Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Frankenstein (required reading)



Frankenstein is a work of fiction that is characterized by the gothic/romantic style of writing that was becoming popular at the time it was written. Throughout the whole story, there is strong themes of death that are being explored. The monster is brought back from death and is on a hunt for Dr. Frankenstein, whereever he goes he seems to bring death with him. Some characters that are close to Dr. Frankenstein and eventually the doctor himself all succumb to death when the monster shows up. By the end, both Frankenstein and the reader are questioning whether death is escapable at all. It's disturbing but also fascinating to witness Shelley exploring the emotional terror and ideas of one's fate when it comes to death. It's also no surprise to the see the story venture down this road thematically when you consider Mary Shelley's own personal struggles and the environment she was in at the time of writing.

Frankenstein also contains tropes that were, or would become, staples of gothic fiction. Secret passages, dark castles and spooky science are all present and contributing both to the story, but also the books extremely gothic atmosphere and style.

The book is also very romantic, as it seems to explore the emotional aspects of the characters even more than it explores the scientific world behind the stories antagonist. In fact, the science of the story can almost seem supernatural at points, which I think is something Shelley uses to her advantage in making it all feel more sinister.

In the end, Frankenstein is perhaps the most Gothic piece of literature I have ever read (aside from some of the stories of Edgar Allen Poe). I think she does an excellent job of establishing the Gothic style and letting the reader experience what makes it wonderful and terrifying.

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