Frankenstein: Volume III - Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Victor leaves Geneva for good and follows clues to find the monster. He goes to the North and meets Walton. He tells Walton his sotry and says to continues his search after Victor dies. The narrative then returns to Walton, who tells his sister that he believes Victors story, and regrets that he did not know Victor in his better days. Waltons crewman enter the cabin one morning and ask if, once they break out of the ice, they can return to England. Victor says that the glory of their quest should be enough to motivate them to go forward. They are moved by this, but a couple of days later, Walton agrees with the plan to return. Just before the ship heads back to England, Victor dies. A few days later, Walton hears a strange noise coming from the room where Victor's body is. Walton finds the monster, who is just a hideous as had been described. The creature tells Walton that he regrets becoming corrupted by evil, and now that his creator has died, he is also ready to die. He leaves the ships and departs into darkness. 

What makes it gothic?

• Death - Victor's death 

Frankenstein: Volume III - Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Victor begins Victor and Elizabeth wander the grounds of the cottage, but Victor is apprehensive of the creature's arrival. He worries that Elizabeth may be disturbed by the creatures appearance and by the fight, and tells her to retire. Victors searches for the creature throughout the house, then suddenly hears Elizabeth scream. He realises that it was not his murder that the creature wanted to commit that night. Consumed by grief, Victor returns to Geneva to tell his father of Elizabeth's death. Victor's father dies a few days later from shock. Victor breaks his secrecy and tells a magistrate about the monster and how it killed Elizabeth, but the magistrate doesn't believe him. Victor decides to devote his life to finding and killing the monster.

What makes it gothic?

• Revenge - the creature kills Victors new wife as a result of not being permitted a mate
• Death - Elizabeth and Victors father; the deaths of the two people closest to Victor
• Release of tension - Victor finally tells someone about his secret

Frankenstein: Volume III - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

On the way back to Geneva, Victor and his father rest in Paris. Just before leaving, Victor recieves a letter from Elizabeth. Worries about Victors sudden illness, she asks if he is in love with someone else. He replies that she is his source of joy. Victor remembers of the creatures threat about being with Victor on his wedding night. He thinks that the monster intends to fight, and decides that he will fight back. The misery will end, no matter which one of them is killed. Victor and his father return to Geneva and begins to plan the wedding. Elizabeth continues to worry about Victor, but he assures her that all will be well after the wedding. He tells her that he has a secret, and he can only tell her after the wedding. victor gets more and more nervous about his confrontation with the monster. The wedding takes place and the couple depart to a family cottage to spend the night. 

What makes it gothic?

• Suspence/tension - will the creature keep to his word?
• Secrecy - Elizabeth knows Victor has a secret, but doesn't know what it is

Frankenstein: Volume III - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The townspeople confront Victor and take him to the town magistrate, Mr Kirwin. They testify against him and say that, the previous night, they saw a boat that resembled Victors, and shortly after a body was washed to shore. Mr. Kirwin decides to take Victor to the body to see if has any visible affect on him, and decides that, if it does, he is the murderer. Victor does react to the body, as it is that of Henry Clerval. The body has the black hand prints of the monster around his neck. Victor suffers convulsions and a long-term illness. Victor is ill for two months. Mr Kirwin is much more sympathic to Victor than he was before the illness, and visits him in his cell. He tells Victor that he has a visitor, and Victor worries that it is the monster who has come to cause even more misery. The visitor is, however, Victors father, who travels from Geneva as soon as he hears of Victors illness and the death of Henry. His father stays with him until the court. Victor is found innocent, as there is nothing but circumstancial evidence. When he is released, he goes with his father to Geneva.

What makes it gothic?

• Death - Clerval's murder
• Ambiguity - where is the monster now? Did he kill Clerval?
• Injustice - Victor is wrongly imprisoned for the murder of Henry

Frankenstein: The Importance and Relevance of Paradise Lost, The Sorrows of Young Werther and Plutarch's Lives

Paradise Lost

There are many parallels between the characters of Paradise Lost and Frankenstein, as well as some contrasts.

Firstly, there are strong parallels between Adam and the creature. When first introduced in Paradise Lost, Adam has a limited knowledge of the world and thus is characterised as innocent, naive and not born into evil, which directly echoes the creature's characterisation as he is first introduced in Frankenstein. Milton writes in Paradise Lost that Adam had 'come forth from the hands of God a perfect creature'. This perfectness contrasts the creatures hideous appearance, and shows that, although the creature and Adam shared the same characteristics, the creature was immediately shunned because of his appearance. When the creature and Victor meet on the mountain, the creatures says to Victor 'I ought to be Adam', an explicit reference to Paradise Lost that demonstrates the creatures understanding of his ugliness. Shelley perhaps gave the creature similar traits to Adam and contrasting looks to illustrate the importance of aesthetics and the shallow nature of humans. Adam and the creature both want companionship, but this comes with a differing outcome. Shelley may have done this to show the different outcomes of companionship. Although born innocent, Adam and the creature both become self-aware and corrupted but their environments: Adam when he eats the forbidden fruit and the creatures when he reads the books, depicting the devastatingly evil affects of society and mankind and as a result, both have to wander Earth alone as outcasts.

