A Critical Appraisal of Frankenstein as a Gothic Novel
Abstract
This project offers a critical appraisal of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818) as a Gothic novel. It begins by tracing the emergence of Gothic literature in the late eighteenth century, from Horace Walpole and Ann Radcliffe to Shelley. It also outlines Shelley's life, influences and major works. The study then analyses the novel's major and minor characters, including Victor Frankenstein, the Creature, Robert Walton, Henry Clerval and Elizabeth Lavenza. It shows how each contributes to the themes of ambition, responsibility and loss. It next examines the novel's Gothic elements: bleak settings and atmosphere, the sublime, isolation and alienation, moral transgression, and archetypes such as the Byronic hero, the "monstrous other" and the doomed victim. Finally, it reads Victor as a "Modern Prometheus", comparing him with the Greek Titan to show how the novel warns against unchecked ambition and creation without accountability. The project concludes that Frankenstein blurs the line between creator and monster and asks who the real monster is.
Keywords
Frankenstein, Gothic novel, Mary Shelley, Prometheus, ambition, isolation
Acknowledgements
For every step of the way, Dr. J.P. Tiwari, Dr. S.K. Mishra, Mr. Subrat Dewedi and, of course, Dr. S.M Tripathi have been my greatest supporters; they have provided the best experience and education that I could have asked for. Thank you.
Table of Contents
Chapter-1 Introduction
Gothic literature is a kind of genre that emerged in the late 18th century, characterized by its focus on the supernatural, horror, and the exploration of dark themes related to human psychology, morality, and existence. It is deeply influenced by the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion and individualism and often contrasting the rationalism of the Enlightenment. So, this kind of genre has been long celebrated for its ability to explore the darker aspects of human experience from the supernatural to the psychological. Such type of literature delves into the darker aspects of human nature, including fear, guilt, madness, obsession, and the supernatural. Gothic literature explores the anxieties and desires that lurk beneath the surface of human consciousness and often uncovers hidden truths about our psyches. As we know that ‘The father of Gothic novel is considered Horace Walpole and his masterpiece is ‘The Castle of Otranto in 1764’.
Regarding this context some concern of literary figures are as follows:
- Horace Walpole (1764): he says that the aim of the Gothic was to “blend the two kinds of romance, the ancient and the modern,” with the combination of supernatural elements, and its realistic characters, settings. – (In his preface to the second edition of Castle of Otranto)
- Ann Radcliffe (1794): A prominent Gothic novelist, she created her own writing style in gothic literature. According to her ‘Terror and horror are so far opposite, that the first expands the soul, and awakens the faculties to a high degree of life; the other contracts, freezes, and nearly annihilates them’. – (In her essay On the Supernatural in Poetry)
- Mary Shelley: She was concerned about the potential for Gothic literature to delve into sensationalism and horror for shock value. Instead, she sought to explore deeper themes, such as the nature of humanity, the consequences of scientific ambition, and the ethical implications of creation. In his work we can see these elements which clearly shows this line.
‘I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart’– (Chapter 5, Frankenstein)
In gothic literature, we find terror full atmosphere, emotional intensity, the theme of creation leading to horror, and the depiction of the supernatural through the act of bringing the dead to life. Whether the monster’s creation or horror things which is fraught with dread and moral ambiguity. These things are hallmarks of the Gothic genre.
Which means the all given point says that Gothic fiction is characterized by its environment of fear, horror scenes, and the threat of supernatural events, and the intrusion of the past upon the present are directly indicate to Gothic literature. Or if we talk about the story’s setting it is typically includes physical reminders of the past, especially through isolated buildings, a place or room in which darkness only could see. Generally, characteristic settings in the 18th and 19th centuries include castles, religious buildings such as monasteries (a building or complex of buildings comprising the domestic quarters and workplaces of monastics, monks or nuns, whether living in communities or alone) and convents, and crypts (a stone chamber beneath the floor of a church). The atmosphere is typically claustrophobic (fear of small spaces), and common plot elements include vengeful persecution, imprisonment, and murder.
The depiction of horrible events in Gothic fiction often serves as a metaphorical expression of psychological or social conflicts. Apart from this in late 19th century, Gothic fiction also involved demons and demonic possession, ghosts, and other kinds of evil spirits which is seen in gothic literary authors. Ghosts, spirits, and demons in Gothic fiction serve multiple roles. They enhance the atmospheric tension, symbolize inner struggles and societal anxieties, and provoke a philosophical exploration of existence. This inclusion is essential to the Gothic genre, grounding the emotional intensity that defines Gothic literature. Thus, it’s became crucial components of Gothic literature, representing both personal and societal fears.
As we know that the work ‘Frankenstein’ which was published 1818, anonymously in London on at that time her age was only 20 year old. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein serves as a profound critique of the failures of education, particularly in the context of scientific knowledge and ethical responsibility. The novel illustrates how Victor Frankenstein’s misguided education leads to catastrophic consequences, emphasizing the need for a more responsible approach to scientific inquiry. This aspect can be understood in this way;
- Misguided education; Victor’s early fascination with alchemy and the works of figures like Agrippa and Paracelsus (Swiss physician) reflects a rejection of modern scientific principles, which ultimately leads to his downfall. And his education at Ingolstadt, while initially promising, becomes a source of disillusionment as he grapples with the complexities of natural philosophy, indicating a failure to grasp the ethical implications of his scientific pursuits.
- After animate a lifeless creature: Victor Frankenstein’s views his scientific achievement as a triumph, exclaiming. Although, his creation of the Creature, become the central source of his destruction and torment in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein says:
“Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world.”– (Chapter 4, Frankenstein)
However, at that moment when the Creature comes to life, Victor is horrified and run away from that place to see horrible appearance and he abandons the animate creature. This abandonment marks the beginning of his destruction. His reckless ambition blinds him to the ethical and emotional responsibilities of his creation. That is why he suffers throughout his life to death.
