society.

Significance of Emile (1762)

The text acts as a way for Rousseau to communicate his theories of the essential nature of education and the paramount importance of the role of educator.

Frankenstein

Frankenstein is the exact opposite of Emile.
The Monster is like the orphan, yet he has no benevolent educator. He only a series of cruel encounters with a society which corrupts him and crushes any compassion he originally possessed.
When he is on his own in nature, the Monster is calm, curious and at peace, just like in Rousseau’s theory.

Quotation - the Monster's joy

"I was delighted when I first discovered that a pleasant sound...proceeded from the throats of the little winged animals…"

Victor and peace

Before his first conversation with the Monster, Victor appears to use language which reflects Rousseau’s theories when he is at peace in nature:
"If our impulses were confined into hunger, thirst and desire, we might be nearly free."

The effect of society

It is only when the Monster mixes with his society that he is first corrupted by anger and despair, as can be seen in his meeting with William Frankenstein.

Meeting with William Frankenstein

"If, therefore, I could seize him and educate him as my companion and friend, I should not be so desolate in this peopled earth"
"I gazed upon my victim and my heart swelled in exultation and hellish triumph."

Criticisms

Shelley criticised Rousseau’s personal life as he abandoned five children to the welfare system. Shelley’s own father was also distant and neglectful.

Rousseau and his children

As an interesting side note, Shelley herself criticised Rousseau’s personal life. It was known that, aside from his admirable sentiments in Emile about the formative benefits of education and compassionate upbringing, he abandoned five of his children to the public welfare system.

Shelley’s father

Parallels could be made with Shelley’s father, William Godwin, who was portrayed as a distant and neglectful father.
Godwin only ensured Mary was well educated but rescinded his responsibility for her emotional well being.