Gothicism in Frankenstein
This essay about “Frankenstein” examines its Gothic elements, which are central to its thematic and atmospheric depth. It highlights how Mary Shelley uses settings like the Arctic wilderness and the grotesque nature of Frankenstein’s creature to explore themes of human ambition, isolation, and the ethical implications of scientific progress. The creature, both horrifying and articulate, symbolizes the consequences of unnatural scientific endeavors, while the settings reflect Victor Frankenstein’s mental deterioration and moral quandary. The essay argues that these Gothic components are not just for creating suspense and horror, but also for criticizing the era’s scientific rationalism and exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
How it works
Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," crafted at the dawn of the 19th century, emerges as a monumental opus within the realm of Gothic literature, weaving a narrative that transcends the mere spectral aura often synonymous with the genre to delve into profound themes of human essence, creation, and solitude. This discourse delves into the Gothic facets within "Frankenstein" and their contribution to the enduring allure and profundity of the novel.
Gothicism, typified by an ambiance of enigma and terror, the manifestation of the occult, decay, obscurity, and the macabre, constitutes the sinews of Shelley’s narrative. Need a custom essay on the same topic? Give us your paper requirements, choose a writer and we’ll deliver the highest-quality essay! Order now
In "Frankenstein," these elements are not superficial adornments but rather integral to the existential quandaries the novel grapples with concerning scientific ambition and the ethical constraints of human enterprise.
The novel’s milieu epitomizes Gothic sensibilities, with scenes unfolding amidst desolate, grim landscapes, from the frigid expanses of the Arctic to the somber, looming summits of the Alps. These backdrops mirror the inner turmoil of Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist and archetype of the mad scientist, who becomes increasingly estranged from society through his relentless pursuit to conquer mortality. The bleak environments echo his mental deterioration and the monstrous essence of his creation—a being pieced together from lifeless forms and animated through an enigmatic, unspecified process.
Shelley adeptly employs these Gothic settings to cultivate a tense ambiance of apprehension and foreboding, where the majestic grandeur of nature starkly contrasts with the horror of Frankenstein’s deeds and his grotesque creation. This juxtaposition, a hallmark of Gothic literature, seeks to evoke both terror and reverence in the reader, and Shelley exploits it to scrutinize humanity’s audacious endeavor to manipulate the natural order.
The creature itself embodies another Gothic element. Monstrous yet articulate, it elicits both sympathy and dread. Its grotesque form, an amalgamation of limbs and organs, epitomizes the unnatural and the eerie—a recurring motif in Gothic literature. Despite its terrifying appearance, the creature's eloquence and philosophical musings challenge conventional notions of monstrosity and humanity. Through the creature’s narrative, Shelley probes into themes of alienation, solitude, and the yearning for companionship and acceptance, central to the Gothic exploration of the human condition.
Moreover, the novel abounds with themes of secrecy and insanity, further Gothic components. Victor's clandestine demeanor regarding his experiment and the existence of the creature propels the plot's suspense and terror. His descent into madness is depicted with profound psychological veracity, underscoring the calamitous repercussions of his fixation on circumventing the natural order. This portrayal of insanity not only amplifies the Gothic ambiance but also serves as a critique of the epoch’s scientific optimism, intimating that certain realms of knowledge are meant to remain uncharted.
In conclusion, "Frankenstein" constitutes a rich tapestry of Gothic elements that not only engender the somber and eerie atmosphere characteristic of the genre but also augment the novel’s critique of enlightenment rationalism and the ethical quandaries posed by scientific progress. Through its desolate settings, the grotesque yet empathetic creature, and the motifs of secrecy and madness, Shelley’s novel endures as a timeless exploration of the shadowy facets of human ambition and the unintended ramifications that often accompany it. It serves as a poignant reminder that the specters we dread may not lurk in the recesses of Gothic edifices, but within the human soul and its unchecked aspirations.
Cite this page
Gothicism In Frankenstein. (2024, Apr 29). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/gothicism-in-frankenstein/
"Gothicism In Frankenstein." PapersOwl.com , 29 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/gothicism-in-frankenstein/
PapersOwl.com. (2024). Gothicism In Frankenstein . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/gothicism-in-frankenstein/ [Accessed: 24 Dec. 2024]
"Gothicism In Frankenstein." PapersOwl.com, Apr 29, 2024. Accessed December 24, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/gothicism-in-frankenstein/
"Gothicism In Frankenstein," PapersOwl.com , 29-Apr-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/gothicism-in-frankenstein/. [Accessed: 24-Dec-2024]
PapersOwl.com. (2024). Gothicism In Frankenstein . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/gothicism-in-frankenstein/ [Accessed: 24-Dec-2024]
Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade
Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.
Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!
Please check your inbox.
You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.
Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide
1. Tell Us Your Requirements
2. Pick your perfect writer
3. Get Your Paper and Pay
Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!
Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.
short deadlines
100% Plagiarism-Free
Certified writers
Frankenstein as a Gothic novel
- by Guiding Literature
- June 27, 2022 June 27, 2022
Frankenstein or ‘The Modern Prometheus’ is regarded as the first true science fiction in English literature. Written by Mary Shelley, Frankenstein is the story of a scientist, who created a sapient creature through unnatural procedure. However, Frankenstein cannot be considered as the first Gothic novel. It is a mixture of Romance and Gothic elements, weaved together to give us a unique story never written before.
