Preview

Walton's Use Of Symbolism In Frankenstein

Satisfactory Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1002 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Walton's Use Of Symbolism In Frankenstein
FRANKENSTEIN LETTERS► Introduces Walton and Frankenstein.► Establishes the openingand closing settings (anArctic landscape).► Introduces a number ofkey ideas | IDEAS► Walton's ambition, his desireto explore unknown realmsand the dangers of thisforeshadow Frankenstein'squest.► Transgressing the naturalorder.► Responsibility for one'sactions.► Isolation as a result oftransgression.► The need for friendship andsociety► Culpability►The potentially transformingpower of story telling. | TECHNIQUES► Symbolic use of setting – creates anemotional / psychological landscape -one marked by isolation, detachmentfrom society and even loss of onesown humanity.► The use of the sublime in Nature –linked to the Romantic notion of the Divinity in Nature (its …show more content…

If the study to which you apply yourself has a tendency to weaken your affections and to destroy your taste for those simple pleasure... then that study is certainly unlawful...”
“...My heart palpitated in the sickness of fear...”
“...animated by an almost supernatural enthusiasm...”

LETTER, MURDER AND TRIALCH VI-VIII► Justine Moritz introduced to the reader► Context based interests established through Clerval► Victor recovers due to nature► William dead► Justine condemned | IDEAS► Class injustice in the 19th century - context►Power of nature to inspire and heal►Victor biased and pegs creature as inhumane► Church and justice system flawed► Social reform required | TECHNIQUES► Trial used as a device to portray concerns►Victor’s self blame for creating the creature reveals ignorance; failure to educate and take responsibility are the actual faults |
USEFUL QUOTES
“... my health had long been restored, they gained additional strength from the salubrious air I breathed...”
“...more hideous than belongs to humanity...”
“...no sooner did that idea cross my imagination than I became convinced of its
…show more content…

MONSTER’S TALECH II-VIII► Monster given his own voice► Monster develops awareness and perception► Monster portrayed as Romantic, benevolent► Monster educated from Sorrows of Werter, Paradise Lost and Lives► Monster desires company►DeLaceys : Social reform, women’s rights►Monster rejected because he looks like a monster►Monster becomes a monster as he is rejected and overcome by negative emotions►Monster appeals to Frankenstein for a mate | IDEAS► Monster portrayed as a confused baby; human.►Predestination, free will►Monster feels human emotions►Monster corrupted by faulty education and loneliness►Parallels – Adam and Satan► Monster is “more human than human”, driven by the human emotions of rage and hatred► Frankenstein has a “responsibility” towards the monster | TECHNIQUES► Monster given a voice to construct himself as human►DeLacey’s story : supports women’s rights through the use of religion►Allusions to Mutability; highlights the dangers of science once more►Allusions to Paradise Lost

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    The beginning and ending of the novel Frankenstein are written in epistolary form as a series of letters from Robert Walton, to his sister. The letters are unusual as they contain very little information about Walton’s sister and mostly detail Walton’s exploits in exploring the Arctic in search of the North-West Passage, in this way resembling journal entries instead of letters. While Walton spends many pages explaining his adventures in a “land surpassing in wonders and beauty,” the few questions asked to his sister are either rhetorical such as “do you understand this feeling?” which is also condescending, snidely suggesting his sisters incapacity to comprehend sublime emotions, or refer solely to himself such as “when shall I return?” In fact one of the few pieces of information collected about his sister is revealed in the last series of letters and that she has a “husband and lovely children,” something common to many women and making her remarkably indistinguishable. Because of the total lack of any real detail about his sister the reader effectively takes her place in a listener-speaker dynamic.…

    • 955 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Walton wanted to travel to the arctic, and even reach the northernmost area of the cold wasteland. Frankenstein, wished to accomplish something very abnormal and fantastic. He wished to create life and obtain the ability to bring things back from the dead. In Frankenstein, both men aim to accomplish great endeavors, but the author uses the characterization of Victor Frankenstein and Robert Walton to warn people of the dangers that fall upon those who seek knowledge of unknown ideas and concepts. An example of this in the modern era is the science that led to the development of nuclear and advanced military technology.…

    • 103 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    In what ways does a comparative study accentuate the distinctive contexts of Frankenstein and Blade Runner:…

    • 1034 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Shelley’s novel Frankenstein is a story about a man named Frankenstein who makes a monster. After creating the monster Frankenstein neglects it. This makes the monster depressed and lonely. This causing the monster to seek revenge on his creator, he does this by murdering Frankenstein’s family one by one to bring Frankenstein to the level of despair at which the monster resided. Foreshadowing, diction and imagery create horror by creating suspense and repulsion in quotes.…

    • 325 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The two texts ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Blade Runner’ both embody themes of science, creation and nature that are reflected in the author’s life and what was happening in the world around them.…

    • 844 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The parallel concept of humanity is highlighted through different paradigms. Shelley employs the mise-en-abyme and gothic horror form to highlight how monstrosity (and ultimately humanity) is not defined by the physical, whilst Scott emphasises this in BR through the crime fiction elements which focus on the grey areas of humanity through the simulacra replicants. The physical monstrosity of the creature is juxtaposed with the internal monstrosity of F through the combined mise-en-abyme and gothic form of the novel. The dark and gothic imagery employed to describe the monster in F’s perspective: “his yellow skin... watery eyes… shrivelled complexion and straight black lips” repulses the audience. However, through the mise-en-abyme form, readers are able to empathise with the monster’s pain: “I was a poor, miserable wretch”. Consequently, F’s humanity is questioned as Shelley delves deeper into the monster’s character, to the extent that F becomes the real monster even though he is not physically monstrous. This paralleled theme is further enhanced in BR through the ambiguity of the crime fiction form. This is shown through the simulacrum nature of the replicants and is juxtaposed to the monstrosity in F, as there is no now physical distinction of humanity. This “More human than human” approach is highlighted not just physically, but also…

