How Is Gothic Illustrated in Frankenstein Up to Chapter 11

Patrick Kennedy (2016) defines Gothic literature as, writing that employs dark and picturesque scenery, startling and melodramatic narrative devices, and an overall atmosphere of exoticism, mystery, and dread.” By analysis of the two Gothic literary pieces we’ve discussed in class, it leaves an aftermath of confusion and dilemma between readers. The conflict between psychological and rational aspects that deliberately manipulate and delays the reader’s final judgment. This is the Gothic effect. A more precise meaning was defined by Chris Baldik (2011) which is a tale that combines

Sometimes considered one of the first science fiction novels of supernatural terror, Frankenstein proved itself an instant success when released anonymously in 1818. The mad scientist Victor Frankenstein and his creation provoke readers with the fear of the unknown and the power of natures forces. A deeper look into the character of Victor Frankenstein, the role of scientific experimentation and the intricate settings of nature in which the story evolves, prove Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein , a worthy example of both Romantic and Gothic representation in nineteenth century British Literature.

Three elements which work together to create a good gothic story are suspense, terror, and effectiveness. However, it is questionable whether or not all three factors would have to be present in order to create a decent story. In the story “Oh, Whistle, and I’ll come to you, My Lad,” all of these factors contribute to the making and quality of the story. However, not all of these factors contribute in the same ways. In the story “Oh, Whistle, and I’ll come to you, My Lad,” suspense did not play a huge role, it was slightly terrifying, still yet it was very effective.

Starting in the late eighteenth century, gothic literature rapidly expanded to become a major genre of study. There are many key elements that make a piece of literature gothic, many of these elements are found in Frankenstein. Three of the main elements that categorize gothic literature are extreme landscapes, supernatural manifestations, and intense emotions; these three elements can also be found in Frankenstein.

Mandy Thompson Mrs. Schroder English IV 5 December 2016 Frankenstein and Gothic Literature Mary Shelley originally published Frankenstein anonymously in 1818 but after she later revised it and republished the novel in 1822, she revealed herself as the author. Often times gothic literature experts cite Frankenstein as a prime example of the gothic literature genre. Gothic literature includes the use of the supernatural, extreme settings, emotions, terror, horror, and villains driven by passion. Frankenstein is a great example of a gothic novel because of its use of the supernatural, extreme setting and intense landscapes, and emotions. Gothic literature often uses the supernatural such as ghosts, vampires, and other monsters to create horror

Gothic Literature is a style of literature popularized during the late 18th century and the early 19th century with the publication of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This style usually portrays fantastic tales dealing with the horror, despair, the grotesque and other “dark” subjects. Characteristics of gothic literature includes the presence of victims and their victimizers who usually hold immense powers along with their evil purpose. The setting of this kind of literature generally takes place within impenetrable walls, whether physical or mental. This setting creates a sense of hopeless isolation within the victim. The summarization of the characters and situation creates an atmosphere pervaded by a sense of mystery, darkness, oppressiveness, fear, and doom.

Although typically not strictly classified as a Gothic work, Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein nonetheless contains several hallmarks of the Gothic style. Most prominently, Shelley employs dramatic and descriptive language to develop foreboding settings reminiscent of those of Gothic literature in Frankenstein. This is apparent from the novel’s outset, when Robert Walton (the narrator of the initial portion of the novel) describes his ship being caught in a desolate, ice-covered region of the Arctic—he recounts being “encompassed round” by “very thick fog” and being “closed in…on all sides” by ice (Shelley 9). Later in the book, more vivid and intense descriptions further paint a Gothic setting. Perhaps the clearest of these examples is the description of the thunderstorm Victor Frankenstein (the novel’s protagonist) encounters during his return to Geneva.

