The theme of Darwinism in Frankenstein

At the time of its writing and publication, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was part of a world still in shock at the implications of Charles Darwin's "dangerous" theories of Natural Selection and evolutionary biology, known collectively as Darwinism. Expectedly, Frankenstein is filled with allusions to Darwinism, both in a biological and natural context, as well as in reference to the introspective idea of man still carrying a bestial nature as part of himself from his evolutionary …

…of Darwinism biologically, internally, and abstractly in character growth reveals its truly lasting imprint in the human psyche and culture. Utilizing the ideas of Darwinism in Frankenstein allows Shelley to not just reflect the views and attitude of early nineteenth century society, but to express her concerns for the potential future of humanity in regards to science and man's ability to curb his own lust for perfection and personal and personal "gratification [of desires]" (Shelley 17).