Analyzing Shelley's Gothic Atmosphere In Frankenstein '

In chapter seven, a Gothic atmosphere is created by Shelley from her use of various techniques, such as foreshadowing and pathetic fallacy, among others. These techniques are shown through the language and structure of chapter seven, all of this contributes to a clear Gothic atmosphere.
Shelley first introduces us to a Gothic atmosphere through the use of foreshadowing. This is aided by pathetic fallacy throughout chapter seven. Quotes such as "the evening was warm and serene" helps foreshadow the brutal death of William, Victor Frankenstein's younger brother. The imagery of William playing around in nice weather, happy and content, is then broken by the reality; he's dead. Shelley's way of foreshadowing the death provides a sort of 'calm-before-the-storm' feeling, preparing the readers for what's to come. …show more content…
The emotion shown by the language goes from sad, to happy and then back to sad right away. "Cruel kindness" is our first bit of emotive language, not only that but it is an oxymoron. This makes the reader wonder how the letter from Victor's father is going to carry on. There is a negative semantic field present throughout most, if not all, of chapter seven, this emotive language provides that exact semantic field. Then there's the use of "horrible tidings", "William is dead!" and many more, from then on the readers know the story and the terrible forthcoming have only just started. The use of "sweet child", "smiles delighted" and "so gentle, yet so gay!" provides a sort of warmth to the readers, it contrasts his death. Shelley's choice of vocabulary here is used to make the death even worse, it adds emphasis and makes the readers sympathise, leading them to realise just how bad the situation