"What makes Frankenstein an important book, though it is only a strong, flawed novel with frequent clumsiness in its narrative and characterization, is that it contains one of the most vivid versions we have of the Romantic mythology of the self, one that resembles Blake's "Book of Urizen", Shelley’s "Prometheus Unbound" and Byron's "Manfred", among other works. Because it lacks the sophistication and imaginative complexity of such works, Frankenstein affords a unique introduction to the archetypal world of the Romantics."
This quotation by Harold Bloom, focuses on the aspect of why the novel Frankenstein is so important and why it stands out compared to other novels of the same genre. The argument is discussed later in this paper. Consequently, more questions are answered: What is Shelley's style of writing? Which elements does the novel Frankenstein consist of, and what makes it differ from other Gothic novels? The paper's aim is to answer these questions and to give information about the question: Is Frankenstein a typical Gothic novel?
The structure is as follows. At first, the context of the novel is explained by giving background information about the author Mary Shelley. Subsequently, the Gothic genre is introduced, followed by the Gothic themes in "Frankenstein" which are analyzed under different aspects. Lastly, the findings are compiled in the conclusion.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Context
2.1. Information about Mary Shelley
2.2 The Gothic genre
3. Gothic themes in Frankenstein
3.1 Horror and monstrosity
3.2 Similarity of Victor and the monster
3.3 Sexuality and incest
3.4 Narrative style
4. Conclusion
5. Works Cited
Research Objectives and Themes
This academic paper explores whether Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein" qualifies as a typical Gothic novel by analyzing its alignment with genre conventions and the author’s unique narrative choices. The investigation focuses on themes such as horror, the duality of the creator and the creature, sexuality, and the specific narrative structure employed to shape the reader’s perception.
- Analysis of Gothic genre conventions in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Examination of horror, monstrosity, and the psychological similarities between Victor and his creation.
- Exploration of taboo themes including incest and problematic sexual dynamics.
- Evaluation of "Frankenstein" as a unique, untypical contribution to the Gothic literary tradition.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Horror and monstrosity
Mary Shelley's intention was to write a “thrilling horror” novel (Crook Chapter 7). Thus, its sustaining elements are suspense, persecution, and panic. Also, she explains that the novel “contains most of the props of Gothic terror fiction” (Levine and Knoepflmacher 7).
In Frankenstein horror is especially formed by the monster and its killings. Unlike other novels, the killings of the monster were partly performed without “malicious intent” (O´Rourke 380). For instance, in the creature's view it was an act of self-defense, when little William was murdered. Regarding the monster's actions, it is to emphasize that “moral horror” is particular in the novel Frankenstein. As O´Rourke states in Studies of Romanticism the creature possesses a “coldly logical justification of his capacity for ruthlessness” (380).
Besides his monstrosity, the creature is able to reflect itself:
I viewed myself in a transparent pool! At first I started back, unable to believe that it was indeed I who was reflected in the mirror; and when I became fully convinced that I was in reality the monster that I am, I was filled with the bitterest sensations of dependence and mortification. Alas! I did not entirely know the fatal effects of this miserable deformity. (Shelley 139)
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the importance of Mary Shelley’s novel and sets the research goal of determining whether it fits the classical Gothic genre.
2. Context: The author provides biographical background on Mary Shelley and establishes the foundational definitions of the Gothic literary genre.
3. Gothic themes in Frankenstein: This section investigates the core elements of the novel, focusing on horror, the 'Doppelgänger' relationship between creator and creature, social taboos, and narrative style.
4. Conclusion: The findings are summarized, concluding that "Frankenstein" represents an untypical Gothic novel due to its specific characterization and thematic departures.
5. Works Cited: A comprehensive list of primary and secondary sources used for this academic analysis.
Keywords
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Gothic novel, horror, monstrosity, Romanticism, Doppelgänger, incest, narrative style, literature, Victor Frankenstein, the creature, Romantic hero, literary terror, Gothic tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this paper?
The paper examines the Gothic elements in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and questions its classification as a typical representative of the Gothic genre.
What are the central themes discussed?
Key themes include horror and monstrosity, the psychological resemblance between Victor and his monster, the representation of incest and sexuality, and the use of the first-person narrative perspective.
What is the main finding regarding the genre of the book?
After analyzing the narrative structure and themes, the author concludes that "Frankenstein" is more accurately characterized as an untypical Gothic novel.
Which scientific method is used?
The paper utilizes a literary-analytical approach, incorporating existing scholarly critiques and comparative analyses of Gothic conventions.
What does the main body address?
It provides an in-depth exploration of the Gothic foundations, thematic aspects of the characters, and the narrative techniques that set the novel apart from contemporary works.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
Major keywords include Frankenstein, Gothic novel, monster, horror, Doppelgänger, and Romanticism.
How does the author view the relationship between Victor and the creature?
The author argues that they function as 'Doppelgängers' or two aspects of the same being, highlighting their shared tendencies for solitude and despair.
Why did Mary Shelley choose to exclude a traditional heroine?
The author suggests this is one of the distinct deviations from standard Gothic patterns, which contributes to the novel's unique sophistication in literary terror.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2022, Is Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" a typical Gothic Novel? Context and Themes in "The Modern Prometheus", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1352869
