Name : Avni J Dave
Roll no : 03
Semester : 2
Paper no : 5 - The Romantic Literature
Topic : Frankenstein as a Gothic fiction
Email ID : avni.dave1998@gmail.com
Submitted to : S. B. Gardi Department of the English
Frankenstein as a Gothic Fiction
Mary Shelley's use of Gothic elements makes her 1818 masterpiece, Frankenstein, one of the most enduring horror stories of all time. Shelley uses the Gothic convention of the looming secret but endows the secret with life. Victor's dark secret is the living, breathing, active monster he created.
Tragic wanderers, ominous atmosphere, symbolism, and themes: these are elements in a Gothic novel. Through Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, written in the early 19th century, certainly contains many components of a Gothic novel, can that be correctly grouped under that genre?
A definition of a Gothic novel; according to Tracy, is a description of a fallen world. We experince this fallen world though the aspects of a novel: plot, setting, characterization, and theme (De Vore, Domenic, Kwan and Reidy). As well, early Gothic novels have characterized themselves through the use of moral commitment and exotic atmosphere in their themes (Lowry 32). Stock characters that were typically present in Gothic literature were the social outcast, the …show more content…
Frankenstein’s use of atmosphere and imagery is used in a typical Gothic setting – dark in nature. In James Whale’s 1931 adaptation of Frankenstein, imagery such as crosses, a statue of Death, and a crucified Jesus Christ are shown to give a first impression into the macabre nature of Henry Frankenstein’s gathering of corpses. As the plot advances, rain and thunder are added to show pathetic fallacy to foreshadow the cration of the monster and warn thosr viewer of the dangers of the monster’s creation. The dark setting of the castle is typical of the Gothic genre, and also contrasts with the use of light and fire as horrifying to the monster, a creature of darkness by nature. In Chapter 5 of Frankenstein, the creature’s ugliness is exemplied from Victor Frankenstein’s point of view: "It was on a dreary night of November, these I beheld the accomplishents of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony . . . I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breath hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs" (Shelley 56). Levine’s analysis of Chapter 5 tells of the horrors Victor experiences when creating the monster, experiencing his lover, Elizabeth turn from beauty into death and decay in his dream. This foreshadows Victor’s grievance and turn to vengeance over the monster’s killing out of those he loves – being rejected as an ugly and demonic being (Levine 21). Shelley
Frankenstein as a gothic novel Essay
Frankenstein as a gothic novel The gothic tradition highlights the grotesque, relies on mysterious and remote settings, and is intended to evoke fear. All of these are evident in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, especially in chapter five. The settings in the novel are striking and distinctively gothic. Appropriately, the creature first breathes on a "dreary night of November," in a remote laboratory at Ingolstdt. The eerie atmosphere is typical of the gothic tradition. Victor, unafraid…
Gothic setting of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Frankenstein: What makes it a Gothic Novel? One of the most important aspects of any gothic novel is setting. Mary Shelly 's Frankenstein is an innovative and disturbing work that weaves a tale of passion, misery, dread, and remorse. Shelly reveals the story of a man 's thirst for knowledge which leads to a monstrous creation that goes against the laws of nature and natural order. The man, Victor Frankenstein, in utter disgust, abandons his creation who is shunned by all of mankind yet still…
Frankenstein and True Blood: Discovering the Gothi
Frankenstein and True Blood: Discovering the Gothic Defining what the gothic is can be tough. It’s one of those words that most people think they have a grasp on in their mind, but trying to explain it ends in a loss for word. That’s why sometimes the best way to explain something is though what it explores as a genre, otherwise known as tropes. In this paper I will be defining certain tropes of the genre through the classic gothic text Frankenstein, and comparing that with the modern gothic of…
Wish Fulfillment in Mary Shelly's Gothic Novel, Frankenstein
Wish Fulfillment in Mary Shelly's Gothic Novel, Frankenstein Everyone stores hidden desires, ambitions, fears, passions and irrational thoughts in his or her unconscious mind, according to Freud's psychoanalytical theory. These secret feelings, often stemming from a person's childhood, can manifest themselves in odd and sometimes extreme ways. This phenomenon is called wish fulfillment. We do not always fully understand why we make the decisions that we do in life, but a certain amount of these…
=) Tragic wanderers, ominous atmosphere, symbolism, and themes: these are elements of a Gothic novel. Though Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, written in the early 19th century, certainly contains many components of a Gothic novel, can it be correctly grouped under that genre?