- The Creature, rejected by Victor and society, becomes vengeful and wreaks towards Victor’s life and his loveable family; Victor lost his affectionate family members through one by one. Firstly, Death of William. Victor’s younger brother is murdered by the Creature, and then Framing of Justine: The Creature’s actions indirectly lead to the wrongful execution of Justine, a family friend, intensifying Victor’s guilt, his best friend Clerval. And later on his wife or love at wedding night is murdered by monster which is animate by Victor.
When he lost everything, means those who are closely and affectionately related to him are snatched by monster. For that reason he feels so disappear. It can be seen in these lines which is spoken by Victor Frankenstein. He says;
Why did I not die? More miserable than man ever was before, why did I not sink into forgetfulness and rest? Death snatches away many blooming children, the only hopes of their doating parents.– (Chapter 21, Frankenstein)
If we talk about author ‘Mary Shelley’, she was born on 1798 and died on 1851 in London. In her due course of time, she glorified English literature. She was known as English novelist, essayist, and critic. Her name shined for her great work- “Frankenstein”. As we know that Frankenstein is belonged to Gothic genre, and this work is considered as the pioneer of science fiction literature, meaning is forcing on scientific experiments and new discoveries in the field of science.
Mary Shelley’s mother- ‘Mary Wollstonecraft’ (her work was groundbreaking and significantly shaped the development of feminist thought), died on 1797, after giving birth to her daughter. She is leaved her infant daughter and previous affair (with an American author and businessman Gilbert Imlay) three year old daughter ‘Fanny Imlay’ under her present husband Godwin to look after. Mary Shelley’s parents and their intellectual inheritance would prove to be a impact-full influence upon her life. Mary Shelley revered her mother and her works that shaped the life and thinking process of Mary Shelley. Even though her mother was died, but her mother written works filled the absence of her mother.
While we talk about Mary Shelley’s education, as it was the custom during 19th century that as a girl, Mary did not receive a structured education. She could only spend her earlier education for the short time in the school- ‘Miss Pettam’s Ladies’. But she did much more, because of her father. She had taught at home unofficially by her father- ‘Mr Godwin’. By studying from Godwin’s liberty books. She was much knowledgeable about renowned literary figures like; The Research Chemist ‘Sir Humphry Davy’, The Quaker social reformer ‘Robert Owen’, and poet ‘Samuel Taylor Coleridge’.
If we talk about her love affair with P.B Shelley. When she visits to London, she met him for the first time. After two years, she had left Scotland and come back to England. In this due course of time, she was again met to Percy Bysshe Shelley. Although, they had ages differences in between them and Percy Bysshe Shelley already married. Despite of these things, they are both fallen in love with each other. By eloping, the both make the bond of love. Another things that effected their love life, was the various hardship such as; the tragic death of their children, the constant shadow of Percy’s first wife – ‘Harriet’, who died by suicide, and some other financial problems. These aspects deeply impacted to them. While their love endured many hurdles and deter in their love life, despite these things their love remained a powerful force in their lives. They supported to each other intellectually and shared their experiences that shaped their literary works.
For instance: The novel ‘Frankenstein’ is the out come of Mary Shelley’s personal expenses with love, loss, societal pressure, and the power of imagination that intertwined with literary pursuits.
If we talk about her Selected works, these are as follows:
- History of a six week’s tour (1817); It is a romantic exploration of European landscapes. This work captures the beauty and grandeur of the European countryside, mountains, and cities, reflecting the Romantic fascination with nature and the sublime.
- Frankenstein (1818); The Story: Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but ambitious young scientist, succeeds in creating life in an unorthodox scientific experiment. However, the creature he brings to life is a grotesque and monstrous being, rejected by society.
- Posthumous Poems of Percy Bysshe Shelley (1824); A collection of poetry by the English Romantic poet. The Posthumous Poems remains an important and influential work in English literature, continuing to captivate and inspire readers today.
- The Last Man (1826); this work is a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel by Mary Shelley, published in 1826. It depicts a future where a devastating plague decimates the population of Europe, leading to the near-extinction of humanity. The story follows Lionel Verney, the last surviving man, as he grapples with the loss of his loved ones and the profound loneliness of a world devoid of life. The novel explores the darkness of human life, including death, hopelessness, and the uncertainty of our existence.
- Lives of the Most Eminent Literary and Scientific Men (1835–1839); this work is a collection of biographies that celebrates the lives and achievements of influential writers and thinkers.
Mary Shelley’s contributions to literature were nothing short of revolutionary. Through her works, she not only expanded the boundaries of storytelling but also introduced profound psychological explorations that delved into the complexities of human nature. Her writing was more than just fiction. It was a lens through which society could examine its fears, ambitions, and moral dilemmas.
By weaving together elements of science, philosophy, and emotion, Shelley laid the groundwork for a new literary genre, one that blended the fantastical with the deeply psychological. As Frankenstein, her most celebrated novel, was not just a tale of a monstrous creation but a meditation on ambition, isolation, and the ethical dilemmas of human progress. This novel, and her other works, invited readers to look beyond the surface and question the very essence of humanity and existence.
Her influence stretched far beyond her time, inspiring generations of writers to explore the unknown, whether in science fiction, gothic literature, or psychological horror. With each page she wrote, she redefined the possibilities of storytelling, ensuring her place among the great literary figures of history. Mary Shelley did not just write stories -- she shaped the way we understand literature itself. In short, her works also paved the way to understand human psychic and provided us a new kind of literary genre. For it, she hinged her name in the list of great literary figures.
