Frankenstein. How does Mary Shelley present the creature created by Frankenstein? How does she show fears about early scientific progress?

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How does Mary Shelley present the creature created by Frankenstein?

How does she show fears about early scientific progress?

There are a number of messages in the novel ‘Frankenstein’ which Mary Shelley wants the reader to understand. One of the important messages which are made obvious by the author is the dangers of over ambition which leads to obsession. Shelley shows the dangers of scientific experiments that are not properly thought out or planned and not to take any shortcuts, therefore to take responsibility for are actions and to consider the consequences of our actions. Tackling the problem of prejudice in the novel 'Frankenstein', Shelley shows the reader how society judges the creature at their first glance, without getting to know him, and casting him out of society where he is not wanted, which, evidently, leads to his hatred of the human race. From the beginning of the novel the author highlights the issue of over ambition through Walten. Walten becomes so obsessed, he pushes his body to the extremes as he says himself; “I voluntarily endured cold, famine, thirst and want of sleep.” Shelley also shows the reader that the expedition Walten has embarked on is extremely dangerous this is made clear when Walten writes back to his sister to reassure her, he is in no harm or danger.

Frankenstein is portrayed as similar to Walton; as they both appear obsessed with their goals. Frankenstein is extremely determined; and who’s over-enthusiastic over ambitious attitude which is very dangerous as he is bordering on the verge of madness and neglecting his own health “my cheek had grown pale with study, and my person had become emaciated with confinement,” this is seen as very disturbing by the reader. It is made clear by Shelley in the novel that over ambition leads to obsession which is extremely dangerous. The reader soon sees Frankenstein’s impatience because he starts taking shortcuts as he nears completing his goal “…as the minuteness of the parts formed a great hinderance to my speed, I resolved , contrary to my first intention, to make the being of a gigantic stature,” this causes the reader to sense more danger as the tension builds up rapidly.

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Frankenstein’s narrative show the creature in a negative way, the reader gets very clear descriptions of the creature from Frankenstein “Dull yellow,” and his “Shrivelled complexion and straight black lips.” These accurate descriptions cause tension for the reader; the first scope of judgement is to be afraid of this ‘Monster’. Shelley sets the scene by using pathetic fallacy; “It was on a dreary night of November.” This makes it easier for the reader to imagine the scene and this causes the story to come even more alive. Frankenstein uses many words to describe his horror and frustration of creating ...

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The structure here is good. This essay was one of very few which didn't introduce the essay by saying that Frankenstein was written in 1818, so it was pleasing to see an introduction which built up a coherent argument. Examiners want to see a candidate who can structure a coherent argument, and this is the first step into persuading them you are capable. I would note that Walton isn't spelt "Walten" as this really bugged me when reading! The conclusion isn't as clear, and tends to waffle about the messages given. This is the chance to make a final message about the significance of the novel to warning society of science, adding a new insight rather than summarising older ideas. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are fine. The style becomes a bit repetitive when sentences start "the creature" and it would be nice to have seen some more variety.

The analysis here is good. Not only is there a high level of quotations being used, but there is sustained exploration of how Shelley's techniques shape meanings. Phrases such as "causing the reader to have sympathy" and "this causes the reader to sense more danger" shows a clear focus on the reader response. With the question looking at Shelley warning about science, being able to analyse the effect her techniques have on the reader shows a clear focus on the question. What I like to see in this essay, which is absent from many GCSE essays, is the way this essay isolates a technique and then looks at its effect. Language is analysed, along with narrative perspective and structure. I do have a big query with the analysis here, however, and that is with the way the plot is addressed. I prefer to see an essay write about Shelley's constructions rather than state "The creature frames Justine for William’s death." The examiner knows what happens, so sentences such as this add nothing. Instead, I would be writing "Shelley has the create frame Justine for William's death to show his ability to manipulate humans, thus warning the reader of the possibilities of science". Note how I have incorporated the question whilst focusing on Shelley's use of techniques and plot.

This essay responds strongly to the task. I really liked this question as it offers the candidate the opportunity to analyse the text, and then respond to the contextual element of the question. The first part of this question is discussed thoroughly here, but I felt there could be more focus on the science part of the question. I understand it's difficult to weave in an argument when you're just trying to analyse, but this is a skill that must be developed. For example the paragraph beginning "Frankenstein is portrayed as similar to Walton" could then be interpreted as Shelley showing that science has the power to create something as strong and humans, posing a warning.