The Creative Symbolism Woven into Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Mary Shelley introduces the story of Frankenstein with an exchange of one-way letters from Walton to his sister. In these letters, Shelley introduces the main themes of the novel via the character of Walton and his letters, in that he presents many of the themes later explored in ‘Frankenstein’ such as thirst for knowledge and power, isolation and nature, in his own story. These opening letters thus have an impact on the reader as they will influence their view of the rest of the novel in ways that will bring them to ask themselves important questions valid for any are ad society, and bring them some understanding of what is to come next in the novel.

What differentiates Mary Shelly’s novel, Frankenstein from the majority of horror novels are the very real and timeless themes it explores.  The overriding theme of the novel - scientific investigation without consideration of morality and responsibility is still an important topic in today’s world.  “Perhaps the reality of cloning and genetic engineering makes this theme more relevant today than when Frankenstein was first published”(Patterson). This theme, along with the more subtle themes of revenge, the inability to accept those who are different, and the inability to control one's destiny are all themes which separate Frankenstein from other novels in the genre.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein like all texts is far from neutral, acting as a site to challenge and/or endorse certain ideologies. Published in the 19th century, it follows the journey of three characters amidst the influence and conflict of extreme Romantic and Enlightenment ideologies. Mary Shelley experienced much heartbreak, suicide and sorrow with the intense Romantic lifestyle she had chosen to adopt with Percy Shelley and it can be argued that Frankenstein is a critique of radicalism as revealed by her comment ‘I earnestly desire the good and enlightenment of my fellow creatures... but I am not for going to violent extremes, which duly bring injurious reaction…I have no wish to ally myself with Radicals - they are full of repulsion to

   Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, sheds light on the importance of appearance through the tale of an unwanted creation that is never given a chance by society. Ironically, the supposed beast was initially much more compassionate and thoughtful than his creator, until his romantic and innocent view of the human race was diminished by the cruelty and injustice he unduly bore. Not only does the creature suffer the prejudice of an appearance-based society, but other situations and characters in the novel force the reader to reflect their own hasty judgment. The semi- gothic novel includes several instances of societal prejudice that include the isolation and outcast of Frankenstein's creation,

In the novel “Frankenstein”, written by Mary Shelley, Victor Frankenstein intends to create life out of the dead. His greatest ambition, the creature, ends up being his greatest fear as his neglect of the creature’s life ultimately destroys his own. Through the use of literary elements such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and imagery, Shelley is able to vividly portray the theme of how overreaching ambition can have great consequences if left unchecked. The most prominent literary element used by Shelley is symbolism, the most recurring symbol being the creature. The creature is a direct reflection of the consequences of Victor Frankenstein’s recklessness when pursuing scientific discovery.

The Symbolism of the Monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is one of the most famous and controversial novels in literature. The relationship between Victor Frankenstein and the Monster require the reader to pay a deep attention and analysis of the symbolism of the Monster itself in the novel. Readers come up with different and many assumptions and ideas about what the Monster really symbolizes. Some readers tend to assume that the Monster represents the failure in rising up our children. On the other hand, others argue that the Monster symbolizes disabled people and others believe that it stands for freed slaves.

Frankenstein, written by author Mary Shelley, was a romantic based story written in Europe during the eighteen hundreds. During this time period, Europe was experiencing many social and economic changes. Many of these changes were a product of the industrial revolution of Europe. This time period can be defined and era of exploration, discovery and industrialization in which ideas were pushed to the limits. Victor’s creation of Frankenstein is a reflection of the industrial revolution and a scientific era in which the borders of the possible are pushed and society is forced to face a monster of their own.

Frankenstein is a diverse novel that confronts the reader with many different ideas and themes. Critics have described the text in many different, depending on their reading of the book. These include as a political allegory, an observation of human accountability, feminism, social prejudices and alienation, and even a narrative of the nature of human life itself. Some of these themes may be in part due to the influence of Shelley's parents: Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin, both very influential and radical political activists in their time. Around the period of its publication, new science was breaking down the barriers of old and the work and findings of scientists were challenging the steadfast ideas of religion and as such

One of the main themes in Frankenstein is appearance and acceptance. In today’s society and the society in which Frankenstein is set, people often judge one another solely based on appearance. Social prejudice is often based on looks. Be it the colour of one's skin, the clothes they wear, facial features or even ones body expressions. People make snap judgements based on what the eye beholds. Today’s schools are a prime example of this as people are classified instantly and almost unknowingly.

The monster was always judged on the way he looked which made him the outcast because he was not normal in the human’s eyes. By using this in depth character interplay, Shelley further expands upon the monster archetype and allows the reader to question who truly is the monster inside of Frankenstein.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is truly a classical yet revolutionary piece of literature due to the effect it has had on the mediums of entertainment we experience and enjoy today. Frankenstein has influenced popular cultural since it’s publishing in 1818. The story itself has influenced people working in the realms of book, movies, television, and music. It has even influenced our own thoughts on current events and shaped our view about other people. You see, though, the best and worst thing about this novel is how distorted it has become by constant movie adaptations and misinformed ideas about the nature of Frankenstein and his "monster". For years, I thought Frankenstein was the name of that slightly green guy with the bolts in his neck.

The movie Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein based upon the original novel is a classic representation of a Gothic novel. A dark mood pervades throughout the movie with a sense of impending doom. Elements like isolation, revenge and hopelessness are skillfully tied into the plot of the movie and the main theme. Characters like a mad scientist, a monster and the damsel in distress are used to illustrate the horror and suspension within the movie. The movie tells a story of forewarning to those who experiment and study things beyond their control.

Frankenstein by author Mary Shelley was published in 1818. The novel was published at the end of the French Revolution and at the very beginning of the Industrial Revolution. With these major events occurring when the novel was being written and published, revealed how this novel was influenced by socioeconomic standards. Marxist theory attempts to reveal how socioeconomic system is the source of our experiences and conflicts we portray in literary works, as well as how literature in turns to serve to influence the minds of the people. Frankenstein follows Marx’s social theories of how socioeconomics have profound effects on literary works and how they are interpreted.

Frankenstein was originally published in 1818 by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. It tells the story of how Victor Frankenstein, a passionate science student, created a surrealistic monster out of human remains. Many have disputed over whether Frankenstein is, or isn’t, a Romantic or Gothic Horror story. I proposed Marry Shelley has intertwined both of these abstract genres to formulate a phenomenal work of art.

In Frankenstein, the use of symbolic imagery helps Shelley present various key themes instrumental in deepening the reader’s understanding of her novel. One of the more prominent themes portrayed in Frankenstein, is that of an individual versus society. Throughout the tale, Victor’s grotesque creation, to which he had “so miserably given life” (Shelley 59), struggles to find a place in a world determined to ostracize him due to his monstrous appearance. The creature’s hideous features both literally, and symbolically, label him an outsider to society, which leads to him being mistreated by all those whom he encounters; this demonstrates Shelley’s idea of how sometimes, it is “the terrors that stem from our elaborate civilization [that] may be far more threatening than those that primitive people attribute to demons” (Jung 63). Another major theme expressed within Frankenstein, was that of the duality of progress and innovation, symbolized by the recurring image of fire. For Frankenstein’s creation, the discovery of fire granted him blessed warmth and security, that is, until he drew too close: “I found a fire...and was overcome with delight at the warmth I experienced from it. In my joy, I thrust my hand into the live embers, but quickly drew it out again with a cry of pain”