In this passage from the novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, the author describes the Creature’s experience of coming into the world for the first time, as well as his human life perspective. Shelley uses sensory diction and visual imagery in her writing to help the reader draw a parallel between the Creature’s entrance into the world and that of a newborn baby experiencing the world for the first time. Shelley’s visual imagery of light and darkness and strong use of sensory diction help to reveal the humanity within the Creature.
Shelley uses sensory diction to depict the Creature as a newborn baby experiencing the world for the first time. This description helps to highlight the humanity within the Creature despite its unnatural creation. When the Creature wakes up it feels “light, and hunger, and thirst, and darkness…sounds rung in my ears…scents saluted me…I fixed my eyes on [the bright moon] with pleasure” (50-55). The author’s word choice shows that the Creature entered the world just like a newborn infant does. Knowing that the Creature experienced such sensory feelings as light, hunger, thirst, and sound shows that although created artificially, he is very much like a human. Furthermore, the author states that the Creature felt, “delighted [by the] pleasant sound, which often saluted my ears” (62-63). This leads the reader to believe that the Creature is able to create an opinion based on his feelings and experiences further proving his appreciation of humanity and life. Shelley’s repetitive use of sensory diction used in the comparison between the Creature and a newborn baby proves the Creature’s humanity.
Shelley uses visual imagery of light and darkness to express the Creature as a newborn baby experiencing the world for the first time. This characterization helps to emphasize the humanity the Creature often exhibits despite its artificial creation. When the Creature first enters the world, “a stronger light