Chapter- 2 Characters Analysis
If we talk about characters in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, these are as follows;
| Major characters | Minor characters |
|---|---|
| Victor Frankenstein | William Frankenstein |
| The monster | Justine Moritz |
| Robert Walton | Alphonso Frankenstein |
| Henry Clerval | Caroline Frankenstein |
| Elizabeth Lavenza | The Delaceys |
Victor Frankenstein
Victor Frankenstein; he is the protagonist of the story. Victor is the eldest child of his family. He is the primary narrator of the story. He describes himself as one who is “deeply smitten with the thirst for knowledge,” revealing his relentless curiosity. As his earlier years, he is his thirst for knowledge and his powerful ambition. His, these two qualities that leads him to attend University at ‘Ingolstadt’. During his knowledge journey, he discoverers ‘the secret of life’, and by using it, he creates a huge and ugly monster. And his animated monster becomes the cause of his sorrow and his tragic end.
When we read the novel, we came to know that Victor is a complex and tragic character who embodies the pursuit of knowledge, ambition, the ramifications of overstepping natural boundaries. As he discovered the secret of life, reflecting the idea of creation or more rightly we can say ‘re-animating life in dead bodies. This desire ultimately drives him to uncover “the secrets of heaven and earth,” blurring the boundaries between human and divine power. The obsession of this idea, declaring himself “I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation.” And it’s drowned him to create and animate the dead body which is against the law of nature and beyond the limitation of human beings. These things becomes the cause of his own destruction. His single-minded ambition was much powerful that it blinds him, becoming unable to think about the ethical and moral implications of his works.
As he works relentlessly to create a living being from the dead body parts, he becomes increasingly detached from his family, friends and society, not even he detached from it, but also detached his health. He works days and nights to reanimate living being, finally he succeeds in bringing the monster’s life. The animated creature is too horrible and disposition in his appearance. Due to his appearance he is neglected by his master and society. Consequently, he (monster) is vengeful and becomes the cause of Victor’s tragic end.
By the character of Victor Frankenstein’s ambition, Mary Shelley just wants to tell us that unchecked ambition and immoral deeds never gives the fruitful result. It always gives pain, suffering, and cause of distraction. It can be seen in these lines which is spoken by Victor Frankenstein;
‘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 his world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow’.
These lines closely show the dangers of against overarching ambition and the pursuit of knowledge without considering the consequences of it, which ultimately brings suffering and ruin. That’s mean by taking himself as an example of ruination, Victor is warning Walton who also wants to go the same path as Victor went. By it he is warning Walton about how dangerous it is to pursue knowledge without wisdom. Victor’s pursuit of knowledge leads to his hubris, or reckless pride, which destroys him and those he loves. And thus, such character works as cautionary for all human beings to do moral deeds, and not giving beyond human limitations. If they do not follow the nature rule, the should have to face their own ruin through their won hands or causes, as Victor Frankenstein does.
The Monster
The monster; he is a deeply complex and tragic character in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, embodying both the extremes of innocence and monstrosity. He is created by Victor Frankenstein through an ambitious and unnatural scientific experiments. The strange creature is grotesque in appearance, with yellow skin, watery eyes, and gigantic size, rendering him immediately terrifying to those who encounter him. Despite of these things he is initially marked by childlike curiosity and a yearning for connection.
At first, the monster exhibits an innate sensitivity to beauty and kindness in nature and trying to understand human behavior through observation. He learns language and gains a profound knowledge of human culture and emotions. He does many things to be accepted by the society, but despite his much efforts the society didn’t accept him, as part of society. He much strives to connect with humanity, he is met with rejection. The monster is only desiring to be loved and accepted. But here he is neglected by society, not even society but also his creator. For this reason, he becomes a murder, not because of an impulse to harm, but of need for retribution against Victor and all humanity for their behavior- ‘rejection’. This isolation breeds in him a growing despair and anger, transforming him from an innocent creature into a vengeful figure. The essence of these things can be seen in this spoken lines by monster;
‘I am malicious because I am miserable; am I not shunned and hated by all mankind? You, my creator, would tear me to pieces and triumph; remember that, and tell me why I should pity man more than he pities me?’
And thus, the monster’s interactions with Victor highlight his deep sense of injustice. He confronts his creator with eloquence and intelligence, demanding recognition and a companion to alleviate his loneliness. His bitterness and rage stem from the pain of being abandoned and despised, not from an inherently evil nature. Even in his vengeance, which leads to the deaths of Victor’s loved ones, the monster remains a figure of pathos, driven by unfulfilled desires for acceptance and love.
Ultimately, in the end of the story, it reveals that the monster is a reflection of Victor’s hubris and humanity’s tendency to judge by appearances. He is both a victim and a symbol of the consequences of unchecked ambition and irresponsibility. At the end, when he remorse and sorrow over Victor’s death reveal his enduring humanity, solidifying his role as one of literature’s most tragic and misunderstood figures.
Robert Walton
Robert Walton; he is a central figure in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. He is serving both as narrator and as a framing device for Victor Frankenstein’s tragic tale. A young, ambitious explorer, Walton is driven by a thirst for discovery and glory, embarking on an Arctic expedition to uncover the secrets of the natural world. That’s mean he is portrayed as intelligent and wants to explore ‘the North Pole’ till it’s ending shore. He is also little bit influenced for literature. It can be seen in the scene, where Robert Walton mentions that, earlier in his life, he wanted to become a poet and spent a lot of time trying to teach himself and improve his skills. However, he eventually gave up on that dream because he realized that he wasn’t talented enough to achieve greatness as a poet. Instead, he decided to focus on something else that could bring him fame and accomplishment: exploring the Arctic (exploration of north pole). This shows that Walton is very ambitious and always looking for ways to make a name for himself, even if it means changing his path. It closely reflects the characteristics of Victor, as he influenced to go beyond the human limitations.
