Gothic Frankenstein

Notes on Gothic

• Stone, ornate, architecture
• The occult
• Gargoyles
• Crows
• Horror
• Romanticism
• Blood
• Mystery
• Religion, mainly Roman Catholicism
• Candles
• Dramatic lighting (film)
• Storms
• Gloomy and dark atmosphere
• Set mostly at night
• High emotion, tension and intensity
• Superstition
• Family curse
• Submissive roles for females
• Family tragedy
• Destiny, prophecy
• Mysterious noises, music, footsteps, shadows, laughter

Response to Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Hailey Patalano

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley combines elements of gothic and horror fiction, however it is not considered to be a gothic fiction. This book falls into the category of "gothic" for many reasons. It has most of, if not all of the points described above. There is something highly unnatural about the way in which Frankenstein creates his monster. There is a eerie mystery surrounding how he gathers body parts for the monster and is able to bring the dead back to life. This sense of the occult or supernatural is very commonly found in Gothic literature. Not only is the way the monster is created unnatural but so is his life, as well as Frankenstein's obsession. Victor's behavior and the monsters horrifying appearance make them both isolated from human interactions. The reader is made fully aware of the monsters extreme solitude when he claims, “The desert mountains and dreary glaciers are my refuge. I have wandered here many days; the caves of ice, which I only do not fear, are a dwelling to me, and the only one which man does not grudge.”  There is a high intensity and dramatic language which also lends to the Gothic tones. Although Victors laboratory is not a standard Gothic castle it has the same mystery and gloomy appeal as a traditional gothic setting. The stormy weather and lighting also contributes to gothic gloom. This novel has many gothic aspects especially in the dialogue,atmosphere, tone, and sense of desolation and isolation.