Indias Foreign Policy Towards China: An Analysis

Indias Foreign Policy To convey of state of wards china An AnalysisKAUTILYAS THOUGHTS ON divulgeside(prenominal) POLICY AND ANALYSE ITS RELEVANCE TO MODERN INDIA PARTICULARLY WITH REGARDS TO CHINACHAPTER I METHODOLOGYGeneral1. The fashioning of strange insurance is an exercise to achieve ends and means of a nation separate. Conceptu every(prenominal)y it is based on long term goals and related short term objectives. It is the product of past history, geography, evolving national situation and customary international environment, which is largely out of pastorals control1.2. Indian Foreign Policy towards China was initi assistant based on i visual modalityism of Nehru, steered towards realism by Mrs Indira Gandhi, asserted by Rajiv Gandhi and culminated with India going everyplacetly nuclear under Vajpayee in May 1998. From Hindi-Chini bhai bhai to potential enemy number star to bang-up friend, India just does non know how to deal with its neighbourhood dragon that h as played its cards so skilfully vis--vis India.3. Indias dominant geostrategic location, vast pictorial and technological art object force-out resources, a vibrant emerging economy backed by pixilated array and nuclear capability, visible soft position and presence of the Indian Diaspora the human race over, dedicate it an paperl prognosis to be a major player in the instauration in full ecumenic and South Asian region in char lay outericular(prenominal).4. India and China argon the cardinal major powers in Asia with global aspirations and some world-shattering conflicting interests. As a result, some amount of friction in their bilateral relationship is inevitable. The geo influencemental reality of Asia postulates sure that it go forth be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for Hindi-Chini to be bhai-bhai (brothers) in the foreseeable future tense. If India and China continue to rise in the next some years, a surety competition mingled with the dickens regional giants provide be every(prenominal) hardly when inevitable. If India is serious nearly its desire to emerge as a major global power, thence it pull up stakes demand to tackle the challenge of Chinas rise. A ascent China impart not tolerate a rising India as its peer competitor. Even if a rising India does not have some(prenominal) intention of becoming a regional hegemon, China will try its best to constrain India as it has already d ane to a large extent. And it is that containment that India has to guard against. India should make a serious attempt to man climb on the frictions by expanding the z nonpargonil of cooperation with allies even as it tries to steadfastly pursue its national interests.5. Indian conflicting insurance agenda should be driven by only when Indias national security imperatives. India needs to be more pro- dynamic, consistent, and realistic when engaging China. It is time for India to realise that Its great power aspirations cannot be r ealised without a cold-blooded realistic assessment of its own strategic interests in an anarchic international system where at that place ar no unceasing friends or enemies, only permanent interests.6. It would be prudent to look, into the wisdom of Kautilyas , Arthashastra, a treatise on polity and severalizesmanship to learn the lessons on war and system , national power and national security and threat perception and threat assessment. fixment of problem7. To study Kautilyas thoughts on outline and analyse its relevance to the present day Indian Geo-political environment with separateicular regards to China.Justification of the Study8. Kautilyas Arthashastra has been recognised the world over as an invaluable treatise on all facets of statecraft and polity. Its eternal wisdom and timelessness can be gauged from the fact that it is bland quoted by scholars, academicians, bureaucrats and soldiers alike the world over. The interest generated in this epic illustrates that the thoughts on strategy to sustain and advance a state still provides valuable lessons. The twentieth century which has seen two world wars of long duration and host of other conflicts world large has as well as generated a fairly large number of studies on strategy commensurate with the advances in engineering and new methods in warfare. But at that place is certain universality about classical strategic thoughts which prompts academics and scholars to go back to these workings twain in terms of comparative abstract and their reinterpretation in the changing world.9. dodge over the ages has been defined in different slipway reflective of the times in which they were make and the living interstate relations and economic and social state of a nation. Higher or Grand strategy is hardly understood nor does it seem to have been practised in India. It is therefore important to study the different facets of this vital subject as propounded by Kautilya in his Arthashastra, as it is so critical for the existence and security of a nation.Scope10. The Arthashastra is a compendium on divers(a) aspects of statecraft and lays down measures to be followed by a king to sustain and advance a state. The contents of this treatise are very exhaustive blanket a broad spectrum to include the minor details at unrivalled end to grand strategy on the other. However this study concentrates on the various facets of stratagem enunciated by Kautilya and analyse their relevance to advanced(a) India particularly with regards to ChinaMethod of Data Collection11. All the information for this study has been gathered from various books (refer bibliography) and internet.Content12. Background. Kautilyas Arthashastra is an excellent treatise on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy. It is express to have been written by Kautilya, also known by the name Chanakya or Vishnugupta, the prime minister of Indias first great emperor, Chandragupta Maurya. This chapter will incl ude the following-(a) Authenticity and date of Arthashastra.