Thursday, November 15, 2012

Frankenstein: Page 46-65


Frankenstein
By: Mary Shelley


Storms are powerful aspects of nature that transform the course of the future in minutes. Throughout the novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley uses storms as a symbol and for imagery. For, storms not only signify important events, but also represent the conflict of knowledge and the war between life and death.

"The storm...at once in various parts of the heavens (Page 50)." Storms are used continuously within the novel to connect life on earth with immortality and greater powers. The storms are used to signify important points as in the lightning struck tree which inspired his passion for science and search for knowledge. Additionally, a storm surrounds the events of Frankenstein's scientific creation, the murder of his brother, and the climbing of the mountain in pursuit of the monster. Furthermore, the storms serve as symbols of power. Just as the terribleness of a storm can bring goodness and life, death can bring eternal life. Additionally, storms bring relief as from drought just as death brings relief from suffering. The lightning within the storms , as connected with the tree often serves as a symbol of understanding and the sudden acquisition of new knowledge. In addition to illuminating knowledge, the lightning reveals the monster as Frankenstein searches for it. The thunder represents rolling threats and fears. According to the text, the storms act as an analogy for a "noble war." As a light in the darkness, storms highlight change. 

1 comment:

  1. thank you for the symbolism analysis. very well written.

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