I am not familiar with gothic literature so first
I had to do some research. With how dramatic everything in Frankenstein comes
off at first I considered it more of a Romanticism novel. But I came away from
this research with the viewpoint that Frankenstein, undoubtedly fell into this
category of gothic literature, although still has romanticism elements. The
romanticism element I speak of is the emphasis on emotion and extreme passion. Frankenstein
in his effort to create life, is driven more by emotion than science, in fact,
he seems like an outcast. Then there is also the struggle of the monster who
before turning to destruction, tries to fit into society. There are also gothic
themes.
First is the obvious it has to do with the
supernatural, a monster is created and his creator wants nothing to do with
him. Second, the settings. While it doesn’t take place in some large abandoned
cold castle, the settings are all gloomy. It is a story told while a ship is
stuck in ice. Frankenstein’s home in which he studies is gloomy as he obsesses
over nothing but his goal of creating life, and once he does it is turned into
his personal haunted house where he goes insane. He is thrown in prison
suspected of murder. When he goes home it is overshadowed by the death of his
brother. The only positive place seems to be the cottage of the De Laceys, but
what seems to be the perfect picture is ruined when they see the monster. Third,
and perhaps the strongest point s Frankenstein’s obsession with the theme of
destruction. In Frankenstein destruction is born out of an attempt of creation.
It results in the destruction of his family, all of his relationships, and
ultimately himself after he is driven to the brink of insanity multiple times.
The monster tries to do good, but as others reject him, he turns to
destruction, killing those near to Frankenstein. Everyone dies in the end, even
the monster who has no meaning to life after his creator died. Everyone, except
for Walton.
