“[T]he amiable Falkland” in this example is Sir Lucius Cary. He was 2nd Viscount Falkland, living from 1610-1643 as an English solider, politician, and author. He is considered by many to be revolutionary not because of his lasting notoriety, but because he is considered a rationalist when many of his time were intolerant and dogmatic. This is a similarity played upon by Shelley; Frankenstein’s monster was rational about the way he perceived people, while those around him were only able to judge people (specifically the creature) based on appearances – making them intolerant of those who were different and dogmatic in their unwillingness to shift their stance. Sources:
"Lucius Cary, 2nd Viscount Falkland." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 23 Aug. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucius_Cary,_2nd_Viscount_Falkland.
"The Amiable Falkland." English Department - University Of Pennsylvania. Web. 23 Aug. 2009. http://www.english.upenn.edu/Projects/knarf/V3notes/falkland.html.
Picture Credits:
Sir Lucius Cary. Digital image. Web. 23 Aug. 2009. http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/images/vfalkland.gif.
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