     The very first characteristic of a Gothic novel is its sinister setting. The opening sentence in Frankenstein sets the mood

Gothic literature has an incredibly vast and important history. It is based off of gothic architecture and became a genre in literature in the late 1700s. This genre was created by the rejection of predictability and this sent writers to the “murky past”, The Middle Ages, to write about (Snodgrass). Overall, this time period provided substantial inspiration for gothic literature because it was highly contrasting with its prominent improvements and horrible crimes. Later on, in the 18th century, gothic literature evolved from being about the Middle Ages to current problems with contemporary culture and social problems of the specific time era. Each time period and each different place in the world had different subjects that gothic literature

Gothic Literature is, by far, one of the most influential genres in history, depicting very haunting and mysterious stories. Some of pop culture’s favorite films, books, and songs feature many gothic elements, as well as holidays and other cultural practices. One of the most iconic of these gothic literature was written by a woman named Mary Shelley, a novel with the title of Frankenstein. But what exactly makes Frankenstein gothic literature, and why is it such a great representation of this movement? Well, Frankenstein is a gothic novel because it discusses the supernatural, has a gloomy setting, and there is use of body snatching.

Gothic novels are stories written in the gothic genre which is a literature genre of fiction characterized by an atmosphere of mystery and horror. This genre rose to, and flourished in, popularity during the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the most famous novels of this Genre is Frankenstein, also known as the Modern Prometheus, by Mary Shelley. Frankenstein is about a scientist who creates a grotesque sentient monster in an unorthodox science experiment. Other examples of popular Gothic books include; The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole, Dracula by Bram Stoker, and The Monk: A Romance by Matthew Lewis. The Gothic genre, as well as most

Mary Shelley creates a sense of gloom, mystery, and suspense, in her novel Frankenstein. The book generates these perceptions though the setting and the terrible events that go on throughout the book. Gothic novels came from the English genre of fiction popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Gothics are defined by the mysterious and horrific atmosphere, similar to that of Mary Shelley’s writing. Frankenstein is a gothic novel because of the combined elements of extreme and sinister landscapes, horrifying events, supernatural elements, and a passionate, wilful villain.

Gothic, an aspect of the Romantic Period, continues to make an impact by inspiring most of the horror movies and books that we read this day. Surprisingly, Gothicism did not begin as a genre, but rather as a type of “garden design and architecture” (584). Horace Walpole, one of the main authors in gothic literature, obtained an estate called Strawberry Hill, three years after he began remodeling it into what he termed it a “gothick” style (584). Hopole added “towers, turrets, battlements, arched doors” which made it classified as gothic (584). It is inferable that he drew his inspiration from the modifications he made to his property. As did most authors of gothic stories from the romantic period, used the design of the setting play a key role in how the author creates horror. The Castle of Otranto, and The Romance of the Forest do exactly that. Chapter one of The Castle of Otranto, mainly centers on the declaration of love Manfred proposes to Isabella, and the escape of Isabella from Manfred after confessing his love towards her. The Romance of the Forest, focuses on Adeline and her curiosity as to investigate the origin of the sounds she hears around her residence. Both authors use the architectural environments of the gothic stories to emit a feeling of fear, by depicting the structure in a sinister and dark tone. Thus it creates a vivid imagery in your mind, feeling as though you are there.

A story of mystery, tragedy, and terror, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein continues to captivate millions. She writes the tale of mankind’s obsession of the unknown, pulling readers to Frankenstein’s many lessons. Mary Shelley affects literature with her seemingly paradoxical use of both Romanticism and Gothicism. Shelley takes elements of romanticism, such as heavy use of emotions, innocence, and characters achievements, while also using gothic aspects like death, violence, and dark weather. Weaving the two genres together, Mary Shelley creates a timeless science fiction novel containing characteristics of serenity with a sense of eeriness.

The term “gothic” originates from the ornate architecture created by the Germanic tribes called the Goths. This ornate and intricate style of architecture proved to be the ideal backdrop for both the physical and the psychological settings in a new literary style. This literary style coined the “gothic”, began in the mid-1700s with a story titled, The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole. The budding genre takes influence from an architectural movement propagated by the Goths, but so too does the term refer to the gothic constitution. This to say that the gothic may also be thought of as a product of the revolutionary shock besetting 18th and 19th century Europe. These polysemous definitions for the term “gothic” can be used to examine how both Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley apply and take inspiration from these interconnected definitions and influences in their respective works. The genre of literature so-called the “gothic” developed through a type of artistic and intellectual osmosis. This to say that, while both authors took influence from the tradition of gothic fiction, they also provided their own contributions.