Gothic novels have existed since a long time in English literature. The first Gothic novel was ‘The Castle of Otranto’ by Horace Walpole. The word ‘Gothic’ originally referred to the Goths, an early Germanic tribe. the principle aim of such novels is to evoke a sensation of fear and horror among the readers. They create an environment of fear with the use of supernatural elements. Frankenstein, that fits into this category creates an environment of horror in the minds of the readers through the character of the monster. In fact, the sense of horror begins the moment Victor starts collecting body parts of other dead humans to create his creature. With the help of unnatural process, he joins these parts to give life to a completely new being. This experiment is so bizarre in the first place, that the readers can expect the upcoming terror. Shelley makes a reference to the idea of raising the dead, which is a controversial topic to discuss.
Gothic novels are set on the specific locations that create a sense of fear and panic among the readers. Spooky old castles, deserted buildings, that are far away from human civilization, are often chosen as the backdrop of gothic novels. Frankenstein is set in the Europe, specifically in the interiors of Switzerland and Germany, where many of Shelley’s readers have not been to. Also, the inclusion of the Arctic regions take us to a land that is far away from humans. These locations are away from busy cities where human activity can be found in every nook and corner. Instead, the isolated locations make it easy to highlight the fright of the monster. Victor’s laboratory is also another terrifying place, where lots of unnatural and gruesome experiments have been practiced. Creating a life by joining body parts of dead humans, Victor had literally made the dead rise up again. Just imagining Victor walking in the streets, looking up for dead bodies, collecting them and sewing them up together gives chills to the readers. Also, the rainy weather, surrounded by grave darkness adds up to the gothic element of the novel. The storms and wet weather symbolizes mystery and dread.
The creature’s face is so hideous that whoever meets him, runs out of fear. His ugly face, huge body and enormous strength, makes him appear as a beast, feeding on weak human beings. Even his own creator disowns him out of fear and disgust. Every other human, that he meets attacks him without any specific reason, other than him looking like a monster. It doesn’t matter if the creature is innocent by heart, everybody assumes him to be dreadful monster and treats him as an outcast in the society. His looks are enough to repel the people who see him.
In Gothic novels, the characters seem to have an interrelation between the mortal and the immortal world. Victor and the monster seem to share a connection between them. The monster appears wherever Victor goes, even in the North Pole. Such supernatural instincts serve as an important theme in the gothic fiction. Mary Shelley has done a commendable job while portraying the story, that could captivate the readers through sensations of fear and suspense.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Aug 12, 2019 · Essay Example: Mary Shelley lived and wrote her novel Frankenstein during the peak of the romantic era of literature in the early 1800's. She shows this as her work reflects many of the key elements that are associated with romanticism. The gothic elements in Frankenstein demonstrate Shelley's
Jan 16, 2020 · Essay Example: Introduction In the realm of gothic literature, power and identity often intertwine to create narratives that explore the depths of human ambition and societal norms. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein offers a quintessential example of this dynamic, presenting a tale where the character's
4. To evaluate the impact of Frankenstein on the Gothic literary tradition and its enduring relevance in contemporary culture. 2. Literature Review The article title "The Art of Gothic Literature: An Analysis of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" has been a popular topic of study in literary criticism and analysis.
Apr 25, 2023 · This article examines Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as an example of Gothic literature. The author analyzes the novel's themes, characters, and literary devices to explore how Shelley uses Gothic ...
Apr 21, 2023 · Victor fits the gothic genre as well as he is a villain-hero, a character that plays a pivotal role in Gothic literature. Romantic characters are known to react emotionally as opposed to rationally. The monster, for example, becomes destructive when the family he has grown to love shuns him simply because of his disfigured appearance.
Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein explores the main protagonist scientist Victor Frankenstein who creates a monster from the limbs of the dead but abandons his hideous creation which causes The Creature to seek revenge. Frankenstein reflects key conventions of Gothic fiction by appealing intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually to the ...
In addition, Shelley invokes Gothic scenery to reflect Frankenstein’s mental state at the time; the wet, dismal, comfortless weather echo Frankenstein's lassitude and anxiety. The mood of suspense is intensified for the reader as Shelley suggests that the pursuing force that Frankenstein experiences is unrelenting and has a terrifically ...
Feb 8, 2024 · Main Point 2: Frankenstein fits within the Gothic genre because of death. For example the elements of horror such as corpses, nightmares, death, and dark scientific experiments point to the fact that it is part of the Gothic genre. Scholars agree including Marion McMullen who confirms the Gothic genre of Frankenstein in, "It was a graveyard smash."
Apr 29, 2024 · Essay Example: Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," crafted at the dawn of the 19th century, emerges as a monumental opus within the realm of Gothic literature, weaving a narrative that transcends the mere spectral aura often synonymous with the genre to delve into profound themes of human essence
Jun 27, 2022 · Frankenstein or ‘The Modern Prometheus’ is regarded as the first true science fiction in English literature. Written by Mary Shelley, Frankenstein is the story of a scientist, who created a sapient creature through unnatural procedure. However, Frankenstein cannot be considered as the first Gothic novel. It is a mixture of Romance and Gothic elements, weaved… Read More »Frankenstein as ...