Secondly, there are parallels between Adam and Victor. When visited by Raphael, Adam has many questions and even when these questions are answered by Raphael, he is unsatisfied and still wants to know more. This curiosity thirst for knowledge is similar to Victors, and ultimately leads to their loss of innocence. Through this curiosity, both characters defy God and this has unforgettable consequences that affects, and arguably destroys, the rest of their lives. Shelley is perhaps trying to warn of how the rapid scientific advancements of the time could potentially have catastrophic consequences.

Also, there are similarities between God and Victor. The most obvious of these is that Milton often refers to God as 'the victor', suggesting that Shelley may have given Victor his name to illustrate that he is playing God. Although God and Victor both banish their creations, they do it for different reasons and so it is obvious that they have different mindsets. God banishes Adam after he commits a distrustful act, whilst Victor banishes the creature after first sight, showing the shallow nature of human beings.

Finally, there are parallels between Satan and the creature. The creature and Satan are both rejected by their creators. Whilst the creature is shunned for being ugly, Satan is shunned for being devious and rebellious. Perhaps Shelley is trying to portray the message that, in society, being unattractive is seen as a bad a trait as being evil.

Sorrows of Young Werther

The Sorrows of Young Werther makes the creature understand 'despondency and gloom' and also makes him question his place in society. The creature learns about suicide and, although he did consider it, he resists in order to avenge Victor. Shelley may have used this to show the amount of vengeance the creature must hold against Victor, to continue living an isolated and depressive life just to "get his own back" on his creator. The creature also becomes more typically "human" from the knowledge of emotions and being able to relate to others which he gains from the novel. Shelley uses the strong emotional themes in the story in order to advance the creatures ability to emote. All of the deaths in the Sorrows of Young Werther occur due to loss of companionship, which contributes to the theme of nurture in Frankenstein and echoes the importance of relationships that is evident throughout the story.

 Plutarch's Lives

From reading Plutarch's Lives, the creature gains 'high thoughts' and learns about society, in particular about towns and cities where men and women live together. He learns about the vicious behaviour of men in public and admires virtuous men and peaceful lawmakers. This illustrates the creature's pure heart and that he is not inherently evil.

Frankenstein: Summaries of Paradise Lost, The Sorrows of Young Werther and Plutarch's Lives

Paradise Lost

In Hell, Satan and his followers are recovering after a war against God. They build a palace called Pandelmonium where they decide whether to go back to war. They decide to explore a new world where revenge can be planned. Satan goes on this trip alone. At the gates of Hell he sees his offspring, Sin and Death, who open the gates for him. Whilst on his journey across chaos he sees the new universe floating near heaven. God sees Satan flying towards this world and foretells of the fall of man. His son, listening, offers to sacrifice himself for mankind. Satan enters the universe and goes to the sun where he tricks an angel, Uriel, into showing him where man lives. Satan goes into the Garden of Eden and finds Adam and Eve, whom he becomes jealous of. He overhears them talking about how God has told them not to eat the forbidden fruit. Uriel warns Gabriel and his angels of Satan's presence. Satan is apprehended and banished from Eden. God sends Raphael to Eden in order to warn Adam and Eve of Satan. Raphael tells them how Satan was jealous of God's son and waged a war against God, which led the son of God (Messiah) to cast Satan and his followers to Hell. God created mankind to eventually replaced the fallen angels in Heaven. Satan returns to Earth as a Serpent. He persuades Eve to eat the forbidden fruit and Adam follows in her footsteps. They lose their innocence and become aware of their nakedness. They become hostile to each other, out of shame and despair. The Son of God goes to Earth to judge the sinners, and delays their death sentence. Sin and Death build a highway to Earth, sensing Satan's success. When Satan returns to Hell, however, him and his followers become serpents as a punishment. Adam reconciles with Eve. God sends Michael to expel Adam and Eve from Paradise. Adam learns of his future tending the Earth as his punishments, but is happy to learn of the future coming of the Saviour of mankind.

Sorrows of the Young Werther
Werther sends letters to his friend, Wilhelm. In these letters he writes of his stay in a village called Wahlheim. He admires the simple lives of the peasants. He meets a young girl named Charlotte and, despite knowing she is engaged to a man 11 years senior to her, falls in love with her. Charlotte looks after her siblings following her mothers death. Although he is heartbroken, Werther has a close relationship with both Charlotte and Albert. His pain eventually gets too much, though, and he leaves to go to Weimar. Here he becomes acquaintances with Fraulein von B. He has an embarrassing experience when he goes to visit a friend, forgetting that the entire aristocratic set usually meet there. he returns to Wahlheim, where he is in even more pain, partly because Charlotte and Albert are now married. Out of pity for Werther and respect for her husband, Charlotte decides Werther mustn't visit so often. in one final visit, the pair are overcome with emotion. Werther realised before this incident that one of the three had to die. Unable to take another life, he decides to take his own and writes a suicide note. He convinces Albert to give him two pistols, saying that he is going on a journey. Werther shoots himself in the head and his buried under a tree he is fond of. His burial is not attended by clergymen, Albert or Charlotte.

