Symbolism In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
“I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed” (Shelley 70). This quote is extracted from Mary Shelley’s 19th century book Frankenstein, a novel written about Victor Frankenstein. Victor creates a Monster using his skills in chemistry and natural physiology; while doing this, Shelley portrays symbolism, isolationism, and tragedy in various ways throughout her work showing how the Monster and Victor Frankenstein both experience times in their life when it seems as if nobody cares.
Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas and qualities; symbolism is used many ways within Frankenstein. One example takes place when Victor is at his home late one night, and lightning strikes …show more content…
In the two years it took Victor to create the monster, he was completely isolated, caring only about learning and creation. “Natural philosophy is the genius that regulated my fate” (22). Victor was so concerned about creating life, that he blocked all his family and friends out of his life for two whole years; therefore, after the monster was created, he had nobody to turn to except the monster, which he was utterly ashamed of. The monster is very vindictive, not because he is evil and hateful, but because he knows what people think of him, causing him to go into isolation. After discovering the notes that Victor wrote during the creation of the monster, he realizes that nobody likes him, not even his creator. “Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust?” (94). The monster is furious and confused as to why he was even created if nobody appreciates him; after reading the letters, this causes the monster to go into isolation, all while creating a plan to seek revenge on Victor.
Another example of isolation is when Victor’s mother died; Victor was just getting ready to go off to college to begin his studies when she passed. This made it difficult for Victor to decide if he should stay at home to be with his family, or go off to college. His family eventually persuades him to go to Geneva to begin his studies, because “we had still duties which we ought to perform” (26). As Victor is away for those 2 years he becomes isolated from both his friends and
Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas and qualities; symbolism is used many ways within Frankenstein. One example takes place when Victor is at his home late one night, and lightning strikes …show more content…
In the two years it took Victor to create the monster, he was completely isolated, caring only about learning and creation. “Natural philosophy is the genius that regulated my fate” (22). Victor was so concerned about creating life, that he blocked all his family and friends out of his life for two whole years; therefore, after the monster was created, he had nobody to turn to except the monster, which he was utterly ashamed of. The monster is very vindictive, not because he is evil and hateful, but because he knows what people think of him, causing him to go into isolation. After discovering the notes that Victor wrote during the creation of the monster, he realizes that nobody likes him, not even his creator. “Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust?” (94). The monster is furious and confused as to why he was even created if nobody appreciates him; after reading the letters, this causes the monster to go into isolation, all while creating a plan to seek revenge on Victor.
Another example of isolation is when Victor’s mother died; Victor was just getting ready to go off to college to begin his studies when she passed. This made it difficult for Victor to decide if he should stay at home to be with his family, or go off to college. His family eventually persuades him to go to Geneva to begin his studies, because “we had still duties which we ought to perform” (26). As Victor is away for those 2 years he becomes isolated from both his friends and