By Mary Shelley
“Frankenstein, or, the Modern Prometheus” is a masterpiece of Gothic literature that explores the dangers of ambition and the consequences of playing God. Mary Shelley skillfully employs various literary devices such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and allusion to create a hauntingly beautiful tale of horror and despair that continues to captivate readers even after two centuries.”
In this guide you’ll learn:
Themes 📚
- Ambition: The novel explores the dangers of ambition and the consequences of trying to play God, as Victor Frankenstein’s desire for knowledge and power ultimately leads to his downfall.
- Isolation: The novel examines the theme of isolation and loneliness, as Victor and the monster both struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness as a result of their actions.
- Nature vs. Nurture: The novel questions whether a person’s nature is determined by their upbringing and environment or by their inherent qualities, as the monster’s actions are shaped by his experiences and treatment by others.
- Responsibility: The novel emphasizes the theme of responsibility and the need to take responsibility for one’s actions, as Victor must confront the consequences of his creation and the monster must confront the consequences of his actions.
- Revenge: The novel explores the theme of revenge, as the monster seeks revenge against his creator for abandoning him and leaving him to suffer alone.
- Humanity: The novel questions what it means to be human and explores the humanity of the monster, as he demonstrates emotions and desires that are typically associated with humans.
Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽
- Epistolary structure: The novel is structured as a series of letters and narratives, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the characters.
- Foreshadowing: The author uses foreshadowing to give readers hints of what is to come, creating a sense of tension and anticipation. For example, the monster’s creation is foreshadowed by Victor’s feverish nightmares.
- Imagery: The novel is full of vivid descriptions and images that create a strong emotional impact on readers. For example, the descriptions of the monster’s appearance and actions create a sense of horror and disgust.
- Allusion: Shelley makes references to other works of literature and historical events to add depth and complexity to the story. For example, the subtitle “The Modern Prometheus” alludes to the Greek myth of Prometheus, who created humans and gave them fire.
- Irony: The author uses irony to create a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. For example, Victor’s pursuit of knowledge and power leads to his own destruction and misery.
- Metaphor: Shelley uses metaphors to compare different things and draw connections between them. For example, the monster is metaphorically described as a fallen angel, representing his isolation and alienation from humanity.
- Personification: The author uses personification to give human qualities to non-human things. For example, the natural world is personified as a character with its own emotions and desires.
- Repetition: Shelley uses repetition to emphasize certain ideas and create a sense of rhythm and structure in the story. For example, the repeated use of the word “miserable” emphasizes the monster’s suffering and isolation.
- Symbolism: The novel uses various symbols to represent ideas and themes. For example, the monster’s appearance symbolizes the danger of judging others based on their appearance.
- Flashback: The author uses flashbacks to provide background information and develop the characters and their motivations. For example, Victor’s childhood experiences with lightning and electricity foreshadow his later obsession with creating life.
Examples of Literary Devices 📋
| Foreshadowing Event | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Victor’s interest in alchemy | Victor’s fascination with alchemy and the mysteries of life | Foreshadows his creation of the Creature and the tragic consequences that follow |
| Walton’s ambition | Walton’s desire for fame and knowledge in his letters | Foreshadows Victor’s similar obsession and serves as a warning |
| The Creature’s threats | The Creature’s promise to be with Victor on his wedding night | Foreshadows the murder of Victor’s bride, Elizabeth |
2. Symbolism
| Symbol | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| The Creature | Victor’s monstrous creation | Represents the consequences of unchecked ambition and mankind’s capacity for both good and evil |
| Light and fire | The dual nature of scientific discovery and knowledge | Symbolizes the potential for both enlightenment and destruction |
| The Arctic landscape | The desolate, frozen setting of the novel’s frame narrative | Serves as a metaphor for the characters’ emotional isolation and the destructive nature of obsession |
3. Imagery
| Imagery Type | Example | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Visual | The grotesque appearance of the Creature | Highlights the horror of Victor’s creation and its impact on both the Creature and society |
| Emotional | Victor’s guilt and despair following the deaths of his loved ones | Deepens the reader’s understanding of Victor’s torment and the novel’s tragic tone |
| Sensory | The sublime landscapes of the Swiss Alps and the Arctic | Evokes the novel’s Romantic themes of nature and human emotion |
4. Motif
| Motif | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| The pursuit of knowledge | The characters’ thirst for understanding and mastery of the natural world | Explores the potential dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral implications of scientific discovery |
| Nature vs. nurture | The Creature’s development and treatment by society | Raises questions about the role of environment in shaping one’s character and moral compass |
| Isolation and loneliness | The emotional isolation experienced by both Victor and the Creature | Examines the destructive consequences of loneliness and the human need for connection |
5. Irony
| Type of Irony | Example | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Dramatic irony | The reader’s awareness of the Creature’s innocence and capacity for goodness | Creates sympathy for the Creature and intensifies the tragedy of his rejection |
| Situational irony | Victor’s creation of life leading to the destruction of his own life | Emphasizes the tragic consequences of his actions and the dangers of playing God |
| Verbal irony | The Creature’s eloquence and education, despite his monstrous appearance | Challenges the reader’s expectations and underscores the novel’s themes of prejudice and humanity |
6. Allusion
| Allusion | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| The Modern Prometheus | The novel’s subtitle referencing the Greek myth of Prometheus | Draws a parallel between Victor’s creation and the myth, emphasizing the dangers of overreaching ambition |
| Literary references | Allusions to works such as “Paradise Lost” and “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” | Deepens the novel’s thematic complexity and situates it within the Romantic literary tradition |
FAQs 💭
What literary devices are used in “Frankenstein, or, the Modern Prometheus”?
“Frankenstein, or, the Modern Prometheus” makes use of several literary devices, including symbolism, foreshadowing, allusion, and metaphor.
What is the role of symbolism in the novel?
How is foreshadowing used in the novel?
Foreshadowing is used to hint at the tragic events that will occur later in the novel, such as the deaths of William and Justine. This creates a sense of tension and unease for the reader.
What allusions are made in the novel?
How is metaphor used in the novel?
Metaphor is used to convey complex ideas and emotions, such as the monster’s feelings of isolation and loneliness. For example, the monster compares himself to Adam in “Paradise Lost,” emphasizing his sense of being an outsider.