A definition of a Gothic novel; according to Tracy, is a description of a fallen world. We experience this fallen world though the aspects of a novel: plot, setting, characterization, and theme (De Vore, Domenic, Kwan and Reidy). As well, early Gothic novels have characterized themselves through the use of moral commitment and exotic atmosphere in their themes
=) Frankenstein’s use of atmosphere and imagery is used in a typical Gothic setting – dark in nature. In James Whale’s 1931 adaptation of Frankenstein, imagery such as crosses, a statue of Death, and a crucified Jesus Christ are shown to give a first impression into the macabre nature of Henry Frankenstein’s gathering of corpses. As the plot advances, rain and thunder are added to show pathetic fallacy to foreshadow the creation of the monster and warn the viewer of the dangers of the monster’s creation. The dark setting of the castle is typical of the Gothic genre, and also contrasts with the use of light and fire as horrifying to the monster, a creature of darkness by nature. In Chapter 5 of Frankenstein, the creature’s ugliness is exemplied from Victor Frankenstein’s point of view: "It was on a dreary night of November, that I beheld the accomplishments of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony . . . I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breath hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs" (Shelley 56). Levine’s analysis of Chapter 5 tells of the horrors Victor experiences when creating the monster, experiencing his lover, Elizabeth turn from beauty into death and decay in his dream. This foreshadows Victor’s grievance and turn to vengeance over the monster’s killing out of those he loves – being rejected as an ugly and demonic being Shelley.
=) The Gothic Nature of the Monster
Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein implements many elements of the gothic genre in order to enhance her horror story. The two elements that animate this genre within the text the most are isolation of characters and the dark, gloomy settings where they are isolated. Shelley also incorporates scenes containing a sublime natur in order to make the monster appear more biarre; however the scenes where he appears in a gothic setting provide a greater sense of terror for the reader, and increases the reader’s sense of his looming presence and vengeful spirit.
A scene where this incorporation is most powerful occurs in Volume III, Chapter 3 (174-175 Broadview). Victor sits alone in his lab on an island in Scotland, and after some internal contemplation, comes to the conclusion that he must take a stand and refuse the monster a companion. Yet to understand the significance of this setting, one must consider the events leading up.
In Volume I, Chapter 6, Victor has returned to the scene of the crime where his brother William was killed. “It was completely dark… I seaw lightnings playing… The storm appeared… The heavens were clouded… I soon felt rain… its violence quickly increased”. The scene clearly holds a dark, gotthic tone to it. “A flash of lightning illminated the object”. This is the first time Victor has scene the monster since he created it, and consdering this is where the murder happened, Victor instantly understands that his creation is an evil murderer.
Moving forward to Volume II, Chapter IX, the monster makes a promise from Victor. “I shall watch their progress with unutterable anxiety; and fear not but that when you are ready I shall appear”. This stateent indicates to Victor that the monster will always be looming about, watching him. As Victor advances in the story, the reader always feels Victor’s own sense that he is being watched.
The monster is a more effective character when he appears in these dark and gloomy settings. Sure, there is a sense of awe and grandur when Victor encounters him on Mont Blanc amidst the beauty of nature. But the monster is Victor’s tormenter; a demon to haunt him until he has his vengeance. The esence of this horror is only captured when the monster appears in the gothic nature.