(b) Historical account of life of Kautilya.13. Kautilyas Foreign Policy. In interstate highway relations power constitutes the ability of a nation to impose its will on another(prenominal) nation despite resistance. This Chapter will include-(a) Saptanga concept of state. Kautilyas conjecture of the state describes the sevensome constituent elements of any state2 and is an comment of the possible action of the Circle of States (The mandala conjecture) as the cornerst wizard for a foreign policy of expansion by advantage. The seven constituents are the basis of the national power and pleasure. He then relates as to how national power varies receivable to expansion or calamities and how pursuance of national interest is directly related to the possession of national power.(b) Postulates of foreign policy. As a political realist, Kautilya assumed that every nation acts to maximise power and self-interest, and theref ore clean principles or obligations have little or no force in actions among nations3. Kautilyas postulates on foreign policy international relations, national security to include internal and external security, war waging methodology to include Mantrayuddha or War by Counsel, Prakasayuddha or Open War, kutayuddha or Concealed War, Gudayuddha or Clandestine War.14. Mandala Concept as the Basis of National Strategy. Kautilya, says that the the aggressor (Vijigishu), should conclude, public security when he finds that he is woebeg cardinaler than the enemy4 he should wage war when he finds himself to be stronger he should adopt neutrality when assesses that neither he nor his enemy can settle the construct he should seek refuge when he is light-colored and he should adopt the duel policy in a contingency requiring the help from, another ruler. War and foreign policy issues are therefrom unyielding in an ad hoc framework of political expediency. When move on is equally attainab le by means of stop and war, Kautilya says that the former is to be preferred. This is so, for war involves expenditure in men and money, residence in a foreign land, and suffering.This chapter will include the following-(a) Mandala Theory. Kautilya thinkd that countries which shared a common b order of magnitude were natural enemies. However, any state on the other side of that enemy is a natural choice for an ally for they, too, are at risk from the comparable enemy. In other news shows, he intendd in the principle of the enemy of my enemy is my friend. The idea is best envisioned by a series of concentric circles (not a normal configuration of states, admittedly, merely easier to describe), which actually makes them look a bit like a mandala.(b) Potential enemies. A neighboring prince feature of the excellences of an enemy is the foe one in calamity is vulnerable one without support or with weak support is fit to be exterminated in the reverse case, fit to be harassed or w eakened. These are the different types of enemies5.(c) Alliances. A perfect ally is said to have six qualities,namely, constant, under control, pronto mobilising, hereditary, great and not given to double dealing.(d) The six measures of foreign policy. Kautilya however believes that there are spin-offs of these, thus providing six methods of foreign policy. These are reservation peace, waging war, staying quiet, preparing for war, seeking support, and the dual policy of making peace with one while waging war against another6. Ones circumstances will dictate which methods should be used.15. Application of Mandala Theory in the coetaneous Indian geo-political Scenario. This Chapter will include the classification of friends, enemies, potential enemies, and likely allies on the basis of Mandala theory.16. conditional relation of Chinas Rise in Indian Perspective. This chapter will include the following-(a) Chinas comprehensive strategy.(b) Chinese Balance of power strategy in Asia. (c) Chinese economic Strategy.(d) Chinas encirclement policy.(e) Relationship with Indias neighbours.(f) Chinas perception of India.(g) Indias perception of China.(h) Implication of Chinas strategy on Indias security.17. Application of Kautilyan Wisdom in Sino-Indian Relations. This chapter will include the following-(a) Chinese critical vulnerabilities.(b) Indian options to counter Chinese threat.(c) Suggested Indian Strategy against China.Miraculous results can be achieved by practising the methods of subversion. KautilyaCHAPTER II BACKGROUND General1. Kautilya, also known as Chanakya 7or Vishnugupta, was an Indian statesman and philosopher who lived virtually 350 B.C.E. He is one of the most illustrious Indian political thinkers who participated in the social and political revolutions of his age. Though he lived a long time ago, certain principles from his theory are still relevant in todays context. His most famous work is Arthashastra, translated differently by various author s, notwithstanding in its most acceptable meaning, the science of political economy8. The book, written in Sanskrit, discusses theories and principles of governing a state. Arthashastra remains unique in all of Indian books because of its unabashed advocacy of realpolitik. Indian scholars continued to study it for its clear-cut arguments