‘Frankenstein’ as a Gothic novel
Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is a quintessential Gothic novel that explores the
dark recesses of human nature, the supernatural, and the destructive
consequences of unchecked ambition. Through atmospheric settings,
psychological torment, and the portrayal of grotesque and monstrous figures,
Shelley masterfully crafts a tale that embodies the essence of the Gothic genre.
One of the key elements of Gothic literature is the incorporation of eerie and
atmospheric settings that evoke a sense of dread and foreboding. In
"Frankenstein," Shelley skilfully employs such settings to heighten the Gothic
atmosphere. For instance, when Victor Frankenstein describes his surroundings
in Ingolstadt, he remarks, "A tingling long-lost sense of pleasure often came
across me during this journey". The use of sensory imagery creates a haunting
and mysterious ambiance that immerses the reader in the Gothic world.
The dark setting in Gothic fiction launches horror and fear in the narrative.
Frankenstein describes his creature’s coming into life and the surrounding
atmosphere as: “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; it breathed hard, and a
convulsive motion agitated its limbs”, provokes a sense of gloom and
mystery worked out by darkness. Victor "collected bones from charnel-
houses and disturbed, with profane fingers, the tremendous secrets of the
human frame". "The dissecting room and the slaughter-house" furnished
many materials. Freud suggests that the theme of reanimation of inanimate
objects is the peak of the uncanny imagery depicting the familiar in an
unfamiliar manner, stating: “apparent death and re-animation of the dead
have been represented as the most uncanny themes”. Moreover Gothic
theme of ugliness is dominant as the creature is described as "filthy" in
appearance. The horrific appearance of the Monster raising fear is testified
by shuddering reactions of Walton, Felix, Safie, Agatha and readers.
Furthermore, the novel features psychological torment and the exploration of
the human psyche, which are common motifs in Gothic literature. Victor
Frankenstein's descent into madness and obsession exemplify this aspect. He
confesses, "During these last days I have been occupied in examining my past
conduct", showcasing his introspection and the toll that his actions have taken
on his mental state. This internal struggle and torment reflect the Gothic
tradition of delving into the depths of the human psyche.
Rather than offering the Monster "the small portion of happiness which
was yet in my power to bestow – Victor performs the ultimate gesture of
castration by destroying of the female monster negating any hope that the
Monster might gain access to a "chain of existence and events".
Consequently, the Monster strikes at Frankenstein's own "chain of existence
and events": after William and Justine Moritz, his bosom friend Henry
Clerval and his bride, Elizabeth. Victor's wedding night ends in a
necrophilic embrace. The Monster's murderous mark on Frankenstein's
bride at the moment when Frankenstein's desire is on the point of
consummation, in dialectical response to the destruction of his monstrous
bride.
The portrayal of grotesque and monstrous figures is another hallmark of Gothic
literature, and "Frankenstein" excels in this regard. The creature created by
Victor Frankenstein is a prime example of a Gothic monster. The creature's
appearance is described as horrifying and unnatural, with Victor exclaiming,
"How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the
wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form?".
The physical grotesqueness of the creature aligns with the Gothic tradition of
presenting monstrous and otherworldly beings.
Additionally, Shelly incorporates elements of the supernatural throughout the
novel. The creature's creation itself is a supernatural act, defying the laws of
nature. The atmosphere of obscurity and doom is dominant throughout. Victor is
surrounded by darkness and rain– the dreary atmosphere is connected with his
raising fear and anxiety: “it was completely dark”, “the storm appeared”, “the
dark mountains”, “the darkness and storm increased every minute”, or “pitchy
darkness”, triggering fear, tension and suspense. Even the creature at the end of
the novel is swallowed by darkness and “was soon borne away by the waves
and lost in darkness and distance”, emphasizing the supernatural and mysterious
nature of the event.
Furthermore, Gothic literature often explores themes of the sublime, the sublime
being the awe-inspiring and terrifying aspects of nature and existence. In
"Frankenstein," Shelley delves into this theme through Victor's encounters with
the sublime. For example, when he witnesses the power of nature during a
thunderstorm, he states, "I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed",
emphasizing the overwhelming and sublime force of nature.
Therefore, Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is undeniably a Gothic novel that
encompasses the essential elements of the genre. Through atmospheric settings,
psychological torment, grotesque figures, and supernatural elements, Shelley
creates a haunting and immersive Gothic world. The novel delves into the
depths of human nature, explores the dark consequences of unchecked ambition,
and touches upon the sublime. With its intricate interplay of Gothic themes and
motifs, "Frankenstein" stands as a testament to Shelley's skill in crafting a truly
captivating and enduring Gothic masterpiece as on a certain level, Victor's
interest in creating life is an extension of his desire to escape death. By
assembling the body parts of the dead, Victor makes a "monster" who is part
human and part ghost. Like a tormented spirit, his creation haunts the living.