=) work cited
****https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Frankenstein-as-a-Gothic-Novel-P3J9Q6GYTJ
****https://blogs.baylor.edu/britlit/2016/09/26/the-gothic-nature-of-the-monster/
Roll no : 03
Semester : 2
Paper no : 5 - The Romantic Literature
Topic : Frankenstein as a Gothic fiction
Email ID : avni.dave1998@gmail.com
Submitted to : S. B. Gardi Department of the English
Frankenstein as a Gothic Fiction
Mary Shelley's use of Gothic elements makes her 1818 masterpiece, Frankenstein, one of the most enduring horror stories of all time. Shelley uses the Gothic convention of the looming secret but endows the secret with life. Victor's dark secret is the living, breathing, active monster he created.
Tragic wanderers, ominous atmosphere, symbolism, and themes: these are elements in a Gothic novel. Through Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, written in the early 19th century, certainly contains many components of a Gothic novel, can that be correctly grouped under that genre?
A definition of a Gothic novel; according to Tracy, is a description of a fallen world. We experince this fallen world though the aspects of a novel: plot, setting, characterization, and theme (De Vore, Domenic, Kwan and Reidy). As well, early Gothic novels have characterized themselves through the use of moral commitment and exotic atmosphere in their themes (Lowry 32). Stock characters that were typically present in Gothic literature were the social outcast, the …show more content…
Frankenstein’s use of atmosphere and imagery is used in a typical Gothic setting – dark in nature. In James Whale’s 1931 adaptation of Frankenstein, imagery such as crosses, a statue of Death, and a crucified Jesus Christ are shown to give a first impression into the macabre nature of Henry Frankenstein’s gathering of corpses. As the plot advances, rain and thunder are added to show pathetic fallacy to foreshadow the cration of the monster and warn thosr viewer of the dangers of the monster’s creation. The dark setting of the castle is typical of the Gothic genre, and also contrasts with the use of light and fire as horrifying to the monster, a creature of darkness by nature. In Chapter 5 of Frankenstein, the creature’s ugliness is exemplied from Victor Frankenstein’s point of view: "It was on a dreary night of November, these I beheld the accomplishents of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony . . . I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breath hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs" (Shelley 56). Levine’s analysis of Chapter 5 tells of the horrors Victor experiences when creating the monster, experiencing his lover, Elizabeth turn from beauty into death and decay in his dream. This foreshadows Victor’s grievance and turn to vengeance over the monster’s killing out of those he loves – being rejected as an ugly and demonic being (Levine 21). Shelley
Frankenstein as a gothic novel Essay
Frankenstein as a gothic novel The gothic tradition highlights the grotesque, relies on mysterious and remote settings, and is intended to evoke fear. All of these are evident in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, especially in chapter five. The settings in the novel are striking and distinctively gothic. Appropriately, the creature first breathes on a "dreary night of November," in a remote laboratory at Ingolstdt. The eerie atmosphere is typical of the gothic tradition. Victor, unafraid…
Gothic setting of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Frankenstein: What makes it a Gothic Novel? One of the most important aspects of any gothic novel is setting. Mary Shelly 's Frankenstein is an innovative and disturbing work that weaves a tale of passion, misery, dread, and remorse. Shelly reveals the story of a man 's thirst for knowledge which leads to a monstrous creation that goes against the laws of nature and natural order. The man, Victor Frankenstein, in utter disgust, abandons his creation who is shunned by all of mankind yet still…
Frankenstein and True Blood: Discovering the Gothi
Frankenstein and True Blood: Discovering the Gothic Defining what the gothic is can be tough. It’s one of those words that most people think they have a grasp on in their mind, but trying to explain it ends in a loss for word. That’s why sometimes the best way to explain something is though what it explores as a genre, otherwise known as tropes. In this paper I will be defining certain tropes of the genre through the classic gothic text Frankenstein, and comparing that with the modern gothic of…
Wish Fulfillment in Mary Shelly's Gothic Novel, Frankenstein
Wish Fulfillment in Mary Shelly's Gothic Novel, Frankenstein Everyone stores hidden desires, ambitions, fears, passions and irrational thoughts in his or her unconscious mind, according to Freud's psychoanalytical theory. These secret feelings, often stemming from a person's childhood, can manifest themselves in odd and sometimes extreme ways. This phenomenon is called wish fulfillment. We do not always fully understand why we make the decisions that we do in life, but a certain amount of these…
=) Tragic wanderers, ominous atmosphere, symbolism, and themes: these are elements of a Gothic novel. Though Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, written in the early 19th century, certainly contains many components of a Gothic novel, can it be correctly grouped under that genre?
