Frankenstein
Form:
Epistolary novel- Series of letters to give a feeling of familiarity.
Frame narrative- The story of Victor is wrapped in the story of Walton.
Science Fiction- complex way to explore larger themes and comment about society beneath
the surface.
Characteristics of a Gothic Novel
Gothic elements include the following:
Setting in a castle/claustrophobic setting
An atmosphere of mystery and suspense.
Romance
Omens, portents, visions.
Supernatural or otherwise inexplicable events.
High, even overwrought emotion.
Women in distress/threated by a powerful man.
Blending on the fantastical and the real
The metonymy of gloom and horror. Metonymy is a subtype of metaphor, in which
something (like rain) is used to stand for something else (like sorrow).
The Gothic Protagonist
Flawed
Lonesome/isolated
Not a part of regular society
Some degree of tragic stature (illness)
Of high social rank
Somehow foreshadowed by doom
A tendency to be influenced by past events (mum dies?)
Sharply contrasting qualities within the character
The possession of considerable powers (science)
A striking physical presence
Driven by some all-consuming passion (for knowledge)
A connection with the exotic
An occasional association with what is bestial or non-human – sometimes associated with
metamorphosis.
Characteristics of a Romantic Novel
Interest in emotions and imagination
Awareness of mystery and ecstasy
Fondness for picturesque, exotic settings
Belief in the goodness of simple, unspoiled humanity
Form:
Epistolary novel- Series of letters to give a feeling of familiarity.
Frame narrative- The story of Victor is wrapped in the story of Walton.
Science Fiction- complex way to explore larger themes and comment about society beneath
the surface.
Characteristics of a Gothic Novel
Gothic elements include the following:
Setting in a castle/claustrophobic setting
An atmosphere of mystery and suspense.
Romance
Omens, portents, visions.
Supernatural or otherwise inexplicable events.
High, even overwrought emotion.
Women in distress/threated by a powerful man.
Blending on the fantastical and the real
The metonymy of gloom and horror. Metonymy is a subtype of metaphor, in which
something (like rain) is used to stand for something else (like sorrow).
The Gothic Protagonist
Flawed
Lonesome/isolated
Not a part of regular society
Some degree of tragic stature (illness)
Of high social rank
Somehow foreshadowed by doom
A tendency to be influenced by past events (mum dies?)
Sharply contrasting qualities within the character
The possession of considerable powers (science)
A striking physical presence
Driven by some all-consuming passion (for knowledge)
A connection with the exotic
An occasional association with what is bestial or non-human – sometimes associated with
metamorphosis.
Characteristics of a Romantic Novel
Interest in emotions and imagination
Awareness of mystery and ecstasy
Fondness for picturesque, exotic settings
Belief in the goodness of simple, unspoiled humanity
