Frankenstein Analytical Essay Blurring the Lines Between...

In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, explores the concept of humanity through distinguishing it from that of a demonic nature. This is done through a constant doubling between her two superficially opposing characters throughout the novel. Through the thematic use of nature, knowledge, wretchedness, and vengeance, sometimes as direct comparisons other times as striking contrasts, Shelley blurs the lines between human and demon within her own characters. Holding true to the romantic style, Shelley’s characters display strong emotions when experiencing or confronting the sublimity of an untamed nature and its picturesque qualities. This theme is complexly utilized in blurring the differences between human and monster. The demonstrated emotional†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"All was the work of my thrice-accursed hands! Ye weep, unhappy ones; but these are not your last tears! Again you shall raise the funeral wail.....he who would spend each vital drop of blood for your sakes – who has no thought nor sense of joy, except as it is mirrored also in your dear countenances†¦ and spend his life serving you†¦. and if the destruction pause before the peace of the grave have succeeded to your sad torments. Thus spoke my prophetic soul†¦the first hapless victims to my unhallowed arts† (90). As stated earlier Victor switches from taking responsibility for the tragedies and renouncing them, in this passa ge Victor first truly laments the effects of his unhallowed arts. The theme of Victor’s guilt as the cause of his misery and wretchedness is repeated, in the passage with the image of the thrice accursed hands, and throughout the novel. Furthermore, the passage utilizes foreshadowing with the image of more tears to come and funeral wails. The foreshadowing though a powerful technique in creating suspense for the first time reader has a subtler meaning; Victor in his own narration recounting the tale incorrectly foreshadows his own end, the assumption that causes the deaths of more of his loved one. This false foreshadowing suggests guilt by the narration itself. To further this intimated guilt, Victor speaks of his only happiness coming from the happiness of his loved ones yet he shunned them