Hey Viewers! Literature Desire welcomes you back to another analytical and educational blog post. Our reading today is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as a Gothic Novel. Another name for Frankenstein is The Modern Prometheus. For it is comparable to the Greek mythological tale of Prometheus.
Greek mythology tells of Prometheus, a Titan who took fire from the gods and gave it to humans, enlightening them. As Prometheus gave humanity fire, so too does Victor Frankenstein, the scientist in “Frankenstein,” who creates life from non-living stuff. Though they both bring forth major advances for humanity, Prometheus and Frankenstein also suffer for their deeds.
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Written by English novelist Mary Shelley, it was published in 1818. In an unusual and systematic experiment, young inventor Victor Frankenstein creates an intelligent creature, while the story of Frankenstein is told. We shall talk about Gothic novels in general and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley in particular here.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley as a Gothic Novel
What is a Gothic novel and how is Frankenstein a Gothic novel? Frankenstein is a Gothic novel that includes mystery, confidentiality, and disturbing psychology to see the sights of the story of the disaster-prone monster of Victor Frankenstein. The “Gothic” appeared as a literary genre in the 1750s. It is styled by mystical elements, unfathomable and secretive events; settings in historic and lonely locations, and psychological hints commonly related to family-changing aspects and intimidating sexuality.
In Frankenstein, much of the action takes place at night time and in secretive circumstances. Victor Frankenstein, the main character, behaves strangely and seems controlled or oppressed by something, either his own ambitions or societal expectations, throughout the novel. While he asserts love for Elizabeth, the relationship between Elizabeth and Victor has an incestuous attitude as they grew up together like siblings.
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Also, Victor seems unsure about marrying her because he appears to be more emotionally attached to his friend Henry Clerval.
How is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley a Gothic Novel?
At the same time, Frankenstein disobeys some of the promises of the Gothic genre. The monster’s roots are thoughtful and not mysterious. We identify exactly where the monster originates from, who created him, and why. This thing is in distinction with traditional Gothic supernatural essentials such as ghosts or vampires.
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There’s never any question about the actuality of the monster. We know the monster was created on determination and the tragedy he caused is because Victor Frankenstein didn’t think ahead, not of mysterious forces. There is a secret in the book but it is not where the monster came from, but instead what he wants.
The Ugliness of the Monster:
Additionally, the dusky setting and the ghostlike being are gothic elements that are used by the author to lift terror. There is the gothic theme of viciousness which is overriding in the novel. In Frankenstein, the look of Monster is styled as ugly and awful.
Existence of Darkness:
One more piece of Gothic fiction is the darkness which is present in the novel. Darkness classifies Frankenstein as a Gothic Novel. The atmosphere of obscurity and doom is dominant in Frankenstein. In chapter five of this novel, Victor is fenced by darkness and rain. He is forced to escape due to heavy rain and obscurity.
Wet, Ambiguous, and Wild Weather:
Furthermore, the wet location flooded by the life-threatening darkness, proclaims the doom of the protagonist: “I foresaw obscurely that I was destined to become the most wretched of human beings”. Wet and stormy weather, darkness, and obscurity are used by the author, which are features of Gothic fiction. These elements are employed to upturn the insecurity for readers and to demonstrate the appearance of the creature.
A Bridge between Mortal and Supernatural World:
In the Gothic novel, the characters appear to tie the mortal world and the Supernatural world, Dracula lives as both a normal person and as the undead, moving easily between both worlds to achieve his aims. Likewise, the monster seems to have some sort linking between himself and his creator. The monster appears wherever Victor goes. The monster also travels with superhuman speed when he dashes Victor toward the North Pole. Thus, Mary Shelley syndicates several elements to create an astonishing novel in the Gothic tradition.
The theme of Death classifies Frankenstein as a Gothic novel:
Finally, Gothic fiction discovers the theme of death in the thrilling direction overwhelming the limitations of mortality is a major concern of pain. On a certain level, Victor’s interest in creating life is an extension of this yearning to escape death. By assembling the body parts of the departed, Victor makes a “monster” who is part human and part ghost. Like a ghostly spirit, his creation distresses the living.
Conclusion:
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein which is written in the early 19th century unquestionably comprises many elements of a Gothic novel. Shelley uses numerous literary devices to support the elements, a supernatural event, a threatening dream, stressed emotion, and metonymy of gloom, which classify Frankenstein as a Gothic novel.
