Sublime

Prompt: Explore the significance of sublime nature (the healing, majestic, and awe-inspiring qualities of nature) in Frankenstein?

---

---

Sublime nature, the concept that nature evokes a sense of awe and wonder but also fear, is significant in the story of Frankenstein. Victor finds connection to himself through being in nature. It is where he thinks clearly and has space to think and ponder without interruption or pressure. Victor visits many beautiful places in hopes for inspiration, rest, and reconnection. Sublime nature is shown when Victor is amidst the storm. The violent lightning strike frightens Victor, but then encourages his curiosity in electricity giving him a wonder for the event that just took place. He goes to the mountains in hopes to escape the guilt he feels for the deaths of William and Justine, and his experience there does lighten his mood, but as the story progresses the reader witnesses Victor lose his belief in sublime nature when he realizes that the monster will always haunt him.

Sublime nature is also seen with Robert Walton as he is intrigued by the ice that surrounds his ship, but also frightened for his life. Ice, however, represents much more than a road block in the story of Frankenstein. Ice symbolizes this idea of being trapped. Robert Walton is physically trapped by ice in the beginning of the novel. Victor is trapped emotionally and mentally knowing he will never be free of the monster he created or the guilt of the deaths he caused. Victor is stuck and unable to move forward with his life because of the repercussions of his decisions. He warns Walton of this trap through sharing his life story with him. After Victor’s death Walton realizes his ambition is not worth all this work he had been pouring into it. After being freed from the physically trapping ice, he departs for home ending the book with hope. The book starts and begins with ice to contrast Walton’s escape from his own ambitions trap with Victor’s life that was lived pinned in a trap.

I believe in sublime nature as it applies to my faith. When I am out in a boat or watching a storm I experience sublime nature. I am frightened by how powerful the ocean is, but that leads to me to ponder on the power of my God who created everything. I am left in a state of awe after thinking upon the brevity that is my God. I believe in sublime nature because it leads me to see the power and might of the God I serve.

Word Count: 413