Gothic Elements Used In Frankenstein

Another character that creates fear for the reader and thereby creates a gothic atmosphere is Frankenstein’s monster. Its outer appearance is described by Walton as “… horrible […] that I shut my eyes involuntarily” (Shelley 221). Hence, the horror to the gothic element is added thorough the appearance of the monster.

This is shown through the treatment of a certain character within the book. When deciding whether Shelley's 'Frankenstein' can be considered a Gothic novel we have to take into account each aspect of a 'typical Gothic novel' and compare it with Shelley's work. In a Gothic novel the setting in which the story has been told usually consists of a grand castle, (or similar) which may be isolated or at least very mysterious.

As one of the first gothic novels Frankenstein explores the darker side of human nature, ambitions, and the human mind.

Victor sees his creation as beautiful and yet repugnant, versus the creation story taken from the Bible in which God sees his creation of Adam as ‘good’. The Gothic elements that can be found in this chapter are the grotesque description of the monster's features, the eerie environment (Victor's lab at 1 a.m.), and some type of psychic communication (Victor's feeling of being followed). Also, this chapter builds fear in the reader, another big part of Gothic writing. The monsters actions are slow and juvenile. ‘His jaws opened, and he muttered some inarticulate sounds.’ This suggests that Victor would have felt threatened against the monster because the monster is presenting itself as strong and troublesome. Victor would have felt danger against this monster as he just created it but does not know what it is capable of. This is why when the monster stretches his hand out, Victor Frankenstein runs away downstairs. ‘One hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped and rushed downstairs.’ Victor, at this point, might have felt scared and irresponsible that he can’t face up to his own actions. He would have felt regretful and stupid that he created something or someone without any thought and didn’t take paternal responsibility, like a loving father would do. He is neglecting his own ‘son’. He was too obsessed with science and didn’t think of the consequences.

Levine’s main argument is that although Frankenstein is a gothic novel, it is not a typical gothic novel with many realistic ideas. It aims to generate terror in the reader like other gothic novels but does not involve the supernatural. The events that Mary Shelley writes out in Frankenstein are not far from ordinary and the commonplace. Levine’s more interesting argument is that Mary Shelley’s use of the Gothic tradition allows her to dip in the imaginative and subjective inner truths that a realistic novel would not allow. For example how the characters reflect or double each other. Also most of the characters represent aspects of Victor Frankenstein

      The second characteristic of the Gothic theme is the fascination with the unconscious and abnormal psychology. This includes things such as secrets and crime, both of which share the spotlight in Frankenstein. The main secret in the novel is the existence of the monster, which ultimately leads to the demise of all of Victor's loved ones. For example, if he had told Elizabeth about the threat made by the monster for their wedding night, she might not have been killed. When Victor finally tells his secret to Walton, it is as if some of the burden has been lifted and he dies soon after. Even Walton is "searching for the secrets of the pole" (Parkin-Gounelas, 216)

On the other extreme of Romanticism, Frankenstein can also be considered a gothic novel,"tales of macabre, fantastic . . . usually set in graveyards, ruins, and wild picturesque

A typical gothic tradition is the eerie atmosphere of Frankenstein. Victor, unafraid of the dark, spends his time in vaults and charnel houses. He visits the cemeteries at night, and such details as the creaking doors, the soft blowing of the wind in the still of the night and the quiet footsteps in the house all succeeds as a gothic horror or even a ghost

Another reason why Frankenstein fits into the gothic genre is the supernatural elements it presents. The most obvious supernatural element is the creation of the monster, Frankenstein. The mysterious ways in which Victor Frankenstein brought the monster to life were unclear, adding to the sinister feeling of the novel and reinforcing it in the gothic genre. However Victor brought him to life gave him superhuman speed and strength; “He bounded over the crevices in the ice, among which I had walked

The first element of gothic literature that I noticed in The Boogeyman was the gloomy setting. The way the man described his house was chilling. He made it sound cold, haunted, and all around gave the house a bad vibe. He says, "I heard a noise in there one night. And then she screamed. I opened the door real quick - the hall light was on - and. . . she was sitting up in the crib crying and. . . something moved. Back in the shadows, by the closet. Something slithered." Here he is talking about his own daughter's room and how something was in there and he did nothing. I couldn't believe that, his own child was in distress and he was too full of pride to admit to his wife that he wanted to protect or "baby" their child. Her room was described as creepy enough without the monster. The gloomy setting helps show that this is gothic literature.

A story of mystery, tragedy, and terror, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein continues to captivate millions. She writes the tale of mankind’s obsession of the unknown, pulling readers to Frankenstein’s many lessons. Mary Shelley affects literature with her seemingly paradoxical use of both Romanticism and Gothicism. Shelley takes elements of romanticism, such as heavy use of emotions, innocence, and characters achievements, while also using gothic aspects like death, violence, and dark weather. Weaving the two genres together, Mary Shelley creates a timeless science fiction novel containing characteristics of serenity with a sense of eeriness.

Gothic Literature is a style of literature popularized during the late 18th century and the early 19th century with the publication of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This style usually portrays fantastic tales dealing with the horror, despair, the grotesque and other “dark” subjects. Characteristics of gothic literature includes the presence of victims and their victimizers who usually hold immense powers along with their evil purpose. The setting of this kind of literature generally takes place within impenetrable walls, whether physical or mental. This setting creates a sense of hopeless isolation within the victim. The summarization of the characters and situation creates an atmosphere pervaded by a sense of mystery, darkness, oppressiveness, fear, and doom.

One of the most important aspects of any Gothic novel is setting. Mary Shelly's Frankenstein is an innovative and disturbing work that weaves a tale of passion, misery, dread, and remorse. Some would argue that Frankenstein is a classic Gothic novel. By a classically Gothic novel it is meant that the story employs a traditionally scary theme. This could include such things as dark and dreary castles set in isolated surroundings replete with dungeons. Supernatural beings such as ghosts and living dead may be included in the twisted, thrilling, unveiling tale. The novel does contain many Gothic characteristics in a sense that it does explore

Frankenstein is a novel written by Mary Shelley. Frankenstein is about a man who had a strong urge to finish a scientific project and did not accept his consequences for his own mistakes. Mary Shelley’s work consists of Gothic elements and have great emotion that go along with them. Mary Shelley’s childhood may have affected her writing, she had a tough life growing up and her book shows this. Throughout the novel there are many Gothic elements that all contribute to the events in the book. Victor neglecting his own responsibility and disrupting the natural order of things ultimately leads to the death of the two major characters in the end of the novel.

Eagleton’s idea by underscoring the concept that “Mary Shelley’s answer [in the novel Frankenstein] does not entail the restructuring of society, the elimination of the class system; it does entail a revolution of the human spirit and of the emotions which will issue in benevolent action towards one’s fellow human beings, and in so doing, creating a better society whilst alleviating present ills” (89). In this instance, Mary Shelley’s piece of gothic literature can be defined as alive and purposeful as it strives to promote action and change by the people. Developed through imagination and creativity, it carries political weight that contrasts the rational capitalism of the time and instead is aimed at change in support of the people. Literature of the past can be defined as imaginative, creative, and soul-stirring as can literature of the present.