This page contains examples of: Foreshadowing, Allegory, Epic Characteristics, Themes, Satire
Foreshadowing like woah...
Chapter 1
Page 19
"I was their plaything and their idol, and something better -- their child, the innocent and helpless creature bestowed on them by Heaven, whom to bring up to good, and whose future lot it was in their hands to direct to happiness or misery, according as they fulfilled their duties towards me." (Shelly, 19)
WOW. The symbolism is strong with this quote. I mean. Come. On. It's comparing the unnatural monster, that Frankenstein creates, to a natural birth of a child. It even states that a child is a "creature" from heaven, and in parallel, The Creature is from hell. The ending of the quote, can be interpreted in different ways, like, one way can be that Frankenstein's parents did not bring him up correctly. As his father discouraged his interest in the novels in a way that brought forth Frankenstein's pathological need to create life in an unnatural way. Another way could be, that had Frankenstein raised his Creature instead of running away from it and abandoning it, the events of the novel would have played out differently.
Page 21
I noticed right off the bat the symbolism of Elizabeth. Frankenstein's narrative of "...she presented Elizabeth to me as her promised gift, I, with childish seriousness, interpreted her words literally and looked upon Elizabeth as mine- mine to protect, love, and cherish."(Shelly, 21)
Whether this shows a sick possessiveness that Frankenstein possesses for Elizabeth or a sweet and all consuming, yet innocent, love. It could also foreshadow the obsessiveness that Frankenstein may continuously show throughout the novel.
Page 19
"I was their plaything and their idol, and something better -- their child, the innocent and helpless creature bestowed on them by Heaven, whom to bring up to good, and whose future lot it was in their hands to direct to happiness or misery, according as they fulfilled their duties towards me." (Shelly, 19)
WOW. The symbolism is strong with this quote. I mean. Come. On. It's comparing the unnatural monster, that Frankenstein creates, to a natural birth of a child. It even states that a child is a "creature" from heaven, and in parallel, The Creature is from hell. The ending of the quote, can be interpreted in different ways, like, one way can be that Frankenstein's parents did not bring him up correctly. As his father discouraged his interest in the novels in a way that brought forth Frankenstein's pathological need to create life in an unnatural way. Another way could be, that had Frankenstein raised his Creature instead of running away from it and abandoning it, the events of the novel would have played out differently.
Page 21
I noticed right off the bat the symbolism of Elizabeth. Frankenstein's narrative of "...she presented Elizabeth to me as her promised gift, I, with childish seriousness, interpreted her words literally and looked upon Elizabeth as mine- mine to protect, love, and cherish."(Shelly, 21)
Whether this shows a sick possessiveness that Frankenstein possesses for Elizabeth or a sweet and all consuming, yet innocent, love. It could also foreshadow the obsessiveness that Frankenstein may continuously show throughout the novel.
Themes
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Themes are the central topic of a literary work. In Frankenstein, there is more than one theme.
Science
The science in the novel is one of fiction, there is no way to create life out of death. But the science is also one that creates evil, leading to the question, is science going to far?Creating evil, trying to play god? Victor even states, "Ever since that fatal night, the end of my labours, and the beginning of my misfortunes..." (Shelly, pg 54) bringing forth the question, 'Is this what science does?'
Life and Death
Throughout the novel we see examples of life and death. Starting with the Death of Victors mother, Caroline. Caroline was a kind and loving woman. The life of the Creature that was created through death (i.e. dead bodies). The deaths of William Frankenstein, Justine Mortiz, Henry Clerval, Elizabeth Frankenstein, and Alphonse Frankenstein, leading up to he death of Victor himself.
Science
The science in the novel is one of fiction, there is no way to create life out of death. But the science is also one that creates evil, leading to the question, is science going to far?Creating evil, trying to play god? Victor even states, "Ever since that fatal night, the end of my labours, and the beginning of my misfortunes..." (Shelly, pg 54) bringing forth the question, 'Is this what science does?'
Life and Death
Throughout the novel we see examples of life and death. Starting with the Death of Victors mother, Caroline. Caroline was a kind and loving woman. The life of the Creature that was created through death (i.e. dead bodies). The deaths of William Frankenstein, Justine Mortiz, Henry Clerval, Elizabeth Frankenstein, and Alphonse Frankenstein, leading up to he death of Victor himself.
Allegory
Deeper meanings are all over the novel, and the most prominent throughout would be the need for love by the Creature. If you really think about it, every action the Creature made was out of want of love. He wanted to be accepted, and when no man alive would love him, he thought of a new solution; have a new being crated that will love him. The Creature does many awful things just to be loved, because of the vain-ness of mankind.
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Epic Characteristics
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Frankenstein is not an old enough story to be considered an Epic, but it does share many of the same characteristics of an Epic. The six main characteristics of an Epic are:
- The hero is outstanding.
And, boy, is he. Victor creates a life. Something that has never been done, accomplished that which everyone thought was impossible. Especially his professors. - The setting is large.
Victor travels all of Europe, basically. I'd say that's pretty large. - The action is made of deeds of great valor or requiring superhuman courage.
Victor creates the Creature, which takes great valor. To have done so was amazing. - Supernatural forces—gods, angels, demons—insert themselves in the action.
Creature is often referred to as as a demon, and he creates an obstacle the hero has to overcome. - It is written in a very special style.
Mary Shelly has a unique writing style, where she uses many techniques to keep the reader interested, and thinking about what lies beneath the novel. - The poet tries to remain objective.
Since the majority of the novel is written from Victors point of view, it is very biased.
Satire
A satirical aspect of the novel is it's obsession with beauty and appearance. They focus so much on the way Creature looks that no one sees the innocence the Creature has. All he wanted was love and to be accepted, but because of his appearance, no one will love him. On the other end of the spectrum, Elizabeth is so beautiful, and so prominent a character throughout the novel and yet we know very little about her. We are told she is kind and loves Victor but we don't see her interact with him, or many other characters. But Creature is only seen through Victors hateful eyes, except when he is telling his tale. How much do we really know of these two characters who are so different in appearance?
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