Mary Shelley
Why it is a Classic Mary Shelley was one of the most famous and greatest writers of the early 1800s. She wrote many great novels and short stories that could be considered classics, such as Frankenstein and “The Invisible Girl”. A classic is not just any average novel or short story; to be a classic it must have good use of literary elements, along with a new and different idea for a plot. Mary Shelley uses literary elements in a special way that makes her a classic writer. There are many great pieces of classic writing by Mary Shelley. Frankenstein, one of her best works, is a classic, because she uses suspense, psychological aspects, and tone to create a masterpiece. One of the many things that sets Frankenstein and Mary Shelley apart from others; is her excellent ability to create a mood. In Frankenstein she creates a mysterious and suspenseful mood that really captures the reader’s attention. In the novel Victor says “It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open;”(Ch. 5,pg 41) this quote from the novel creates a scary and intense mood. Not only does Mary Shelley show her ability to create a mood in Frankenstein, but also in the short story “The Invisible Girl”. The excellent ability of Mary Shelley to create a mood, in a story or novel is one of the many things that make Frankenstein a classic novel. Mary Shelley also uses suspense and foreshadowing in her writings to keep the reader involved. The monster in Frankenstein tells Victor “I shall be with you on your wedding-night.”(Ch. 20); this is a great example of foreshadowing. When the monster tells Victor this, it becomes obvious that something bad is going to happen and it keeps the reader guessing what it will be, while sending a shiver of terror through their body. Mary Shelley uses the element of suspense a lot in
Cited: Merriman, C. D. "Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley." - Biography and Works. Search Texts, Read Online. Discuss. Jalic Inc., 2006. Web. 8 May 2012. . Mould, Chris, and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Frankenstein. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1997. Print.