Tucker Aldridge
Kathryn Schroder
English IV Honors
8 December 2016
Gothic Elements in Frankenstein
Since its arrival in mainstream literature in the late 18th century, the genre of gothic literature maintains its place as one of the most captivating and intriguing writing styles. Attributing to this popularity is the dark approach to romantic era works, resulting in novels full of death, mystery, and suspense ("The Gothic: Overview"). One of the earliest and most influential examples of gothic literature is Mary Shelley 's Frankenstein. This novel remains one of the most popular and stolen-from classics in this genre because of Mary’s excellent plot and execution ("The Gothic: Overview"). In Frankenstein, Shelley creates the perfect piece …show more content…
While the only really supernatural component in Frankenstein is the monster, Shelley reminds the readers of his supernatural qualities throughout the book. From early on in the novel, readers can pick up on the soon-to-come mystical elements when Victor Frankenstein abandons the study of natural philosophy for sciences, particularly anatomy and the creation of life. In the beginning of chapter five, Victor turned his practice into a reality. On a dark, rainy November night, Frankenstein brought life to his pieced-together creature, working against all the laws of science and nature. Although the scientist had the opportunity to pick and choose the features of his creation, the author still describes it as a gruesome and hideous being. Shelley also adds to the supernatural elements of this character by giving him superhuman strength and speed. According to Victor, “He bounded over the crevices in the ice, among which I had walked with caution (Shelley 88).” The unnatural traits possessed by this mysterious, unexplainable creature are the reason for Frankenstein’s success as a novel. Readers already recognize what humans are capable of, therefore they must constantly be surprised to be captivated by a story. Shelley realized this long ago, and produced the supernatural, gothic novel Frankenstein, which still fascinates readers
Kathryn Schroder
English IV Honors
8 December 2016
Gothic Elements in Frankenstein
Since its arrival in mainstream literature in the late 18th century, the genre of gothic literature maintains its place as one of the most captivating and intriguing writing styles. Attributing to this popularity is the dark approach to romantic era works, resulting in novels full of death, mystery, and suspense ("The Gothic: Overview"). One of the earliest and most influential examples of gothic literature is Mary Shelley 's Frankenstein. This novel remains one of the most popular and stolen-from classics in this genre because of Mary’s excellent plot and execution ("The Gothic: Overview"). In Frankenstein, Shelley creates the perfect piece …show more content…
While the only really supernatural component in Frankenstein is the monster, Shelley reminds the readers of his supernatural qualities throughout the book. From early on in the novel, readers can pick up on the soon-to-come mystical elements when Victor Frankenstein abandons the study of natural philosophy for sciences, particularly anatomy and the creation of life. In the beginning of chapter five, Victor turned his practice into a reality. On a dark, rainy November night, Frankenstein brought life to his pieced-together creature, working against all the laws of science and nature. Although the scientist had the opportunity to pick and choose the features of his creation, the author still describes it as a gruesome and hideous being. Shelley also adds to the supernatural elements of this character by giving him superhuman strength and speed. According to Victor, “He bounded over the crevices in the ice, among which I had walked with caution (Shelley 88).” The unnatural traits possessed by this mysterious, unexplainable creature are the reason for Frankenstein’s success as a novel. Readers already recognize what humans are capable of, therefore they must constantly be surprised to be captivated by a story. Shelley realized this long ago, and produced the supernatural, gothic novel Frankenstein, which still fascinates readers