Analysis of Methods used by Mary Shelley in Chapter Five of ‘Frankenstein’ and Its Significance to the Novel as a Whole

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‘Frankenstein’ was written by Mary Shelley and was published in 1818, when she was only 19 years old. It was published anonymously and was thought to have been written by Percy Shelley as it contained conventions similar to those in his poetry. ‘Frankenstein’ is a gothic horror novel and along with Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’, is one of the best known and most widely read horror novel of all time. It continues to be read and is thought to be ‘more relevant now than ever’, due to the rapid advances in science and technology.

The plot is about Victor Frankenstein, whose obsession with fame, knowledge and creating life leads him to create a creature form dead body parts. The monster, who is hideous in appearance, is then rejected by society and seeks revenge. This links to the 19th century, as it was named the time of scientific discovery. Experiments were carried out of reanimating frogs using electricity. This idea scared people as they were afraid of what could be achieved by ‘playing God’.

Chapter 5 is a very significant point in the novel. This is when the creature is created and comes to life. Throughout this chapter Victor’s feelings are explored in great depth and the reader becomes aware of Victors thoughts towards the creature he spent so long trying to create. Mary Shelley uses a range of methods to convey a sense of horror throughout the chapter as a whole.

The opening paragraph begins with a detailed description of Victor’s attic and workplace. Immediately Mary Shelley uses the technique of pathetic fallacy as she describes the weather as ‘a dreary night of November’ and continues to use this technique throughout, ‘the rain pattered dismally against the panes’. This creates a dark, dreary and negative atmosphere. T...

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..., which shows the stress his work and caused and the fear he has of what he has created.

The mood of the paragraph then changes as Frankenstein meets his friend Clerval. The tone becomes much lighter as Frankenstein trys to forget about his creation. Frankenstein becomes much calmer, ‘in a moment forgot my horrors and misfortune; I felt suddenly...calm and serene.’ This makes the reader question that if Frankenstein didn’t isolate himself so much from family and friends then would her have created the monster. Seeing Clerval reminds Frankenstein of his family and home life which he has put to the back of his mind for so long. The realisation of what he has back home offers hope to Frankenstein that he could have a better life. Frankenstein also makes small talk with Clerval, ‘talking for some time about mutual friends’, in an attempt to forget about his worries.

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