A definition of a Gothic novel; according to Tracy, is a description of a fallen world. We experience this fallen world though the aspects of a novel: plot, setting, characterization, and theme (De Vore, Domenic, Kwan and Reidy). As well, early Gothic novels have characterized themselves through the use of moral commitment and exotic atmosphere in their themes
=) Frankenstein’s use of atmosphere and imagery is used in a typical Gothic setting – dark in nature. In James Whale’s 1931 adaptation of Frankenstein, imagery such as crosses, a statue of Death, and a crucified Jesus Christ are shown to give a first impression into the macabre nature of Henry Frankenstein’s gathering of corpses. As the plot advances, rain and thunder are added to show pathetic fallacy to foreshadow the creation of the monster and warn the viewer of the dangers of the monster’s creation. The dark setting of the castle is typical of the Gothic genre, and also contrasts with the use of light and fire as horrifying to the monster, a creature of darkness by nature. In Chapter 5 of Frankenstein, the creature’s ugliness is exemplied from Victor Frankenstein’s point of view: "It was on a dreary night of November, that I beheld the accomplishments of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony . . . I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breath hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs" (Shelley 56). Levine’s analysis of Chapter 5 tells of the horrors Victor experiences when creating the monster, experiencing his lover, Elizabeth turn from beauty into death and decay in his dream. This foreshadows Victor’s grievance and turn to vengeance over the monster’s killing out of those he loves – being rejected as an ugly and demonic being Shelley.
=) The Gothic Nature of the Monster
Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein implements many elements of the gothic genre in order to enhance her horror story. The two elements that animate this genre within the text the most are isolation of characters and the dark, gloomy settings where they are isolated. Shelley also incorporates scenes containing a sublime natur in order to make the monster appear more biarre; however the scenes where he appears in a gothic setting provide a greater sense of terror for the reader, and increases the reader’s sense of his looming presence and vengeful spirit.
A scene where this incorporation is most powerful occurs in Volume III, Chapter 3 (174-175 Broadview). Victor sits alone in his lab on an island in Scotland, and after some internal contemplation, comes to the conclusion that he must take a stand and refuse the monster a companion. Yet to understand the significance of this setting, one must consider the events leading up.
In Volume I, Chapter 6, Victor has returned to the scene of the crime where his brother William was killed. “It was completely dark… I seaw lightnings playing… The storm appeared… The heavens were clouded… I soon felt rain… its violence quickly increased”. The scene clearly holds a dark, gotthic tone to it. “A flash of lightning illminated the object”. This is the first time Victor has scene the monster since he created it, and consdering this is where the murder happened, Victor instantly understands that his creation is an evil murderer.
Moving forward to Volume II, Chapter IX, the monster makes a promise from Victor. “I shall watch their progress with unutterable anxiety; and fear not but that when you are ready I shall appear”. This stateent indicates to Victor that the monster will always be looming about, watching him. As Victor advances in the story, the reader always feels Victor’s own sense that he is being watched.
The monster is a more effective character when he appears in these dark and gloomy settings. Sure, there is a sense of awe and grandur when Victor encounters him on Mont Blanc amidst the beauty of nature. But the monster is Victor’s tormenter; a demon to haunt him until he has his vengeance. The esence of this horror is only captured when the monster appears in the gothic nature.
=) work cited
****https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Frankenstein-as-a-Gothic-Novel-P3J9Q6GYTJ
****https://blogs.baylor.edu/britlit/2016/09/26/the-gothic-nature-of-the-monster/
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