Abstract

This study investigates the transformative role of nature on characters in Romantic literature, focusing on moral and psychological development through the analysis of two texts: Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and William Wordsworth's "The Prelude." The paper examines the manner in which writers of the Romantic period, who were informed by the idealistic and pantheistic philosophies, understood nature as not just a physical location but also an enormous spiritual, moral, and emotional power. By comparing both texts, the study shows that nature is portrayed in both literary works as a dynamic being in the play of human life, teacher, healer, and moral judge in turn. Shelley in Frankenstein depicts nature as a comforter, ethical teacher, and careless or vindictive force when a human being violates the laws of nature, especially by using scientific arrogance and alienation of the natural world. On the other hand, The Prelude introduces nature as always advantageous, which created the character of Wordsworth as it taught him humility, imagination, and moral sensitivity. Though both authors support the power of nature on the development of characters, the vision of Shelley is somewhat horrifying, while the one of Wordsworth provides a model of harmony and reconciliation. As the paper concludes, Romantic ideas of nature prefigure ecological ethics in the modern world, allowing us to claim that the harmonious relationship with nature is the prerequisite of the cultivation of virtues, compassion, and personal fulfilment. This eternal conversation of man and nature makes the relevance of Romanticism to modern ecological and ethical debate obvious.