Elements of the Gothic novel in Frankenstein

Gothic novels take place in gloomy places or in far away places that seem mysterious Robert Walton plans to head to the Arctic in search of the secret of the earth’s magnetic quality- there is an eerie feeling associated with the Arctic as it is unexplored, uninhabited, cold region.

There is a focus on the mysterious and supernatural The violent lightening storm that Victor is caught in is a Gothic element – lightening and thunder are scary, and there is an aura of mystery as the monster is seen from the distance

There is an interaction between Victor and the supernatural world Lightening is seen as a symbol or a form of imagery: – It represents the connection between Victor and the monster – As a boy, lightning intrigued Victor to learn about galvanism and from this his obsession with knowledge was born – Lightning can be considered as a form of electricity and that is what gave the monster life ) the weather was also stormy the night was created)

The element of psychic communication between Victor and the monster Victor knows that the monster is the murderer The monster knows who is in Victor’s family In this time of crisis, Victor’s character is revealed: – He keeps his secret and he reveals his cowardly characteristics

Cont’d The chase between the monster and Victor is another example of the bridge between the mortal world and the supernatural world: - the monster leaves Victor notes and Victor hears the monster’s laugh in the distance - Victor feels the monster is always near and the monster watches Victor’s every move