Walton’s letters to his sister, Margaret, reveal his introspective nature and his longing for companionship. Despite his confidence and determination, he feels isolated and yearns for a like-minded friend to share his dreams and struggles. This need for connection makes him particularly receptive to Victor Frankenstein’s story, as he recognizes a kindred spirit in Victor’s obsessive pursuit of knowledge.
Throughout the novel, Walton exhibits a mixture of admiration and caution toward Victor. He is captivated by Victor’s brilliance and the grandeur of his ambitions but becomes increasingly aware of the dangers of unchecked ambition. Walton’s interactions with Victor serve as a moral lesson, illustrating the devastating consequences of hubris and overreaching. The essence of this thing can be seen in this lines-
“I preferred glory to every enticement that wealth placed in my path”
The line is spoken by Walton in Frankenstein to his sister, Margaret, as he describes his motivation for a voyage of exploration. Here Walton expresses his desire to accomplish something great, even though he could have lived in ease and luxury. He also describes his feelings of uncertainty and depression, but his determination to continue on his voyage or journey towards North Pole.
And thus, Walton exhibits development and maturity by the book’s conclusion. He chooses to end his risky Arctic mission in order to protect his people after seeing Victor’s terrible destiny and by taking his advice to heart, Walton leaves the unchecked ambitious path. This choice demonstrates his capacity to strike a balance between responsibility and ambition, which stands in stark contrast to Victor’s incapacity to do so. In the end, Walton’s persona emphasizes the concepts of human limitations, the quest for knowledge, and the necessity of ethical considerations in scientific research.
Henry Clerval
Henry Clerval; he is imaginative, compassionate, and passionate about nature. He is Victor’s best and close friend who looks after him when he is ill. Clerval is Victor’s guide throughout the narrative, supporting him selflessly without pushing him to reveal his secrets. Clerval’s positive outlook is a sharp contrast to Victor’s dismal attitude. He accompanies Victor during the journey of University. As true and childhood friendship that can be seen the essence of this thing in this line, which is spoken by Victor about his friend Clerval;
‘Excellent friend! How sincerely you did love me, and endeavour to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own’
Clerval’s story runs parallel to Frankenstein’s story. It illustrates the connection between Frankenstein’s outsized ambition and the more commonplace ambitions of ordinary men. Clerval is first described as a boy who loved “enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake.” Like Walton, Clerval shares Frankenstein’s desire to achieve great things at any cost. And later on he is killed by monster. As monster was in vengeful towards Victor and his negligence to not creating his female partner. Clerval’s life goes to death because of his friendship with Victor.
Clerval, a friend of Frankenstein’s, makes a discovery at university that he thinks, he will help European countries to dominate and trade with India more easily. Victor Frankenstein compares Henry Clerval’s discovery to his own creation of the Monster. He says that they both are driven by ambition. He argues that if ambitious people like himself and Clerval didn’t exist. The historical events like the colonization of America and the destruction of the Mexican and Peruvian empires might have happened more slowly or it might be never happened. That’s by the argumentation of Frankenstein with Henry Clerval regarding ambition, showing that Clerval is the same category as Victor is.
And this thing underscores that ambition can lead people to make discoveries and take actions that have big consequences, sometimes harming others. By contrasting Clerval’s wholesome and fulfilling life with Frankenstein’s tragic downfall, Mary Shelley emphasizes the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of compassion and human connection.
Elizabeth Lavenza
Elizabeth; she plays multiple roles in Victor Frankenstein’s life. As a ‘adopted sister’, Elizabeth is taken in by Frankenstein’s family and raised as his sister. And later on as wife, and than as a role of mother in his family. The cause behind it, when Frankenstein’s real mother dies, and after her death. As caregiver and domestic manger, Elizabeth is taken the all responsibilities of his family – meaning is, works as a maternal role.
When the Monster kills Elizabeth, Frankenstein loses multiple relationships. Elizabeth’s death deprives Frankenstein of his sister, wife, and mother-figure all at once. By ruination of his, Frankenstein is left without any significant female presence in his life. This things underscores the devastating impact of Elizabeth’s death on Frankenstein’s emotional and psychological well-being. So Elizabeth is also the importance character in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Some critics think Elizabeth, as a main character in Frankenstein, she is vague (not well-defined or developed as a character), unrealistic (not believable or relatable), and less developed as compared to the male characters, like Frankenstein and the Monster. Here, one reason for it is how Frankenstein, the narrator, sees Elizabeth; he doesn’t see her clearly. Frankenstein’s perception of Elizabeth is limited. Victor Frankenstein thinks of Elizabeth as something that belongs to him, rather than as an individual with her own thoughts and feelings – meaning is as a object possession.
This limited perspective ultimately leads to tragic consequences and ruination. He fails to protect Elizabeth because he doesn’t consider the Monster’s threat to her. Instead of ‘The Monster’s warning’. The Monster explicitly warns Frankenstein – ‘I will be with you on your wedding night’, but Frankenstein doesn’t realize the Monster is targeting Elizabeth. In short, Elizabeth’s character is criticized for being underdeveloped, partly because Frankenstein’s narrative perspective is limited and possessive, leading to her tragic demise.
