The Setting of Frankenstein Written By Mary Shelley Lauren Mynderse, Danielle Friend, Nicole Gilbert Period 2

Setting Throughout the Novel  It takes place in the 18 th Century.  It takes place in numerous locations.  The setting helps to set the mood, tone, and even the theme of the novel.  Dark, dreary weather is a reoccurring motif.  Lightning is an important factor to discovering some of the important themes!

General Analysis The setting of the novel ranges all over Europe, such as Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, and the Arctic. The book begins and ends in the Arctic with Robert Walton. On his journey he first meets Victor Frankenstein and then the monster himself. The arctic itself is a fitting symbol for the scientific project on which Frankenstein has embarked and Walton is embarking. The landscape is barren and white: it is human beings who turn the landscape and scientific creation into colorful creation or black horror.

G.A. Continued As Dr. Frankenstein lies dying, he recounts his history to Walton. When he speaks of his home in Geneva by a blue lake and snowy mountains, his description is filled with warmth, light, and love. The rest of the novel follows the theme of pursuit and thus ranges over Europe.

A Dreary and Rainy Night “It was on a drearynight of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils…It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the pains; and my candle was nearly burnt out…”(42). A dreary night depicts sadness – sadness from the regret of creating a creature that Victor Frankenstein wasn’t able to mentally and emotionally take responsibility for. The rain – the attempt to wash away his guilt for creating a creature and doing something against human nature.

Stormy Night “It was on a dreary night…collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing…”(42) An instrument of life – lightning infuse a spark of being – electricity At this point in time (1818), experiments with electricity are being conducted. Just like people are experimenting with the spark of light, Frankenstein is experimenting with the spark of life. Theme: Creation of Life

Winter Turns Into Spring “Spring advanced rapidly; the weather became fine and the skies cloudless. It surprised me that what before was desert and gloomy should now bloom with the most beautiful flowers…”(97). “cloudless”= the creature wants people to understand that he is harmless and does not want to be judged based on his outer appearance Spring symbolizes “rebirth” for the creature- he wants to develop real relationships with Felix and his family The transition from the gloomy and desert like setting into spring and beautiful flowers demonstrates the creature’s desire to find love and acceptance, rather than to be isolated from others.