Theme Of Imagery In Frankenstein

Literary figures are able to transcend the pages of the stories they are written into, and shed new light on themes and ideas within the work. Mary Shelley’s use of imagery as a figure throughout the novel Frankenstein is symbolic of both human progress, as well as the dangers of human invention, which helps to give the novel its own source of life, energy and suspense. In using light as a literary figure, Shelley creates an analysis of the definition of life, concluding that life is not simply the operations of the physical body or the sum of its parts; a more vital principle must first be included. The pattern of lighting imagery Shelley uses reflects moments in the story highlights the novel’s structure, like the lighting in a film adds …show more content…
It was already one in the morning; 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” (83). In this passage, Shelley mentions the “spark of being” as the source of the creature’s new existence. This awakens in the reader’s mind the idea that Shelley’s literary “spark” not only gives life to the creature, but to the story itself, much in the same way sunlight brings life to the day, and lightning illuminates the night sky.

In the previous passage, Victor recounts the state of his burnt out candle in the “half-extinguished light,” metaphorically indicating the lifelessness he felt prior to the creature’s completion. Up until this point in the novel, Walton and Victor have elaborated on their misfortunes in life, and their feelings of wistful yearning and loneliness. After the creature is animated, however, the consequences of his actions leave Victor more lifeless than ever before. In this way, the “spark” revitalizes one character while destroying another—and ultimately both …show more content…
Similar to the Greek Titan Prometheus, who gives fire to the people of Earth, Victor gives a spark of life to the creature, but only a spark. Prometheus disobeyed Zeus and was punished for his actions. Likewise, Victor’s attempt to defy the laws of nature resulted in several personal losses, including his family, his wife, his hope, and his peace of mind. Based on these parallels, the reader is able to make a connection between Prometheus and Victor in each instance Shelley mentions fire, and consequently foreshadows Victor’s ultimate and inevitable downfall. Overall, through the use of light as a symbol of life within the novel, Shelley not only brings life to the creature in the book, but to the pages of the novel itself. The use of light imagery creates an atmosphere about the novel that builds suspense and pulls the reader along, all while demonstrating to the reader a new perception of life and