William Frankenstein
William Frankenstein is Victor’s youngest brother, and the darling of the Frankenstein family. He is killed by the monster. With his happy, friendly nature and cherubic features, young William is the pinnacle of childlike innocence. Shelley makes this characterization explicitly clear towards the middle of the novel when the monster tells Victor that he initially wanted William to be his companion. The reason, he believed that the boy was too young and naïve to form any prejudices against him. However, William is terrified when the monster grabs him; he calls him an ‘ugly wretch’, and struggles violently to get away. The monster then learns that William is related to Victor, and he strangles the boy in a fit of rage. Symbolically, William’s death represents the end of Victor’s innocence and naivety, as a helpless child was killed as a result of Victor trying to play God. William’s death also marks a key turning point. Because in the novel, he is the first of several victims that the monster killed Victor’s family members in order to get revenge on Victor. At the start of the novel, a despairing Victor tells Walton that “nothing can alter my destiny.” His fatalistic assurance that his life will be nothing but a tragedy sets the bleak and despairing tone that will persist throughout the novel. The murder of his innocent little brother at the hand of his own creation represents the moment that this fate is sealed.
Justine Moritz
Justine Moritz; she is a young woman who likes Frankenstein’s family, specifically William and Elizabeth. She was taken out of poverty and welcomed into the Frankenstein family. She is described as being a pretty, kind-hearted soul. Justine is essentially Victor’s second victim; she is arrested and ultimately executed for the murder of William Frankenstein. If William’s death represents the end of Victor’s innocence, then Justine’s represents his enduring guilt. Victor learns almost immediately that the monster killed his brother.
However, he does not do anything to exonerate Justine instead of he claims that his “tale was not one to announce publicly” because “its astounding horror would be looked upon as madness.” Victor does not tell the judge about the monster. The reason is, he fears the public response. As a result, his cowardice leads to the death of an innocent girl who had shown nothing but love and kindness to the Frankenstein family. Justine’s wrongful execution weighs heavily on Victor’s conscience and causes him to spiral into a guilty despair from which he never fully recovers.
Justine also serves as one of the several tragically passive women that appear in Frankenstein. She maintains her innocence but does not actively fight to clear her name. In the end, she confesses to a crime she knows she did not commit because she believes that it will grant her salvation. Her helplessness is indicative of the subjugation of women in a patriarchal society. She is like as Elizabeth, is powerless to stop the execution. Only Victor has the power to do so and he chooses not to, costing Justine her life.
Alphonse Frankenstein
Alphonse Frankenstein is Victor’s beloved father and the patriarch of the Frankenstein family. He is characterized as a loving, generous person from the moment the reader learns about him. Victor explains that his parents met after Alphonse saved Caroline from destitution after her father (Alphonse’s long-time friend) lost all of their money and died shortly thereafter. Alphonse consistently consoles Victor during times of distress and he encourages Victor to remember the importance of family.
For instance; he travels from Geneva to bring Victor home when he learns that Victor has fallen ill after learning of Henry Clerval’s death. The grieving, feverish Victor is overcome when he sees Alphonse, claiming, “Nothing, at this moment, could have given me greater pleasure than the arrival of my father.” Alphonse Frankenstein’s loving relationship with Victor juxtaposes the fractured relationship between Victor and the monster. Victor’s relationship with the monster is generally compared to that of a parent and a child because Victor gave the monster life.
Caroline Frankenstein
Caroline Frankenstein is Victor’s beloved mother. She is characterized as an empathetic, loving woman, generous with her money and with her affections. For example, she likely adopted the impoverished Elizabeth and Justine into the Frankenstein family because she remembered what it was like to be destitute.
Victor adored his mother, so much so that he describes her death as the “first misfortune” of his life. He also characterizes her death as an “omen” of his “future misery.” This is a significant aside; although it is never said outright, one can speculate that Victor’s obsession with life and death can be partially traced back to the untimely death of his mother.
De Lacey
De Lacey is a kind and loving blind father who lives with his children, Felix and Agatha, in a small cottage. They used to be rich, but were forced to leave Paris and lost everything. Despite their poverty, De Lacey is a happy and caring father who plays music to cheer up his family. He welcomes Safie, Felix’s fiancée, into their home with open arms. De Lacey is similar to Victor’s father, Alphonse, in that he is a kind and caring parent. This contrasts with Victor, who rejects the monster and refuses to be a parent to it.
In the novel, this scene is more important because monster has grown fond of the De Lacey family and wants to make contact. He decides to approach the blind De Lacey first, hoping to win him over while Felix, Agatha, and Safie are away. He believes that De Lacey may be able to convince the others to accept him because he will not be able to see his grotesque appearance.
In the novel, there are some other characters that have some little role in novel; such as – M. Krempe, M. Waldman (professor of natural philosophy and chemistry at Ingolstadt accordingly), Margaret Saville (Walton’s sister), Mr. Kirwin.
Chapter-3 Elements of Gothic Novel, ‘Frankenstein’
In succinctly, the elements of gothic novel through ‘Frankenstein’, are as follows;
- Setting and atmosphere
- The supernatural and the sublime
- Isolation and Alienation
- Emotion and Psychological Turmoil
- Moral and Ethical Transgression
- Gothic Archetype
- Theme of death and decay
- Light and Darkness imagery
- Foreshadowing and suspense
Setting and Atmosphere
The setting and atmosphere in Frankenstein works a vital role that reinforce Gothic tone of the novel. As the novel’s story starts and concludes in the desolate, icy regions of the Arctic. Where Robert Walton encounters to Victor Frankenstein. The bleak, frozen landscape reflects the loneliness and isolation. It refers to both Victor and the Creature experience that they face in their lives in novel.
This setting also symbolizes the extremity of Victor’s ambition. As he chases the monster to a place where living being do not live. It reflects lifelessness and despair. The hostile environment mirrors the emotional and moral barrenness of the characters. The reflection of this things can be seen in this lines which is spoken by Walton.
