How Does Shelley Use Symbols In Frankenstein

“Symbolism is the use of symbols to express or represent ideas or qualities in literature, art, and on” (Merriam Webster). The symbolism that is presented in Frankenstein is just enlightening and neat. There are so many different examples of symbolism to talk about. The symbol of God, light, and life and death are all mentioned in this novel. I think people tend to overlook the religious aspects of symbolism in this novel and instead focus more on the creature and Victor’s likeness. Shelley uses many different ideas to compare the monster not only to Adam but Satan as well. Shelley also treats Victor as God; by the way he created life. The biblical meaning and importance of this novel are very intriguing. Shelley uses symbolism quite often …show more content…
Victor is determined to become a great scientist and be compared to the great alchemists of his era. “What could not be expected in the country of eternal light?” asks Walton, displaying a faith in, and optimism about, science (Shelley p.10). Walton asks this question, but in his question he is also describing his faith. Walton sees the world as a never ending place of opportunity. The brilliance of man shines a light in a world full of darkness and evil. Victor wants to be a light to the world and enlighten the human race. Victor is first inspired by light when he witnesses lighting strike a tree. This is where his mind starts racing towards life. He embarks on a journey to benefit mankind by creating life. This would do wonderful things for humanity and it is a generous thought. However, while going through the trials of creating life Victor’s light that once …show more content…
Satan was once God’s right hand man, the number one angel to God. It is said that he was the most beautiful angel of them all. Satan aspired to become more powerful than God and because of this obsession for power he was cast away from Heaven to the bottom of the earth, Hell. The creature compares himself to Satan because Satan was made for good but disgraced himself and was cast away from the kingdom of heaven by God. The creature disgraces himself as well, but he was abandoned by his creator before he even had a chance. Satan was the fallen angel. To use Satan and the word angel in the same sentence is funny. He was once a being deemed to do great things, only to succumb the lowest of the lows. The creature after being turned away by his creator then vows to bring evil to the world and cause misery to his creator. In Paradise Lost, Satan vows to do the exact same thing and makes it his duty to bring ill will to the world and forever be God’s enemy. I like to think the creature was more like Adam because even though Adam sinned he was still a good hearted person. The creature started out as this great, intelligent monster that nobody understood, and he did many kind deeds in his isolation in the hut and woods. The creature shows moments of compassion and the way his thoughts are played out in the story reveal how