and formal prose till the twelfth century. later that period it lost its compressificance. It has again become the focus of attention of thinkers who want to see a counterchange in the Indian foreign policy9.2. Kautilya was a Brahmin minister under Chandragupta Maurya10, the first king of the great Mauryan Empire in India. The empire was the largest and most powerful political and military empire of ancient India. It was founded in 321 B.C.E. by Chandragupta Maurya11, who had overthrown the Nanda Dynasty and begun expanding his power across central and western India. The Empire stretched to the North along the natural limitaries of the Himalay as, and to the eastmost stretching into what is now Assam. To the West, it reached beyond modern Pakistan and included Baluchistan in Persia and significant portions of what is now Afghanistan, including the modern Herat and Kandahar provinces.3. many another(prenominal) an(prenominal) another(prenominal) call Kautilya the first political realist in the world.12 His work differed from existing political theory in that it talked about ways of running the administration which were based more on self interest than on morality. The cad and brutal advice he offers the king in his treatise makes Machiavellis The Prince seem mild.13 there are four different oddballistics of a realist approach to international relations14(a) The assumption that human nature is aggressive.(b) The belief that international relations will always be characterized by conflict.(c) The belief that the foremost goal of the king shall be the protection of the state and its people.(d) The belief that the state must be strong politically, economically, and militarily so as to minimize the conjecture of an attack.4. He thus talked about balance of power in the first place this term was actually invented.15 He said that the king should consider all his neighbors as his enemies and that any state on the opposite side of a neighbor is a potential ally. So, if countries were in a line, countries 1, 3, 5, 7 could be friends, as could 2, 4, and 6. But countries 1, 2, and 3 could never be friends. This status would change as soon as estate 1 conquered country 2. From that very instant country 3 (a friend) would be the new enemy. This is called his mandala theory.16 Arthashastra5. It is necessary to bear in estimate that the Arthashastra, the science of wealth and warfare, was just discovered and translated in the past century in Mysore by R. Shamasastry17, and that until then, there was no knowledge of any much(prenominal) compilation, despite scant allusions made to an Arthashastra, and it s alternative names Nitisastra and Dandaniti, in the Mahabharata18.Thomas Trautmann dates the text to c.150 A.D. and, done rigorous statistical analysis, he concludes that the Arthashastra had several authors spanning a wide range of dates,19 which adds to the mother of how historically obscure the text has been for over the past two millennia. Nevertheless, its secretive nature adds credence to its run low as a handbook on efficient statecraft for kings and high-level ministers.6. Artha has always been regarded as one of the four purusharthas,20 yet its teachings have been relegated to animal fables and folklore. No such shastras seem to have been compiled for public knowledge, as was the case of the Dharmashastras and Kamashastras. In stark contrast to the latter, the manuscript discovered in 1902 by Shamasastry was compiled as a guidebook for kings and high-level officials, rather than the average private. The result is a perspective advocating a top-down drift of governance with little or no representation held by the general populace, and the continual maintenance of such a state with energetic leadership and extensive secret service. Though the king and upper echelons of baseball club involuntarily accepted such authority because of religious ideals just as much as the general populace did, the Arthashastra suggests the existence of a itty-bitty elite with a secular and realist outlook that actively worked to wield this power scheme and determine the overall course of the kingdom.217. It is for this reason that the Arthashastra advocates reordering the priorities of the purusharthas, by valuing materialism over religion and morality.22 Similarly, R.P. Kangle notes that these ideals are meant for individuals and that the assume of public life was not to be guided by these rules for individual morality23. Management of the state necessitated realism, not idealism. It required the prudence and precise calculation of measures undertaken alongside th eir short and semipermanent consequences, which formulated the suppositious beginnings of economics Wealth will slip away from that childish man who eer consults the stars the only guiding star of wealth is itself what can the stars of the sky do? Man, without wealth, does not get it even after a hundred attempts. Just as elephants are needed to catch elephants, so does wealth curb more wealth24. Public welfare was contingent upon the energy of the state. The latter was achieved by internal development or territorial expansion, both of which were realized through power25.8. The Arthashastra regards both economics and foreign policy as zero-sum games the state would need to prosper economically lest it be overtaken by wealthier imperialist neighbors or suffer from internal insubordination by discontented government officials and military leaders. Furthermore, internal development would naturally lead to population ontogeny and would last necessitate expansion, which is why L.N . Rangarajan notes