Prompt:
Discuss a specific example of the gothic as it appears in Frankenstein. Choose one example that is particularly prominent, exaggerated, or interesting in its "gothic-ness" and then describe it. What was the effect of this element of the reading?
Response:
Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein embodies many elements recognized today as part of the gothic horror genre, expertly combining them all into a single story that pioneered the genre. Shelley touched upon gothic tropes such as dreary locations in the mountains or on the water, sublime terrors revolving around death and the supernatural, suspense, and even elements of romance as witnessed by the monsters consuming passion for a female companion; but perhaps the most pervasive aspect of the literary work is the heightened state of emotions leading to sickness or even madness.
While The Monster of Victor Frankenstein's machinations, with his 7ft frame, inhuman strength, and watery eyes, certainly is something of nightmares, the main source of fear in the piece isn't the gruesome monster and his murderous acts themselves but rather the mental anguish and guilt these actions inflict upon Victor, his creature. At many points in the book Victor, as well as other characters, become so emotionally overwhelmed that they becomes physically ill. The suspense between the murders and the guilt afterwards create such mental anguish to be the true horror of the novel. This gothic theme is witnessed by The Monster's revenge, he makes it clear that his goal was not to kill Frankenstein but rather to enact his true revenge by slowly killing Frankenstein's most precious people until the man is reduced to such a "wretch" filled only with sorrow. In fact if the inciting reason for The Monster's revenge itself is examined it is the intense emotion of loneliness and alienation that drove him to the brink of madness and murder in the first place. In the end the death for Frankenstein and his monster was a kindness on both accounts so they would no longer be tormented by the true horrors of life.