[A letter by Walton to his sister ‘Margaret Saville’]
‘We were nearly surrounded by ice, which closed in the ship on all sides, scarcely leaving her the sea-room in which she floated’
Here Walton expresses the situation of his Arctic journey to his sister. He explains that the ship is almost completely trapped by ice on all sides, leaving barely enough space to float. It shows the oppressive and dangerous surroundings create suspense and a foreboding sense of doom.
Another scene where Victor animates the creature- ‘his laboratory and the time, when monster is brought in life by Victor. The reflection of this things can be seen in this lines which is spoken by Victor. When he animates the creature;
‘It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils… the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out.’
Victor’s secretive laboratory, where he assembles the dead body parts and through the experiments, he creates the Creature. He is described as a dimly lit and claustrophobic space. It is filled with grotesque materials and tools used for unnatural experiments. The atmosphere during the Creature’s animation is charged with tension and horror. Victor works under the cover of night, using stormy weather as a backdrop to his blasphemous act.
The Supernatural and the Sublime
A scene where Victor narrators the description of ‘The Swiss Alps and Mont Blanc’ which provide a dual lens for examining both the sublime (through nature’s overwhelming power and beauty) and the supernatural (through the Creature’s presence). The setting becomes a stage for exploring humanity’s fragility, the consequences of Victor’s unnatural acts, and the tension between awe-inspiring nature and Gothic terror.
When the Creature approaches Victor during his walk near Mont Blanc. Victor sees the Creature against the backdrop of the majestic mountains. The juxtaposition of the natural sublime with the unnatural, monstrous being highlights the tension between the natural and the supernatural. Victor’s encounter with the Creature in the Alps. He describes the scenery as magnificent and overpowering, which heightens the emotional intensity of his confrontation with the Creature. The sublime landscape underscores the Gothic contrast between beauty and terror.
However, Victor often seeks solace in these natural settings to temporarily escape his guilt and the consequences of his actions. For it he goes in contact of nature in order to get some internal stillness. The sublimity of the landscape also mirrors the emotional and psychological tension of Victor in the story. The grandeur and overwhelming beauty of the Swiss Alps and Mont Blanc evoke feelings of awe, wonder, and insignificance in the face of nature’s vast power.
Now, the essence of this things can be seen in this lines which is spoken by Victor when he is describing his experience of observing the majestic natural scenery of Mont Blanc, specifically the glaciers and mountains.
‘The sight of the awful and majestic in nature had indeed always the effect of solemnising my mind, and causing me to forget the passing cares of life’
Isolation and Alienation
Isolation and alienation are central themes in Frankenstein. Victor’s obsessive quest for knowledge leads to self-imposed isolation, guilt, and horror. He withdraws from family and friends, shutting himself in his laboratory. And the Creature, abandoned by Victor and shunned by society, suffers profound alienation, leading to anger and vengeance. Victor’s isolation intensifies the Gothic atmosphere, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked ambition.
The Creature’s rejection by the De Lacey family solidifies his sense of otherness and fuels his hatred toward humanity. Victor’s isolation continues after the Creature’s revenge, consumed by guilt and fear. The parallel experiences of Victor and the Creature underscore how isolation and alienation lead to ruination. Mary Shelley explores the dangers of ambition, abandonment, and the human need for companionship through these themes.
Moral and Ethical Transgression
Moral and ethical transgression is at the heart of ‘Frankenstein’, where Victor Frankenstein’s pursuit of forbidden knowledge and his disregard for the natural order result in devastating consequences. His decision to create life marks a profound violation of ethical boundaries, challenging the limits of human capability and the role of a creator. This transgression is not only a scientific overreach but also a moral failure, as Victor fails to take responsibility for the life that he brings into the world.
Victor’s obsession with understanding the mysteries of life and death drives him to act without considering the ethical implications of his work. He describes his ambition with an almost godlike arrogance: “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me.” His desire for glory blinds him to think about the consequences of defying the laws of nature.
The act of creating the Creature is itself an ethical violation. As Victor disregards the sanctity of life by assembling a being from dead body parts. The grotesque nature of his experiments is emphasized in his description of working in graveyards and charnel houses, highlighting the macabre aspects of his transgression.
However, Victor’s moral failure is most evident after the Creature is brought to life. Horrified by its appearance, he abandons it without care or guidance, shirking his responsibility as a creator.
His reaction – ‘The beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart’, reveals his inability to confront the consequences of his actions blasphemous deed.
The Creature, itself becomes a living embodiment of Victor’s moral and ethical failure. Its suffering, rejection, and eventual descent into violence are direct results of Victor’s neglect. The deaths of William, Justine, Elizabeth, and others are indirect consequences of Victor’s transgression. It is the result of his creation that monster seeks revenge for its abandonment.
Victor’s transgression extends beyond the creation of the Creature to his inability to learn from his mistakes. Even after witnessing the destruction caused by his own actions. He continues to justify his pursuit of knowledge, failing to fully acknowledge the ethical ramifications of his choices. His refusal to create a companion for the Creature, though seemingly ethical in preventing further danger, also highlights his failure to address the suffering he caused. Instead, Victor prioritizes his fears over the Creature’s pleas for companionship, further illustrating his moral shortcomings.
And thus, through Victor’s actions and their consequences, Mary Shelley critiques the dangers of unchecked ambition, the pursuit of knowledge without ethical consideration, and the failure to take responsibility for one’s creations. The novel raises timeless questions about the limits of human innovation and the moral obligations of those who seek to push those limits, making it a powerful exploration of moral and ethical transgression.
