Gothic Elements In Frankenstein

Mary Ellen Neely

English 4 Honors

Mrs. Schroder

4 December 2017 Frankenstein As a Gothic Novel Originating in 1754, Gothic novels shaped works of literature for hundreds of years to come. Mary Shelley, author of the well known novel Frankenstein, brought light to the gothic style of literature. Defined as a type of writing characterized by fear and horror, but includes romantic elements such as nature and individuality, gothic literature embodies gloom as well as beauty. Frankenstein captures the aspect of horror through the constantly changing and frightening settings, and the theme of death. The aspect of nature and individuality is captured through Frankenstein himself, being created from nature and unique to any other individual that

The tale begins in the dangerously cold arctic North Pole aboard Captain Walton’s ship, adding suspense to the growing plot. The setting then travels back in time to Victor Frankenstein’s previous experiences, beginning in his laboratory, a place that would make any human cringe. Frankenstein comes to life in the laboratory on “a dreary night of November”. Victor’s laboratory exemplifies the exact elements of gothic literature: fear, mystery, and individuality. The monster, Frankenstein, is created, and the setting is switched yet again to his tale of life experiences. Individuality and nature are key elements in the monster's’ tale of life. The reader is able to capture the thoughts and sorrows of Frankenstein. As Frankenstein struggles desperately to gain Victor’s affections and forgiveness, Victor plots his plan for destruction of the monster. After failed attempts at destruction of the creature, Victor falls ill and the remainder of the novel is told by Walton. Walton wraps up the story by reporting on Frankenstein’s misery and eventual retreat to death in the Northern Arctic. Gloomy feelings of despair and death characterizes all of the settings, making Frankenstein the ideal piece of gothic

Depending on perspective, Frankenstein is characterized as either a monster or a lost creature struggling for light in a situation full of darkness and death. Initially, the creature shows signs of care for humanity, watching over a needy family, while observing their behaviors in order to one day be able to interact with them. He saves a young girl from drowning, exemplifying some care for humanity. As the plot thickens, Frankenstein, in a moment of rage, kills William Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein becomes infuriated by the murder of William, causing him to attempt to distance himself from the monster as much as possible. After Frankenstein kills Victor’s bride, Elizabeth, Victor vows for revenge. The question then becomes, who is the villain of the novel? Frankenstein took two innocent lives, but Victor created Frankenstein and seeks to kill him off. The gothic literature principles of hero versus villain as well as suspense become evident throughout Victor and Frankenstein’s power