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Mary Shelley masterfully employs a range of literary techniques to evoke gothic horror and suspense in her novel, "Frankenstein." This essay explores how Shelley uses isolation as a central theme, her carefully chosen vocabulary, and ethical concerns to craft a tale that captivates and terrifies readers. Through a close examination of Chapters four and five, we will delve into the intricacies of Shelley's narrative, highlighting the elements that contribute to the development of horror and suspense.
In Shelley's novel, the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, deliberately isolates himself from society as he pursues his ambitious goal of creating a sentient being.
His obsession with this endeavor leads him to "pay no visit to Geneva," indicating his complete withdrawal from his family and friends. Frankenstein becomes "solely wrapped up" in his purpose, emphasizing his profound isolation from the world. This isolation sets the stage for suspense, as readers anticipate the dire consequences that may befall Frankenstein in his solitary pursuit.
Shelley's use of isolation as a literary technique underscores the perils of unchecked scientific ambition, emphasizing the potential dangers of isolating oneself from human connection and ethical considerations.
Shelley's careful selection of gothic words and phrases plays a pivotal role in creating horror and suspense in Chapter four.
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One notable example is her repetition of the word 'darkness.' This deliberate repetition serves to intensify the sense of foreboding and dread in the narrative. Darkness serves as a metaphor for Frankenstein's situation, symbolizing the uncertainty and obscurity of his scientific endeavor.
The repetition of 'darkness' contributes to a chilling atmosphere, foreshadowing the sinister outcome of Frankenstein's experiment.
Rhetorical questions also feature prominently in Shelley's narrative toolkit. In Chapter four, Frankenstein poses the question, "who shall conceive the horrors...?" This rhetorical question prompts readers to contemplate the dreadful deeds Frankenstein may be committing, slowing the pace of the narrative and prolonging suspense. These questions force readers to pause and reflect, heightening the sense of anticipation.
Furthermore, in Chapter five, Shelley employs the literary device of pathetic fallacy to create horror. The description of the weather as 'dreary' on the night of a significant event contributes to the creation of a terrifying atmosphere. This choice of setting adds an ominous layer of foreboding to the narrative, suggesting that something terrible is about to transpire.
Short, simple sentences are strategically employed to enhance the horror element. When Frankenstein confesses, "I trembled" at the mere thought of someone inquiring about the monster, the brevity of the sentence creates a natural pause, forcing readers to contemplate its implications. Frankenstein's trembling underscores the fear he associates with the creature, intensifying the horror experienced by both the character and the audience.
At its core, "Frankenstein" conveys a cautionary message about the perils of unchecked scientific ambition. Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of his scientific goals leads to his own 'destruction,' serving as a stark warning about the consequences of obsession and isolation. Captain Walton, who learns from Frankenstein's tragic tale, opts to abandon his own obsessive quest to reach the North Pole, demonstrating the novel's overarching theme of the importance of self-control in scientific pursuits.
Shelley's narrative carries relevance in the 21st century, given the numerous scientific advancements, particularly in the field of stem cell technology. This technology, while holding the promise of curing previously incurable diseases, raises ethical concerns about the manipulation of life. Stem cell research involves creating embryos and extracting parts for medical purposes, which some view as morally objectionable. Shelley's reservations about science interfering with the natural order of life find resonance in these modern ethical debates.
It is important to note that, much like Victor Frankenstein, scientists working with stem cell technology often have good intentions to alleviate human suffering. However, Shelley's cautionary tale reminds us that noble motives can lead to unforeseen and dire consequences if ethical boundaries are ignored.
Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" masterfully employs isolation, vocabulary choices, and ethical concerns to craft a narrative that invokes gothic horror and suspense. Through a close analysis of Chapters four and five, we have witnessed how these literary and linguistic techniques work in concert to create a chilling and gripping narrative. The novel's enduring relevance in the 21st century serves as a testament to Shelley's insightful exploration of the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the ethical dilemmas posed by advancements in science.
In an era of rapid scientific progress, Shelley's warning remains pertinent: scientists must exercise self-control and ethical discernment in their pursuit of knowledge, lest they too fall victim to the darkness that lurks within their creations.
Creating Horror and Suspense in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. (2017, Oct 31). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/suspense-in-frankenstein-essay
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