Gothic Archetypes
Gothic archetypes play a significant role in ‘Frankenstein’, contributing to its dark, suspenseful, and emotionally intense atmosphere. Mary Shelley incorporates several archetypal figures that embody the themes of the Gothic tradition. Such as the Byronic hero – ‘Victor Frankenstein’.
Byronic hero:
“Such type of character refers to a literary character archetype, typically a male protagonist, who is moody, rebellious, often with a dark past, and possesses a complex mix of attractive and dangerous qualities”
Victor Frankenstein exemplifies the archetype of the ‘Byronic hero’, a flawed and deeply conflicted protagonist. Like a classic Byronic figure, Victor is driven by an insatiable desire for knowledge and power, which isolates him from others and leads to his downfall. His obsessive ambition and arrogance are evident in his quest to create life, as he defies natural laws in pursuit of personal glory. Despite his brilliance, Victor is tormented by guilt and self-recrimination, particularly after the consequences of his actions unfold. His internal turmoil and ultimate alienation from society reflect the characteristics of this archetype, as he becomes both the instigator and the victim of his tragic fate.
The Creature embodies the ‘monstrous other’, a Gothic archetype representing fear, difference, and alienation. He is created from lifeless body parts and rejected by his creator, the Creature is a figure of both horror and pity. His grotesque appearance and unnatural origins evoke fear and disgust, while his eloquence and emotional depth challenge readers to sympathize with his suffering. The Creature’s status as the ‘other’ highlights societal fears of the unknown and the consequences of transgressing natural boundaries. His journey from innocence to vengeance, driven by rejection and loneliness, also reflects the Gothic exploration of humanity’s darker instincts.
The novel blurs the lines between the ‘Gothic villain’ and the hero, making it ambiguous whether Victor or the Creature fits this role. Victor’s reckless pursuit of forbidden knowledge and his abandonment of the Creature position him as a villain in the eyes of his creation and the reader. His refusal to take responsibility for his actions and his hubristic belief that he can control life and death contribute to the tragic events that follow. On the other hand, the Creature’s vengeful actions, including the murders of William, Elizabeth, and others, cast him as the antagonist. However, his motivations, rooted in a desire for acceptance and revenge against injustice, complicate his role as a pure villain, showcasing Shelley’s nuanced portrayal of moral ambiguity.
The ‘doomed victim’ archetype also appears in several characters, such as Elizabeth, Justine, and William, who suffer as a result of Victor’s transgressions. These innocent figures, caught in the crossfire of Victor and the Creature’s conflict, evoke sympathy and emphasize the far-reaching consequences of ambition and neglect. Their deaths amplify the Gothic atmosphere of tragedy and loss, reinforcing the destructive nature of the protagonists’ actions.
Through these archetypes, ‘Frankenstein’ captures the essence of Gothic literature, exploring themes of ambition, isolation, and the boundaries of humanity. Shelley’s use of these figures not only deepens the emotional impact of the story but also reflects the moral and ethical dilemmas central to the Gothic tradition.
Chapter-4 Frankenstein as Modern Prometheus
In Greek mythology, humans were created in five different events. The Titans created the first race of humans, and Zeus and the other gods created the next four. This is the accepted version of the Greek creation myth. But there is one creation myth that includes in Greek mythological-‘Prometheus as a central figure’. In this mythical story, Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus, whose name means ‘afterthought,’ were tasked by the gods, specifically by Zeus to create humankind. Epimetheus was impulsive and created animals first, giving them gifts of power like strength and cunning. When time came to create humans, all of the gifts had been used by Epimetheus on the animals. Prometheus took over and created the first human named ‘Phaenon’, using clay and water. He made Phaenon stand upright, just like the gods.
- (Plato’s dialogue “Protagoras” that contains a fascinating account of the myth of Prometheus and Epimetheus. In this dialogue, Socrates discusses the creation of humans by the two Titans, Prometheus and Epimetheus).
In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and mythological character ‘Prometheus’ share profound thematic and philosophical parallels, exploring the consequences of defying natural or divine laws, the duality of creation, and the ethical responsibilities of creators. These both narratives delve into the human condition, ambition, and the pursuit of knowledge. It offers timeless insights into the dangers of overreaching and the moral complexities of innovation.
As Prometheus mythological character who defies almighty God ‘Zeus’ by stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humanity. It can be seen in these lines which is spoken Prometheus –
‘And he [Prometheus] stole the far-seen gleam of unwearying fire in a hollow fennel stalk.’– (Reference is taken from Hesiod’s Theogony)
‘For the sake of mortals he [Prometheus] deceived Zeus by stealing the far-seen gleam of fire, hidden in a hollow fennel stalk, which has brought endless suffering to men and brought them fire’– (Reference is taken from Hesiod’s Works and Days)
“I (Prometheus) gave to mortals fire, which brought them many blessings.”
“… Fire, the teacher of all arts, has proved for mortals a great resource.”– (Reference is taken Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound)
Here ‘Fire’ symbolizes knowledge, enlightenment, and the power to transform the world. Prometheus’ act is both rebellious and altruistic, as he seeks to empower humanity at the cost of his own suffering. His defiance represents the human desire to challenge authority and transcend limitations.
Similarly, Victor Frankenstein defies natural and divine laws by creating life from lifeless matter. His ambition to “bestow animation upon lifeless matter” mirrors Prometheus’ theft of fire. Victor’s quest for knowledge and power over life itself reflects the Enlightenment ideals of scientific progress and human mastery over nature. However, like Prometheus, his defiance leads to suffering and isolation. These two story explores the tension between human ambition and the limits imposed by higher powers, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of knowledge and the consequences of challenging established orders.