that the grow of creating a intimately-run state is to provide the base for expansion. Continuing with this logic, Kautilya deals in Book 7 with all the theoretical possibilities of conducting an expansionist foreign policy.26 wherefore, the prime motive of the state was the eternal pursuit of artha. It is only after dedicating its energies to this end can the state or king then go on on to fulfilling dharma and kama.9. This Arthashastra is primarily a book of political realism where State is paramount and magnate shall mail out duties as advised in his book to preserve his state. For Kautilya, military strategy was an integral part of the science of polity27 and he made no distinction between military techniques and statecraft. Kautilyas work is so sibylline rooted in realism that he goes to describe the gory and brutal means a King must adopt to be in power. This could have been one reason why Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya whom Kautilya adv ised renounced military group and war thus taking the path of Dharma or Morals.10. I will also be making a few references to the other books of Arthashatra where topics of Management have been dealt with. The areas covered under Management include training, oversight education, leadership skills, selection of employees, consultation, crisis management, risk management, strategic management, corporate governance, information systems, intelligence network, competition, mergers and acquisitions, etc. among many others. Kautilya11. There are a large of theories as to who Chanakya, or Kautilya or Vishnugupta , was. Kautilya was an enigmatic whose origin is shrouded in mystery. However, all sources of Indian tradition Brahmin, Buddhist and Jain train that Kautilya destroyed the Nanda dynasty and installed Chandragupta Maurya on the throne of Magadha.12. One theory about his origin is that Chanakya was a Kerala Brahmin who somehow reached the court of the Nanda king at Pataliputra28. The next theory is that Chanakya was a North Indian Brahmin born and educated in Taxila29 and that he was physically ugly, had a disgusting complexion and his limbs were deformed. As per Jain tradition, his parents noticed that Chanakya was born with full set of teeth, a inclination of future king. They had the teeth removed as either parent did not want him to become a King . He became a King maker instead.13. At a very early age little Chanakya started studying Vedas. He later also studied politics and economics. As a scholarly person and later a professor, the University of Taxila became Chanakyas breeding ground of acquiring knowledge in the practical and theoretical aspects on all walks of life. However, with the Greek armies of Selucus threatening to invade India, and the various kingdoms in the subcontinent on the verge of war and belligerence with each other, Chanakya left the university at Taxila, and proceeded in his own words to strengthen the country politically and economically and to save the country from the clutches of foreign invaders.14. In Magadha, Chanakya was insulted by the King of Patliputra, Dhana Nanda and he vowed to destroy the Nanda dynasty. He came upon Chandragupta and together, Chanakya and Chandragupta set about attacking the Nanda kingdom until finally Chandragupta was installed as the king of Magadha30. According to written tradition, Chanakya was a fearless person, not afraid of last, disgrace or defeat. He was compassionate of the poor and evil to schemers.15. Chanakya then retired from active life and reflected on all that he had learnt during the process of overthrowing Dhana Nanda. Since he found the earlier works on statecraft31 unsatisfactory in many respects, he composed his own definitive work presenting his ideas concerning the ways in which a ruler should gain power and maintain his authority. For Chanakya, military strategy was an integral part of the science of polity and he made no distinction between milita ry techniques and statecraft. Thus came into cosmos the Arthashastra. There is no doubt that this treatise is the work of a genius, who spoke of matters which have held relevance down the ages to modern times with striking infallibility. The military writings of Chanakya precede those of Machiavelli and Clausewitz by centuries besides seldom has this fact been acknowledge much less credited outside India.The king who understands the interdependence of the six methods of foreign policy, plays, as he pleases, with other rulers bound to him by the chains of his intellect. KautilyaCHAPTER III KAUTILYAN FOREIGN POLICY Saptanga Concept Of State16. Kautilyas theory of the state describes the seven constituent elements of any state32 and is an exposition of the theory of the Circle of States (The mandala theory) as the basis for a foreign policy of expansion by conquest. Of the seven elements, six (the King, the ministers, the people, the fortified city, the Treasury and the army) are i nternal elements only the ally is an element outside the borders. The structure and organization of the six internal elements of a well ordered state are fully developed and explained by Kautilya in books I to 5. The aim of creating a well-run state is to provide the base for expansion. Continuing this logic, Kautilya in Book 7 deaIs with all theoretical possibilities of conducting an expansionist foreign policy. Before a King actually sets out on an expedition of conquest he has to take steps to guard himself against the dangers which ability weaken any of constituent elements of his own state. Kautilya uses the word calamity (vyasana) in the precise sense of any event