In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein’s creation represents an accident of science, and poses a warning to technological advances being used to create life. The monster although assuming human form is referred to as ‘it.’ It is not given an identity and is regarded as a monster. Frankenstein’s monstrous creature is horrifically described with a ‘Shrivelled complexion,’ and ‘watery eyes.’ Using appearance to portray the catastrophe Frankenstein created. Description of the monster is brief, only being depicted in Paragraph Two, written from Frankenstein’s point of view this is understandable as he cannot bring himself to picture his monster’s image. The monster is judged on his appearance, Frankenstein saying he ‘beheld the wretch.’ The monster may have normal feelings and emotions yet is outcast because of his appearance. Frankenstein is afraid of his own creation because of its appearance. Mary Shelley is showing how shallow society can be, not giving Frankenstein’s monster a chance.
The impression is given that the monster is evil by being compared to a ‘demonical corpse.’ The reference to the devil is symbolic because the Monster is a creation of science not God, clearly showing the novels opinions on artificial life. The use of the word ‘corpse’ also holds meaning because this monster is living yet is portrayed as dead. Mary Shelley is emphasising that the monster is artificial and because God did not play a part in its creation it is not living in the way she or Frankenstein is.
Many of the novels keys themes are found in Chapter Five. A particularly prominent theme is that of death. He depicts the monster as ‘lifeless’ when it is inanimate and yet when it is living he alleges it is a ‘corpse’. This shows Frankenstein’s reluctance to admit the truth that he has created life. Life is also a common theme in ‘Frankenstein’. Frankenstein uses references to life to express his regrets of creating it. ‘A mummy again endued with animation,’ describes his feelings toward the monster. His monster is like a mummy brought back from death, use of the word ‘endued’ proposes that it is a toil on the monster as well as Frankenstein.
Mary Shelley expresses the danger of obsession in this novel. ‘I desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation,’ shows Frankenstein’s unhealthy engrossment in his work. The effects on Frankenstein pose a warning to society on becoming addicted about something. Moral dilemmas are also addressed in this chapter. For example when Frankenstein ‘collected the instruments of life,’ he is making a conscious decision going against many people’s ethics trying to infuse life. Mary Shelley is challenging what people believe in and asking whether science should continue advancing. Mary Shelley having suffered two miscarriages while writing ‘Frankenstein’ expresses the horror of childbirth. The quote ‘I had so miserably given life’ expresses this. It impresses the trauma of childbirth to a man who will never experience it, helping you to empathise with Frankenstein.
Language is effectively used in Chapter Five to create many effects. The use of pathetic fallacy is typical of a Gothic novel and creates an eerie atmosphere. The scene is a ‘Dreary night of November’ using the weather to suggest it is a dismal evening. The setting is at night creating an eerie and dark atmosphere. The quote ‘rain pattered dismally against the panes,’ further develops the readers’ image of the night. Rain gives a miserable impression and creates a depressing atmosphere. The word ‘panes’ also holds a double meaning, literally the window panes yet also Frankenstein’s pains; his ongoing struggle to create life.
The use of colour is also used effectively in Chapter Five. This is shown in the quotes ‘pearly whiteness,’ ‘dull yellow eye,’ ‘straight black lips,’ and ‘dun white sockets.’ The colours create an unpleasant contrast with each other, for example yellow eyes set in white sockets, and pearly white teeth surrounded by black lips. This helps portray a vivid picture to the reader.
Metaphors are commonly used throughout the novel to great effect. ‘Half-extinguished light,’ is a metaphor literally meaning Frankenstein’s candle is almost burnt out however it also suggests he is nearly exhausted, has worked to his limit and could have a breakdown if put through anymore trauma. The quote ‘my candle was nearly burnt out’ is another example of this. ‘Instruments of life’ suggest Frankenstein is collecting some special life infusing instruments however he is actually simply collecting scientific apparatus. This gives the impression Frankenstein has almost supernatural, life infusing equipment.
Mary Shelley uses adjectives and adverbs to describe the situation and create and atmosphere in the novel. The adjectives and adverbs ‘dreary,’ ‘dismally,’ and ‘miserable,’ create a dark depressing and atmosphere that help you picture the scene depicted. The use of alliteration in Chapter Five helps stress Frankenstein’s toils. ‘An anxiety that almost amounted to agony,’ is a difficult sentence to say, representing how difficult it has been for Frankenstein to infuse life.
Mary Shelley’s use of structure in Chapter Five is used to effect. The first paragraph is setting the scene. The quote ‘It was on a dreary night of November,’ sets the tone for the Chapter. The first paragraph describes the creation of the monster and creates suspense because the audience are intrigued to find out more. In the second paragraph the creature is described from Frankenstein’s’ point of view. The paragraph is comparatively short and only gives a brief description of the monster. The reader is given the impression that this is because Frankenstein cannot bear to think about his creation. A much longer description is given of Frankenstein’s reaction to his monster. ‘I passed the night wretchedly,’ shows the effects the monster has on Frankenstein. The longer description represents the fact that the effects are everlasting, whereas the creation will pass. Frankenstein will never forget his failure and his dreams will always haunt him.
Chapter Five has been written in first person from Frankenstein’s point of view. Being in first person the reader is able to understand the thoughts in Frankenstein’s mind and gain greater understanding of his emotions. However because Chapter Five is written in first person the reader only understands Frankenstein’s point of view. Dr. Frankenstein is terrified and annoyed with his creation; this may have resulted in his descriptions being more exaggerated than they actually are. Frankenstein portrays his creation as a monster, however if Chapter Five were told from the monsters point of view very different views may have been expressed.
Mary Shelley was a member of the Romantic Movement. The Romantics believed in freedom and individuality. They were opposed to scientific advances believing strongly in nature. The novel expresses many of the Romantics ideals and principals accentuating their views on nature. For example ‘Accidents of life are not so changeable as the feelings of human nature.’ The monster is branded an accident despite being Frankenstein’s sole intention for two years. Mary Shelley is claiming Frankenstein’s monster is artificial and unnatural, giving a warning to people that this is what happens if you interfere with Gods work. The Romantics also believed in freedom and pushing the boundaries. ‘Frankenstein’ is an experimental novel that uses graphic descriptions to portray its characters. For instance when Mary Shelley describes the monster saying ‘His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath.’ It conjures a revolting image in your mind, much more disturbing than other literature of the period.
‘Frankenstein’ is a typical Gothic novel, and is an example of early horror fiction. In Gothic novels common themes were supernatural forces, solitary characters and terror. They also explored the dark side of human nature. This is apparent in Chapter Five when Frankenstein rejects his monster. ‘Disgust filled my heart,’ he detests his own creation. If the monsters own creator disowns it how can anyone else accept it?
Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ is semi-autobiographical. When writing the novel she suffered two difficult pregnancies, in the novel this is represented by Frankenstein’s difficult creation of his monster. For example ‘Infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form,’ represents Mary Shelley’s opinions about how she suffered to give birth. Mary Shelley can also relate to the monster, she grew up without a mother and so does the monster.
In conclusion the descriptions of the characters in Chapter Five give an accurate reflection of their personality. Mary Shelley’s use of language and structure is effective to build the atmosphere. Many of Mary Shelley’s influences and opinions are clear in this novel, the most prominent being a warning of what happens when you interfere with Gods work. The reason for this books timeless popularity may be its continued relevance today, with the battle between science and religion raging more fiercely than ever.