As a creator figure, Prometheus gives humanity the gift of fire, which becomes both a blessing and a curse. While fire enables progress, it also brings destruction and suffering. Prometheus’ punishment highlights the burden of creation and the responsibility that comes with bestowing power upon others. In the same way, Victor creates the Creature, but he abandons it out of horror and disgust. His failure to take responsibility for his creation leads to tragedy, as the Creature, rejected and unloved, becomes a force of destruction. Victor’s neglect underscores the moral obligation of creators to care for what they bring into existence. These both narratives emphasize the ethical responsibilities of creators, suggesting that creation without compassion or accountability can lead to chaos and suffering. This things raises questions about the moral implications of scientific and technological advancements.
‘Fire’, as a symbol of knowledge and progress. And it has a dual nature. It empowers humanity but also brings suffering, just as Pandora’s box;
‘In Greek mythology, Pandora’s box was a gift from the gods to Pandora, the first woman on Earth. It contained all the evils of the world which were released when Pandora opened the box. However, it also contained hope, which remained inside the box’.– (Reference is taken from Wikipedia)
In the same way, the advancements and technological also does, which can be seen in the cases Prometheus and Victor Frankenstein, they bear as punishment for defying God and nature. The myth and Victor’s action reflect the dual nature of innovation and animation upon lifeless matter — that has potential for both good and harm. And thus, Victor’s creation of the Creature is initially a triumph of scientific achievement, but it quickly becomes a source of horror and ruination. The Creature, though intelligent and capable of love, is driven to violence by societal rejection and Victor’s abandonment. The novel explores the duality of creation, showing how ambition and innovation can lead to unintended consequences. Both stories highlight the dual nature of creation and knowledge, suggesting that progress and innovation come with inherent risks, and that the pursuit of knowledge must be tempered by ethical considerations.
As punishment for his defiance, Prometheus is bound to a rock, where he endures eternal suffering. His isolation and torment symbolize the price of challenging divine authority and the burden of being a benefactor to humanity. Victor Frankenstein suffers psychological and emotional torment as a result of his actions. He becomes isolated from society and his loved ones, consumed by guilt and fear. Similarly, the Creature experiences profound loneliness and rejection, which drive him to violence. Both creator and creation are trapped in a cycle of suffering. Both narratives explore the theme of isolation as a consequence of defying natural or divine laws, suggesting that the pursuit of knowledge and power can lead to alienation and suffering, both for the creator and the created.
Prometheus’ act of stealing fire is an act of hubris—excessive pride or defiance of the gods. While his intentions are noble, his overreaching leads to his downfall. The myth serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and the limits of human ambition. Victor Frankenstein’s ambition to create life is driven by hubris. He seeks to surpass the natural limits of human knowledge and power, but his overreaching leads to tragedy. The novel critiques the Enlightenment ideal of unchecked scientific progress, suggesting that human ambition must be tempered by humility and respect for natural boundaries. Both stories warn against the dangers of hubris and the consequences of overreaching ambition, suggesting that there are limits to human knowledge and power, and that transgressing these limits can have devastating consequences.
Conclusion
In succinctly, we can say that Frankenstein works as cautionary symbols. It illustrates the enduring tension between human innovation and the boundaries of nature. In her work, Mary Shelley reinterprets the myth for the scientific age, warning against the unbridled pursuit of knowledge and the ethical dilemmas of creation. It also works on to exhibit the profound burden that comes with wielding such power. Just as, mythological ‘Titan god Prometheus’ is both a creator and a rebel, same as Victor who creates a new variety for race by giving them a kind fire (the groundbreaking but tragic discovery of the secret to creating life. Through his intense studies in natural philosophy, chemistry, and alchemy, he learns how to reanimate lifeless matter and creates a living being from dead body parts). It categorically proved that his discovered knowledge is better for the advancements of the world. Same as Prometheus is both a benefactor and a victim of his own actions and has complex relationship with humanity. Victor Frankenstein, being creator who fails to understand the implications of his actions and responsibilities. His relationship with the Creature is fraught with fear, rejection, and misunderstanding. The monster, in turn, becomes a reflection of Victor’s own flaws and failures.
And thus, both narratives explore the relationship between creators and their creations, highlighting the responsibilities and ethical dilemmas that come with the act of creation. It suggests that creators must consider the consequences of their actions and the impact they have on their creations.
Frankenstein and The myth of Prometheus are deeply interconnected, sharing themes of defiance, creation, responsibility, and the duality of knowledge. Both narratives serve as cautionary tales, warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the ethical complexities of creation. It invites readers to reflect on the limits of human knowledge, the responsibilities of creators, and the consequences of defying natural or divine laws. His experiment leads to themes of responsibility, ethical boundaries in science, and the limits of human knowledge—making him a modern Prometheus, who, like the Greek Titan, suffers for bringing forbidden knowledge to humanity. Through their exploration of these themes, both stories remain timeless and relevant, offering profound insights into the human condition.
And another thing that is Victor’s transformation into a monstrous figure is a subtle yet profound one. Outwardly, he appears to be a normal human being, but his actions and behavior reveal a far more sinister character. His selfishness and neglect, particularly in his creation and abandonment of the monster, expose a callous disregard for life and a staggering lack of empathy.
This inversion of the traditional monstrous and human roles forces readers to re-evaluate their assumptions about what constitutes a monster. Is it the physical appearance, the grotesque features, and the supernatural abilities that make someone a monster? Or is it something far more insidious, like the capacity for cruelty, neglect, and selfishness?
Through Victor’s character, Mary Shelley challenges readers to confront the darkness that lurks within human nature. By blurring the lines between the monstrous and the human, she raises important questions about morality, responsibility, and the true nature of monstrosity. And thus, due to her work she becomes one of the renowned figure in English literature.
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