Transcript Frankenstein Themes, Motifs & Symbols

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.
The Gothic Genre
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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.
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focuses on humanity’s fascination with the grotesque,
the unknown, and the frightening, inexplicable
aspects of the universe and the human soul.
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creates horror by portraying human individuals in
confrontation with the overwhelming, mysterious,
uncontrollable forces found in the cosmos and within
themselves.
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pictures the human condition as an ambiguous
mixture of good and evil powers that cannot be
understood completely by human reason.
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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 a
monster or confronts a monster who is
his 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.
•Victor is a monster -- his ambition, secrecy,
and selfishness alienate him from human
society.
•the knowledge used to create the monster
•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.