English Commentary on Frankenstein - 1449 Words

Isolation in Frankenstein This passage is taken from page 119 of chapter 19 in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Closing in on the ending of the novel, this passage explores the self-reflecting state of Frankenstein’s mind when in isolation on the Islands of Orkney. Fear arises as a critical emotion that strikes him during his time spent on his creation. After visiting Edinburgh and a number of other cities, Frankenstein leaves his friend Henry Clerval and settles in a remote part of the Scottish countryside to finish the work of creating a partner for the monster. He commences his new creation driven by his fear of the monster. However, although Frankenstein has agreed to the task, he detests his work and begins to doubt the†¦show more content†¦At that time, his desperate thirst of knowledge and desire for creation blocked out the visual horrors that were present around him; they went unnoticed. This time around however, he explains â€Å"I went to it in cold blo od, and my heart often sickened at the work of my hands† (Shelly 119). Contrasting to his first experiment, the enthusiasm that there once was, is now shrouded by fear and sickness of his creation. Frankenstein now indicates negative perceptions towards experimentation and creation of life, mostly due to the revolting nature of the monster he had created. Furthermore, we can see him criticise his job by depicting it as a â€Å"filthy process† (Shelly 119) and â€Å"the most detestable occupation† (Shelly 120). The diction used here suggests that what he once craved is now believed to be repulsive and disgusting. His negativity towards his work gives the impression of a serious and sombre tone that displays the bothered nature in his thoughts. The tone darkens into a feeling of deep despair once Frankenstein expresses his fear towards the monster. He describes his spirits as unequal and he is growing restless and nervous. Just with the mention of the monster can strike uneasy feelings into him, emphasizing the depressive features of the tone. Shelley emphasizes the word â€Å"fear† many times; she writes â€Å"I feared to meet my persecutor. Sometimes I sat with my eyes fixed on the ground, fearing to raise them†Show MoreRelatedMary Shelley s Use Of Point Of View1467 Words   |  6 PagesMichael Ginyard Mrs. Joyner English IV Honors 17 December 2015 Mary Shelley’s Use of Point of View Mary Shelley uses point of view in Frankenstein to naturally develop her reader’s opinions and feelings in regards to her characters. Shelley forms her own Chinese Box structure along with a frame narrative stirred together to give the nature of stories within stories in a completely unique way (Narrative Technique in Frankenstein). 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