Frankenstein as a Gothic Novel Essay - 1332 Words

Tragic wanderers, ominous atmosphere, symbolism, and themes: these are elements of a Gothic novel. Though Mary Shelleys 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 (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 creation of the monster and warn the viewer of t he 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 (Levine 21). ShelleyShow More Related Frankenstein as a gothic novel Essay903 Words   |  4 PagesFrankenstein 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 Shelleys 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 Ingolstadt. The eerie atmosphere is typical of the gothic tradition. Victor, unafraidRead MoreMary Shelleys Frankenstein: A Gothic Novel1595 Words   |  7 PagesShelly’s Frankenstein is one of the greatest Gothic novels to come out during the Romantic Period. Frankenstein is a prime example of what a Gothic novel should present to its reader through the genre’s twisted themes. Even though it was written in the Romantic period, Mary Shelley still wrote Frankenstein to be a Gothic work of literature. Many characteristics of Gothic novel can be seen within this novel. Mary Shelley’s outstanding novel Frankenstein is a prime example of a Gothic novel becauseRead MoreWhat Makes Frankenstein A Gothic Novel?877 Words   |  4 PagesDecember 4, 2016 What makes Frankenstein a gothic novel? Mary Shelley creates a sense of gloom, mystery, and suspense, in her novel Frankenstein. The book generates these perceptions though the setting and the terrible events that go on throughout the book. 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This genre rose to, and flourished in, popularity during the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the most famous novels of this Genre is Frankenstein, also known as the Modern Prometheus, by Mary Shelley. Frankenstein is about a scientist who creates a grotesque sentientRead MoreCritical Analysis of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein974 Words   |  4 PagesThe essay discussed in this document is Said I. Abdelwaheds The Gothic, Frankenstein and the Romanics, which was published in 1997 in An-Najaj N. J. Res. The author is the assistant professor of English literature at Gazas Al-Azhar University. These credentials are fairly impressive considering the international reputation of the university the author was working at during the time of publication. Additionally, the authors status as an assistant professor helps to imbue this work with a degreeRea d MoreAaron Fyler. Mrs.Schroder. English Iv. 5 December 2016.1174 Words   |  5 Pages5 December 2016 Gothic Influences within Frankenstein Gothic has its origins from the Germanic tribes who invaded and plundered Rome and other European nations during the third, fourth, and fifth centuries. The word Gothic became connected to words like barbaric and savage and was integrated into the Middle ages due to the time period itself being referred to as unenlightened and superstitious (Architecture). Its first entrance into literature occurred in Horace Walpole’s novel The Castle of OtrantoRead MoreElements And Gothic Elements In Mary Shelleys Frankenstein904 Words   |  4 PagesFrankenstein: Gothic Elements In the Gothic novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley begins with the narrative of Captain Walton and transitions into Victor Frankensteins story. In both narratives, Mary Shelley is able to incorporate many themes such as intense emotions, the supernatural, nature, horror, and death to create one of the finest Gothic novels. With the use of Gothic elements, Mary Shelley also incorporates her own message into the novel that serves as a precautionary to those that read itRead MoreAnalysis Of Frankenstein Dark Elements 1117 Words   |  5 Pageslate eighteenth century, gothic literature rapidly expanded to become a major genre of study. There are many key elements that make a piece of literature gothic, many of these elements are found in Frankenstein. Three of the main elements that categorize gothic literature are extreme landscapes, supernatural manifestations, and intense emotions; these three elements can also be found in Frankenstein. One common element of gothic literature includes extreme landscapes. Gothic literature uses this key