    • 740 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    It is obvious that Victor Frankenstein has reconstructed Walton’s views of the creature. Walton describes him as ‘ apparently a gigantic structure’, ‘savage inhabitant’. This shows that Robert Walton has a natural opinion based on appearance. As Walton acts as the narrator, his views influence the reader. However, due to his split personality, we must ask ourselves as to whether or not, we trust him. His loneliness forces him…

    • 322 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    The pursuit of knowledge is at the heart of Frankenstein, as Victor attempts to surge beyond accepted human limits and access the secret of life. Likewise, Robert Walton attempts to surpass previous human explorations by endeavoring to reach the North Pole. This ruthless pursuit of knowledge, of the light (see “Light and Fire”), proves dangerous, as Victor’s act of creation eventually results in the destruction of everyone dear to him, and Walton finds himself perilously trapped between sheets of ice. Whereas Victor’s obsessive hatred of the monster drives him to his death, Walton ultimately pulls back from his treacherous mission, having learned from Victor’s example how destructive the thirst for knowledge can be.…

    • 2850 Words
    • 12 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Frankenstein’s creation should be considered an anti-hero because although the monster does not portray pure morals, it has concealed intentions covered with emotional complexities. After Frankenstein abandons his own creation, the monster shows its genuine and noble side by attempting to create a friendship with the old man and his family. Although the monster was charged out of the house, it exemplifies the ideals of a “flawed hero” on the monster, showing its honest attempts to become apart of the human race even if he is shunned out of the rest of society.…

    • 283 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Monsters are imaginary creatures that humans created. People’s fears, worries, or anxieties have been used to create the fictional monsters. Monsters have features that society deem to be scary or bad. The novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and the novella The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka follow the story of a 'monster'. Pushed away from society, and labeled as an outcast, the monster is often hurt by the people around it. However, the monsters in these stories were not always monsters. They were once simple creatures, loving and kind, who were pushed away by society, turned into outcasts and deemed unfit to live among the rest of society. Once deemed unfit for society, both Frankenstein's monster and Gregor turned towards monstrosity. Both…

    • 1114 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley presents a powerful depiction of monstrous nature that is perceived to us through the use of: nature, context, contrast, perception, imagery and language in the novel. Through these devices and means, a bleak outlook of humanity as a whole is portrayed.…

    • 989 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    What makes a monster? Is monstrosity purely physical or is monstrosity a term used to denote immoral behavior? However one chooses to answer this question one must inevitably speak about the “monster” in relation to other beings in a given society at a particular time. In this essay I attempt to not only capture the “monster” as an engineered body, but also highlight the connection and possible tension between scientific knowledge and the morality of scientists and society during the Scientific Revolution/Enlightenment period. Traveling back in time to the 1700’s I will show readers that all that is needed to create a monster is an engineer, parts, a spark, society and a little science. Lastly, I will reflect on how advancements in science…

    • 1710 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Sympathy In Frankenstein

    • 2094 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley and first published in 1818, follows the set of extraordinary events encompassing the life of Victor Frankenstein; natural philosophy devotee and reanimation pioneer. Characterization plays a major role in encouraging different attitudes in Frankenstein, an example being how the reader is encouraged to feel sympathy for Frankenstein and his creation throughout the novel. Aided by the differing narrative perspective, these sympathies are continually evolving, changing as the reader’s perception of the two is altered, and at the end of the novel, the reader is left questioning who the real monster is: Frankenstein, or his creation? The…

    • 2094 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Frankenstein: What makes it a Gothic Novel? One of the most important aspects of any gothic novel is setting. Mary Shelly 's Frankenstein is an innovative and disturbing work that weaves a tale of passion, misery, dread, and remorse. Shelly reveals the story of a man 's thirst for knowledge which leads to a monstrous creation that goes against the laws of nature and natural order.…

    • 642 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    The monster continually calls out for sensibility from the romantic. The monster has a desire for companionship, and implores of his creator to make him a being of his own species. The monster also desires to be accepted by mankind. The final way the monster displays sensibility is through his desire to learn. He displays his capabilities of learning at the beginning of his creation, and continues to grow throughout the novel. Victor Frankenstein shows the individualistic, mystic, and love of nature side of romanticism. He displays individualism through his desire to be his own creator. He also rejects the help from others, and strives on selfish ambition. Victor shows the mysticism, through gaining power of being his own god. Finally, he shows a love for nature, through taking the time to breathe and admire the beautiful countryside around him. Romanticism is concluded in the comparison of the two characters, and how similar their situations are. Victor Frankenstein and the monster both have a strong desire for love from others around them. They also show great passion for sympathy from others, which they do not necessarily receive. Their situations are unrealistic, and portray the case of non-neoclassicism. Both Frankenstein and the monster experience deep sorrow throughout the entire novel. This experience is heightened when the monster is denied a companion and Victor loses all of his loved ones. In the end, both Victor and the creature share their desire for friendship, which neither fully obtain, due to the circumstances of the rejection and bitterness. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, displays the aspects of Romanticism through Frankenstein and his creature; they display sensibility, individualism, love of nature, non-neoclassicism, and…

    • 1555 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays

Related Topics