which weakens any constituent element of a state, thereby preventing it from being to its full potential in the conduct of foreign policy or war33.17. This theory in one form or another (in part, as elements of national power), has survived to this very day as a mainstay of reflection and analysis of international p olitics. Kautilya enumerates the desirable qualities each of these elements should display and points out, too, that his list of elements is ordered in descending order of importance each succeeding element is less important than the one before it, the king being most important of all. A ruler who possesses the elements of state and who wisely takes fretting of them will never be defeated, he says, and then devotes the whole of Book VIII34 to a systematic analysis of the troubles and calamities which might befall each one of these elements (in other words, to their malfunctioning).18. The king is the focal point of analysis he strives to maintain and improve his position knowing that the determinants of status in international society are two power and happiness The possession of power and happiness in a greater degree makes a king superior to another in a lesser degree, inferior and in an equal degree, equal. Hence a king shall always endeavour to augment his power and elevate his happiness.19. Neither power nor happiness is clearly or exhaustively defined or analysed. We know, however, that power is to be understood as strength and that it has three components35-(a) Mantrashakti Power of counsel, deliberation or decision-making, including capacity for intrigue.(b) Prabhushakti The treasury and the army.(c) Utsahashakti Resolve and determination.20. Thus power refers basically to activity and application of the elements of the state, just mentioned. Happiness on the other hand is that which can be achieve by the use of power. It is to some degree a measure of success of foreign policy and the execution of instrument of its objectives, but it also indicates those qualities such as righteousness and also internal stability and not power alone that enter into the determination of international status.21. A kings position is not, however, unchanging his status relation back to another king is variable and needs continuous attention. A king prevents deteriorat ion in his position and secures an procession (a desire for which is a built-in feature of the system) in two ways by attention to the elements of his power, and by external action. Kautilya enjoins the ruler to pursue power investment a wise king adopts policies that add to the resources of his country and enable him to build forts, to construct buildings and commercial roads, to open new plantations and villages, to exploit mines and timber and elephant forests, and at the same time to harass similar works of the enemy36. Status is also obviously affected by successes in military and other fields, but the king is cautioned to rely on strengthening his own power before embarking upon foreign adventures. According to Kautilya, and here is one of the more interesting portions of his analysis, the kings status read national power determines his foreign policy. That policy differs according to whether it is directed toward kings who are superior, inferior or equal to him. The bulk of the international portions of the Arthashastra are a discussion of the policies that may be appropriately pursued by superior or inferior kings37. Postulates Of Foreign Policy22. As a political realist, Kautilya assumed that every nation acts to maximize power and self-interest, and therefore moral principles or obligations have little or no force in actions among nations38. While it is good to have an ally, the bond will last only as long as it is in that allys as well as ones own self-interest, because an ally looks to the securing of his own interests in the event of simultaneousness of calamities and in the event of the growth of the enemys power39. Whether one goes to war or remains at peace depends entirely upon the self-interest of, or advantage to, ones kingdom War and peace are considered solely from the point of picture of profit. One keeps an ally not because of good will or moral obligation, but because one is strong and can advance ones own self-interest as well as t he self-interest of the ally, for when one has an army, ones ally remains friendly, or (even) the enemy becomes friendly.40 Because nations always act in their political, economic, and military self-interest, even times of peace have the potential to turn abruptly into times of war, allies into enemies, and even enemies into allies. Kautilya probably assumed that composed empires cannot last forever, and that conflict among smaller states is more common in history.23. For Kautilya, this principle of foreign policy that nations act in their political, economic, and military self-interest was a timeless truth of his science of politics, or arthasastra. He did not believe that nations never act in an altruistic manner indeed, Kautilya advocated humanitarian acts that also coincided with ones self-interest but he did believe that one must assume, if entrusted with political or military power that ones neighbours will eventually act in their own interests. Put another way, one would be betraying ones own people if one did not assume a worst-case scenario. A nation forced to rely on the kindness of neighbouring states is weak and, unless it can change rapidly, doomed to destruction.24. Arthashastra is concerned with the security and foreign policy needs of a small state, in an environment with numerous other small