The Gothic horror novels are a literary genre that came to be highly accepted in Britain during the 18th century. Such styles are known for their unique way of dealing with events that tend to question the way people live and the confines that distinct them, particularly accepted from the unacceptable in society. They make their choices based on themes like good and evil. The features that tend to dominate in this kind of writing include remote settings with mysterious, violent and horrible incidents. These elements determine what a human or monstrous or supernatural being is. An excellent example of a Gothic horror novel is Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" that portrays almost all the elements in a mysterious way. The story involves one of the fiercest topics on morality that has been debated for many years (Hoeveler, & Heller, 2003). The two Gothic elements that play a big part in animating this genre within the novel is the loneliness of characters and the dark, gloomy settings in which they are isolated. The author is creative, especially where she incorporates scenes that contain a sublime nature (Mont Blanc scene) intending to make the monster more bizarre. These gothic scenarios give the reader a clear picture of terror and increased presence of vengeful spirit.
The first gothic feature is the element of isolation that has well been utilized in the novel. Segregation is evident story where Victor lonely in an alien country described as in the “dead of night” (Shelley, n.d). This is an alien situation that creates an unsettling situation for the reader. His seclusion is highlighted as being alone in the universe. Frankenstein and his formation are the only two live beings at the beginning of the 5th chapter where the Creature is created. The expression of the pair in the same room tries to symbolize how the two will battle each other to salvage humanity. In other words, Frankenstein must fight his creation to save humanity. The author also tried to express that Frankenstein will even be more isolated when he destroys the creature that he had created. He will be left alone in that dark room they previously shared by his creation (Hoeveler, & Heller, 2003). All this is done in a dark place that brings about the horrific nature of how his life will be when the struggle leaves him more isolated than he already is. The Creature is also isolated when its creator first rejects it, followed by the society that renders it unacceptable.
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The second element is the dark, gloomy setting that is evident when Frankenstein is alone with his creature. The environment in the room is described as foreshadow that paints a picture of the dark events that are going to ensue especially between the duos. The author employs a foreboding technique to define Frankenstein’s working in his room with a half-extinguished light. The scenario symbolizes that any happy or bright moment that Frankenstein had is about to end soon. The moment will be replaced by dark and sad moments that will be brought about by the creature that he is creating (Nelson Jr, 2004). “…by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs” (Shelley, n.d p.58). The setting is also said to be rainy without thunderstorms but a dismally pattering rain. Shelley describes this weather as dreary to signify the disappointment that will be faced by Frankenstein as soon as he finishes creating the creature. The miserable surrounding described by the author is meant to prepare readers for the same disappointment of the "birth."
The dark, gloomy environment is also accompanied with lack of thunderstorm which is intended to create a sense of restlessness, as this draws away from the usual gothic concord (Shelley, n.d). This unfamiliar situation is meant to provoke a sense of discomfort which adds to the horrific nature of the entire novel. The author prepared all this intending to prepare readers for the birth of the creature. The creation will create unease feeling as well as disappointment. “How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavored to form?” (Shelley, n.d p.58). One person who will be so much disenchanted is Victor since he is expecting a rational being who turns out to be a horrific creature that even scares the creator.
In conclusion, “Frankenstein” is an all-time gothic story where every event that occurs in the entire novel revolve around supernatural power. Shelley has contributed much to matters related to taboo such as necrophilia as well as covering the idea of abandonment and how societies are known to reject others because of their physical appearance. Humans tend to be quick to judge and term others as an outcast. Shelly’s novel is enriched with valuable moral teachings. The main message here is a warning to humanity on the effects of playing God and what it can result in (Shelley, n.d). Shelley is also seen to comment on how humans are unfair since they only base their judgments on physical appearance alone. This story has portrayed almost all the features of a Gothic tale and has successfully presented them to maximize the feeling of discomfort, unease, and fright to its readers.
References
Hoeveler, D., & Heller, T. (2003). Introduction to Approaches to Teaching Gothic Fiction: The British and American Traditions . Modern Language Association.
Nelson Jr, L. (2004). Night thoughts on the Gothic novel. Gothic: Critical Concepts in Literary and Cultural Studies (pp. 38-54 ). London: Routledge .
Shelley, M. (n.d). Frankenstein . Unidentified place of publication: Planet eBook.com
