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Exploring Literary Techniques and Symbolism in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Weather Imagery in “Frankenstein”
In chapter ten of Thomas Foster’s book, ‘How to Read Literature Like a Professor,’ Foster discusses that rain or weather conditions are never just about the weather condition itself; there is always another purpose behind the use of this technique. Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, uses this technique throughout her writing of this novel. For example, Victor says in chapter three, ‘It was a most beautiful season; never did the fields bestow a more plentiful harvest, or the vines yield a more luxuriant vintage: but my eyes were insensible to the charms of nature.’ This quote demonstrates the dissimilarity between what Victor is creating and nature itself.
Moreover, because Victor is creating something unnatural, he is becoming oblivious to the natural world around him. In other words, he is separating himself from reality. In addition, Shelley uses lightning to foreshadow upcoming events. For instance, Victor expresses, …vivid flashes of lightning dazzled my eyes, illuminating the lake, making it appear like a vast sheet of fire. This quote foreshadows the presence of the monster as evil and dark. Mary Shelley uses this technique to demonstrate foreshadowing, to emphasize emotions, biblical references, and more.
Symbols of Light and Revenge
Foster explains that most pieces of literature are going to contain symbols. As readers, we should always be on the lookout for symbols to better understand the story. In Mary Shelley’s novel, light and revenge is the most common symbol. Victor Frankenstein states, ‘Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world.’ Shelley emphasizes this symbol of light to demonstrate that Victor feels more powerful and that he believes that his creations will bring light into the already dark world but in the end, this will just cause more darkness.
Meanwhile, this quote, ‘You can blast my other passions, but revenge remains revenge, henceforth dearer than the light of food! I may die, but first, you, my tyrant and tormentor, shall curse the sun that gazes on your misery, demonstrates that revenge is very important to the monster. Victor is no longer interested in this scientific creature. He is ready to sacrifice his life to have a normal one. There will always be symbols in literature, but sometimes they will not be right in front of you. We, as readers, have to pay attention.
The Significance of Geography in “Frankenstein”
Geography is used in literature to develop a character and helps to better understand plots and themes. In Frankenstein, geography is important in many aspects. Victor’s hometown, Geneva, Switzerland, is the beginning foundation of the plotline and development of Victor as a character. Victor grew up here and returned after college as well as where the murders of William and Justine took place.
Victor, as a young boy living in Geneva, was eager for knowledge, ‘I was capable of a more intense application and was more deeply smitten with the thirst for knowledge.’ Moreover, Victor states in Chapter 3, ‘I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation.’ This quote relates to geography because it foreshadows the creation of the monster in Victor’s laboratory in Ingolstadt, Germany, where Victor attends college.
Geography symbolism allows readers to see things from a different perspective. The seasons in literature represent different things. Foster spoke about that in his book, ‘How to Read Literature Like A Professor.’ The author of Frankenstein uses this technique by using words that demonstrate one of the four seasons. For example, this quote, ‘… while the happiness I hoped for in my marriage wore a greater appearance of certainty, as the spoken of as an occurrence which no accident could possibly prevent’, represents summer. Summer is known to signify romance (marriage) and happiness (the hope for happiness).
Once a reader obtains the knowledge of what each season signifies, it will be easier to pull those ideas out of literature. Shelley also uses words to signify Autumn. For instance, this quote in chapter six, ‘Know that, one by one, my friends were snatched away; I was left desolate. My own strength is exhausted’. The words in this quote that signify Autumn are tiredness/exhaustion.
Tales of Creation: Greek Mythology in “Frankenstein”
Foster speaks about Greek Mythology and why it is referred to in literature. Mary Shelley uses Greek Mythology in a large aspect in Frankenstein. First, the full title of her novel is actually Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus. Prometheus was known for bringing mankind knowledge/power, and enlightenment. He created man and gave fire. This relates to Frankenstein because Victor creates the monster and seeks knowledge/power. For example, Victor says, a new species will bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me.
Victor creates something that gives him power, but on the other hand, it takes knowledge to create. In addition, Frankenstein says, ‘The world was to me a secret, which I desired to divine. Curiosity, earnest research to learn the hidden laws of nature, and gladness akin to rapture as they were unfolded to me are among the earliest sensations I can remember. This quote shows a desire for learning as well. Victor has a strong passion, as Prometheus did as well. Foster said the myths are seen as untrue, but they are actually the shaping and sustaining power of a story and symbols, as shown in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
References:
- Foster, Thomas C. “How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines.” Harper Perennial, 2014.
- Shelley, Mary. “Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus.” Oxford University Press, 2008.
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