states. The scope for enlargement of this small state was restrain to the Indian subcontinent. The area extending from the Himalayas in the north to the sea in the south and a thousand yojanas41 wide from East to West is the area of operation of the King-Emperor42. Territories beyond the subcontinent are not included, probably for the reason that the vanquisher is expected to establish in the conquered territories a social order based on the Aryas dharma, varna and ashrama system. Kautilya perhaps considered the organisation of such a social order outside the limits of India impractical or even undesirable43.25. The guiding principles which govern the Kautilyan theory of foreign policy are44-(a) A king shall develop his state, i.e., augment its resources and power in order to enable him to embark on a campaign of conquest(b) The enemy shall be eliminated(c) Those who help are friends(d) A prudent course shall always be adopted(e) Peace is to be preferred to war and(f) A kings behaviour, in victory and in defeat, must be just.26. The first verse of 6.2, Sama vyayamau yogakshemayoryonih The welfare of a state ensuring the security of the state within its existing boundaries and acquiring new territory to enlarge it depends on adopting a policy of non-intervention or overt action establish the basis for all foreign policy.27. This non-intervention, a method designed to build up confidence between kings, is to be understood in a specialized sense. It is not a policy of doing nothing but the deliberate choice of a policy of keeping away from foreign entanglements, in order to enjoy the fruits of past acquisitions by consolidating the m.28. Vyayama, (industry or activity) implies an active foreign policy, Yoga, the objective of enlargement of ones power and influence, and, through these, ones territory. These are the two stages of policy. Both depend on the state making progress, either materially in terms of its treasury and army or diplomatically in terms of its relations with other states.29. The problem of defence of a state is intimately bound up with the question of its foreign relations. It is from hostile states that the state needs to be defended. Foreign relations are mainly discussed from the stand point of the Vijigisu45. In other words, it seeks to show how a state, desirous of extending its influence and expanding its territory, should conduct its relations with foreign states. A states position is determined by its relative progress or relative decline vis-a-vis other states in the neighbourhood.30. The most important of a kings neighbours is the enemy. Among the states surrounding a kingdom, there is always one who is the natural enemy. Presumably, this is the one neighbour who has designs on the king and, in the absence of any action, will be out to attack the king. The other neighbours may be hostile (aribhavi), friendly (mitrabhavi) or vassal (bhrityabhavi). There may also be a small buffer state between the king and the enemy (antardih). However, the main target of the conqueror is always the designated natural enemy one cannot make peace with an enemy46. The reason for many aspects of the analysis of foreign policy being couched in terms of the conqueror out manoeuvring the enemy, is that the enemy is also the target of the diplomacy of the conqueror. When the conditions are ripe, a military campaign will be undertaken against him.31. Allies are important in fact, allies are described as a constituent element of a state, the only external constituent. An alliance is based on giving help. A friend is ever a well-wisher47. Kautilya gives us a comprehensive analysis of the type of kings with whom an alliance is desirable and the types of allies based on their character and motivation.32. Since prudence should always govern choice of policy, Kautilya is against both spineless submission and foolhardy valour48. Therefore, peace should always be preferred to war When the degree of progress is the same in pursubloody shame Shelleys Frankenstein Romanticism AnalysisMary Shelleys Frankenstein Romanticism AnalysisMary Shelleys Frankenstein uses many elements of both Gothic literature and Romantic literature. Being written in 1818 the novel was placed well in the romantic era. Frankenstein uses very descriptive language to take beautiful scenery but also puritanical suspenseful positions. The novel works very well to balance out the current chivalric nature of the novel with the romantic period in which it is set in. Frankenstein has a very dark be theme of cobblers last and revenge. There is also an incredible amount of emotion not only in the love achiever feels but also in the hatred the monster lets fester. There are many things that make Frankenstein a romantic novel, but the true underlying theme and the overpowering dark resource is what makes Frankenstein a gothic novel.Frankenstein uses dark scenery to build suspense and foreshadow the events to come. When overlord is about to blow over life into the monster he describes how it was on a dreary night of November (Shelley, 34). This is a subtle sign that things are not about to go as planned. The birth of the monster will be a turning point in Victors life and one he will come to regret. Further in the same chapter the dark scenery tells the reader of Victors mistake. Victor states that he felt impelled to hurry on, although drenched in from the rain which poured from a black and comfortless sky. (Shelley, 36). The sky is a representation of Victors wrong doing. He should not have created life so easily and carelessly. Many gothic novels will have a setting like a cas tle