Frankenstein

Gothic Motifs

Supernatural motifs appear throughout literature but are most prominent in the literary genre labeled "Gothic," which developed in the late 1700’s and is devoted primarily to stories of horror, the fantastic, and the "darker" supernatural forces.

named for its similarities to the Gothic medieval cathedrals, which feature a majestic, unrestrained architectural style with often savage or grotesque ornamentation (the word "Gothic" derives from "Goth," the name of one of the barbaric Germanic tribes that invaded the Roman Empire).

The vaulting arches and spires of Gothic cathedrals reach wildly to the sky as if the builders were trying to grasp the heavens; and the cathedrals are covered with a profusion of wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces—demons, angels, gargoyles, and monsters.

The Gothic Genre

focuses on humanity’s fascination with the grotesque, the unknown, and the frightening, inexplicable aspects of the universe and the human soul.

creates horror by portraying human individuals in confrontation with the overwhelming, mysterious, uncontrollable forces found in the cosmos and within themselves.

pictures the human condition as an ambiguous mixture of good and evil powers that cannot be understood completely by human reason.

a dilemma of duality—humans are divided in the conflict between opposing forces in the world and in themselves.

The Double or Doppelganger (German for "double-goer"):

Defined by Federick S. Frank as "a second self or alternate identity, sometimes, but not always, a physical twin. The Doppelganger in demonic form can be a reciprocal or lower bestial self or a Mr. Hyde. Gothic doppelgangers often haunt and threaten the rational psyche of the victim to whom they become attached" (435).

The double motif involves a comparison or contrast between two characters or sets of characters within a work to represent opposing forces in human nature.

The double motif suggests that humans are burdened with a dual nature, a soul forever divided.

Monster/Satanic Hero/Fallen Man:

The search for forbidden knowledge or power always leads the hero to a fall, such as Satan’s or Adam’s fall.

The hero is often a "villain" isolated from others by his fall and either becomes amonster or confronts a monster who ishis double.

Is a "Satanic hero" if, like Satan, he has defied the rules of God’s universe and has tried to transform himself into a god.

Note: the mad scientist, who tries to transcend human limitations through science, is a type of Satanic hero that is popular in Gothic literature

Multiple Narrative/Spiral Narrative Method:

The story is frequently told through a series of secret manuscripts or multiple tales, each revealing a deeper secret, so the narrative gradually spirals inward toward the hidden truth. The narrator is often a first-person narrator compelled to tell the story to a fascinated or captive listener (representing the captivating power of forbidden knowledge). By revealing to us their own souls’ secrets, these narrators reveal the secrets of humankind’s soul.

THEMES

Definition:

• Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work.

The Quest for Forbidden Knowledge is Foolhardy.

• Victor wants to discern the secret of life.

• Victor is the Modern Prometheus by wanting to give the world forbidden knowledge.

• eventually results in the destruction of everyone dear to him,

• Walton wants to reach the North Pole.

quits – saving the lives of his

The Thrill of Victory may be Bittersweet.

• Is Victor victorious because he accomplished his goal of creating life?

-- He recoils immediately after finally creating life.

• Does Walton lose his chance at victory because he turns back?

• Is the thrill from the quest or the accomplishment?

True Justice is Hard to Find.•Justine’s trial results in an unjust verdict.

•as does the trial of Safie’s father.

•Dr. Frankenstein is unjustly accused of murder.

•Is the monster treated justly?

Creators are responsible for their creations.

• The Frankenstein story echos both the stories from Greek mythology and the Judo-Christian Adam and Eve.

-- the apple had already been bitten

• Is Dr. Frankenstein a scientist who created a monster?

• An artist who made a creation?

• A father who created a child?

Society Rejects Monstrosity

• the monster is rejected by society.

• unnatural manner of creation –secretive, dead bodies, not of collaborative scientific effort but of dark, supernatural workings.

Monstrosity cont.

•the knowledge used to create the monster

•Victor is a monster -- his ambition, secrecy, and selfishness alienate him from human society.

•Society as a prejudiced whole.

•the novel itself as monstrous, a stitched-together combination of different voices, texts, and tenses

Secrecy Can Destroy• Victor conceives of science as a mystery

to be probed;

• Victor’s entire obsession with creating life is a secret.

• His obsession with destroying the monster is a secret until Walton hears his tale.

• Walton serves as the final confessor

• The monster is forced into seclusion by his grotesque appearance.

Motifs: Fire & Ice

• Lightning strike change Dr. Frankenstein’s course of study.

• Creature created on a lightning filled night.

• Creature learns dual nature of fire.

• The monster intends to die in a fire.

• Fire represents knowledge (Prometheus)

Fire & Ice• Ice represents isolation and the

cold hearted side of humans.