Language, Form, and Structure in Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" employs various literary techniques to create a powerful and enduring narrative. This section of the Frankenstein character analysis PDF explores the novel's structural and stylistic elements.

Structure The novel's structure is carefully crafted to build tension and reveal information gradually:

• The beginning and end bring the relationship between Victor and his creation to a climax
• The middle section consists of Victor telling Walton his story

Multiple Perspectives Shelley uses a narrative technique that adds depth and complexity to the story:

• Three narrators: Walton, Victor, and the monster
• Each character tells their own story
• Readers are left to react to their behavior and evaluate their accounts

Highlight: This multi-layered narrative structure allows readers to see events from different viewpoints, adding complexity to the moral questions raised in the novel.

Language of High Emotions The novel's language is characterized by its intensity and emotional depth:

• Emotions described are strong, often extreme
• Repetition, rhetorical questions, and exclamations contribute to Gothic intensity

Key Motifs Recurring images throughout the novel contribute to theme and mood development:

• The moon
• Stormy weather
• Hands
• Eyes
• Windows

Descriptive Language Shelley's prose is rich in descriptive elements:

• Extensive use of metaphors and similes
• Frequent use of adjectives and adverbs to intensify descriptions

Example: "grievously bruised by stones" (p. 109)

Definition: Motif - A recurring element in a literary work that contributes to the development of a theme.

Themes in Frankenstein

This section of the Frankenstein themes PDF explores the major themes that run throughout Mary Shelley's novel, providing insight into the deeper meanings and messages of the work.

Knowledge The pursuit of knowledge is a central theme, with both positive and negative consequences:

• Walton, Victor, and the monster all share a desire for knowledge
• Their pursuits often lead to disturbing and dangerous discoveries

Quote: "Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow."

Isolation The theme of isolation connects various characters and drives much of the plot:

• Walton complains of a lack of companionship
• Both Victor and his creation are alienated from society

Justice Shelley critiques the fairness and corruption of the justice system:

• Characters like Justine, the monster, the Turkish merchant, and Victor are all suspected of crimes
• The novel highlights the flaws in how justice is administered

Creation and Destruction The duality of creation and destruction is explored through Victor's actions:

• Victor becomes obsessed with creating life
• He is also aware that his experiments are morally wrong
• His creation becomes increasingly destructive

Man's Nature The novel challenges perceptions of monstrosity and humanity:

• Mankind is frequently shown to be more monstrous than Victor's creation
• The monster's treatment by humans is what drives him to act monstrously

Highlight: Through these themes, Shelley explores complex philosophical and ethical questions about the nature of humanity, the responsibilities of creators, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.