to show that it is a gothic novel, however, Frankenstein is different. The novel requires the main characters to move around a lot and travel very far distances. In order to make up for this Mary Shelley uses an amazing amount of descriptive scenery, like the examples from chapter five, to show that it really is a gothic and not a romantic. Another gothic element that the novel has is the use of the supernatural. The monster in which Victor creates is made out of body separate which Victor had to collect and piece together. This makes the reader question whether or not they agree with Victors taboo practices. It is very dark to think about Victor digging up bodies to steal parts of them to use in a monster just so he can play God. It seems all too nonchalant in the novel but in reality, that would be horrific.Shelleys novel is not only a gothic but also a refresh and an exploration of the romantic genre. All through the novel it is clear to see that Victor Frankenstein is a tru e romantic. He is overflowing with emotion and in the end is consumed by it. Victor is always looking to the impossible he wants to create life in his own image. The romantics were always looking for a bigger, brighter future, but Victor wanted to create it. Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through and pour a torrent of life into our dark world. A new species would bless me as its creator and source (Shelley, 32). Victor is looking to become a God, he wants to create a new species that looks up to him as the almighty. This may be a critique on the romantics point of view. It is okay to look forward to a brighter future but what lengths would a man go to in order to create or mould that future. Through the novel, Victors whole life is lacerated apart by the monster which he created. In creating the future, he destroyed his own. All this horror and death is set in a very hopeful and beautiful setting. The way that Shelley describes the scenery is very romantic, but with the theme of death and revenge the setting feels more like a satire. Some people believe that Percy Shelley, a romantic writer and Mary Shelleys husband, had a large amount of influence on the novel. Others believe that he even wrote the book in her name. This could explain the romantic feel of the novel. However, if it was Mary Shelley who wrote it herself then it is a clear and obvious critique of the romantic era and the novel goes a lot deeper than one might think at first stare.Frankenstein was written in 1818 and it shows in the scenery and views on science. The way that Victor creates the monster is a reference to Giovanni Aldini. Aldini used electricity to make a slaughtered ox head cramp iron and appear to move like it was alive. Victor creates the monster in such a way but the monster actually comes alive rather than twitching on a table. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might inf use a spark of being into the exanimate thing that lay at my feet. (Shelley, 34). Shelley wanted to create the same shock and horror that Aldini did when he made the ox head move in front of an audience. This shows just how misunderstood science was by the general public. Since many principles of science were misunderstood Shelley equated science to magic and it was believable. The novel also reveals how society was very unaccepting and cold. Victor is scared to reveal his creation for fear that he would be called a monster for bringing such a horrific being to life. I avoided explanation and maintained a continual silence concerning the poor devil I had created. I had a persuasion that I should be supposed mad, and this in itself would forever have chained my tongue. (Shelley, 136). Victor cannot get the monster out of his head, he feels it must be kept a secret and a burden only he can bear. However, Victor is so caught up in keeping it a secret that everything he says sounds cra zy. His own father thinks he is mad and Victor knows this. He is afraid that he will never be thought a credible scientist again if the world finds his creation.The way that Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein is very interesting and takes a few reads and some deeper research to understand. Upon first glance it appears a regular gothic about a monster and his creator, but after a few more reads one can see the deeper romantic influence and the critique of the romantic view. The novel is a perfect gothic which relates itself to the society it was written for and the horror it looks to instil. The dark theme and questionable actions of the main character truly bring out the gothic nature in this novel. The way Victor tries to create the future he looks for is horrific and ultimately a failure. This is used to show that the romantics are dreamers and reality will create its own future. One man cannot create life and toy with the future so easily. Destiny cannot be escaped and dreaming of a better future is futile. The novel creates a feeling of despair in the reader. One can only hope for a better future and trying to create one like Victor will only end in catastrophe. This underlying, deeper meaning of the novel is what makes Frankenstein a true gothic novel.Works CitedShelley, Mary Frankenstein. New York Dover, 1994.Smith, Nicole. Elements of Romanticism in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Article Myriad. declivity 6, 2011. http//www.articlemyriad.com/elements-romanticism-frankenstein/Gothic Literature. The Gothic Experience. Brooklyn College. October 24, 2002. http//academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/melani/gothic/gothic.html