Plutarch's Lives

Plutarch creates character sketches of great leaders based on key events in their lives. He describes not only their public character, but also their private lives, to give a better indication of them as characters and their motivations.

Frankenstein: Volume III - Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Victor begins to worry that once his makes the female creation, the two creatures will not seclude themselves from society and instead will create 'a race of devils'. Whilst worrying about this, Victor sees the creature looking into the window and grinning. Horrified by the creatures hideousness, Victors abandons his work creating a female for the creature. The creature becomes enfuriated and promises revenge, and that he will be with Victor on his wedding night. The next day Victor recieves a letter from Henry who suggests they continue their travels. Victor packs his things and leaves the hut, throwing the remains of the female creature into the river as he sails back to the mainland. He falls asleep and when he wakes up realises that the winds will not allow him to reach the shore. Victor fears for his life, but luckily the winds change and he is able to reach shore safely. When he steps off the boat the towspeople accuse him of a murder discovered the previous night.

What makes it gothic?

• Revenge - the monster vows to get Victor back
• Nature - Victor fears for his life and that he cannot get back to shore, showing the power of nature
• Suspense - what will happen on Victors wedding night? 

Frankenstein: Volume III - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Victor and Henry travel through England to Scotland and Victor becomes impatient to start his work on the female creature so that he can get rid of his burden of his promise to the creature. Victor makes Henry stay with a friend in a Scottish town whilst Victor travels to a remote island to begin his work. He creates a laboratory in a small hut but struggles to have motivation to work because he knows how groteque the finished product will be.

What makes it gothic?

• Ambiguity - will Victor finish making the monster? Will he be successful?
• The sublime - a deserted island in Scotland
• Isolation - the sense of responsibility and secrecy

Frankenstein: Volume III - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Victors puts off creating the female creature, doubting whether it was wise to agree to the monster's request. He realises that he will need to travel to England to find information, and he becomes depressive. His father notices that his spirits are low (mainly because of his guilt over William and Justines death) and asks if it because of his impending marriage to Elizabeth. Victor assures him that the only happiness in his life is his marriage to Elizabeth. Alpohonse says that Victor should celebrate his marriage immediately but Victor wants to complete his promise to the creature first. Victor arranges a two-year tour in which Clerval will accompany him. After travelling for a while they reach London

What makes it gothic?

• Ambiguity - Will Victor make a female creature?
• Emotions - Victor feels guilty and depressed

Frankenstein: Volume II - Chapter 9

Chapter 9

The narration returns to Frankenstein. He is angry about the creatures recount of Williams death and refuses to create a female companion for him, arguing that their 'joint wickedness' would be enough to destroy the world. The creature states that he only does evil when he receives evil from others, and that if Frankenstein provided him with a lover to share his suffering, he would quit the company of mankind forever and hide in the jungle of South America. Frankenstein, although seeing his point, cannot forget the 'loathsomeness' of his appearance. The creature continues to says that his 'vices are the children of a forced solitude'. Victor agrees with the creautres request, in fear of his family's, and humanity's, health and well-being. The creature, skeptical, says that he will monitor Victor's progress. Victor goes back to Geneva. 

What makes it gothic?

• Ambiguity - will Victor keep to his promise?
• Isolation - the setting reflects the isolation the creature feels and the secrecy of the situation

Frankenstein: Volume II - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The creature curses his creator for giving him life, and it is only the thought of revenge that keeps him from taking his own life. The creature hopes that he can speak to the elderly man and gain the trust of his children, and so goes to the cottage. When he arrives he finds it empty, and waits until Felix finally arrives with a stranger. He learns that the family are leaving the cottage in fear that the creature will return. He cannot believe that his only companions have abandoned him. He cries and is angry for the rest of the day. When he wakes up the next day, he is determined to avenge mankind, particularly his creator, and so returns to Geneva. The creature travels only in the night, in the bitter cold, so that he is not seen but allows himself to travel in the day through one of the first days of Spring. His surroundings remind him of his gentle nature and he 'dares to be happy'. The creature sees a girls running through the forest and falling into rapidly moving water, and without thinking, jumps in a saves her. A peasant man comes along and snatches the girls away and shoots the creature. This makes the creature hate humanity even more. He soon arrives in Geneva and sees a child running through the forest. The creature speculates that the boy may be too young to hate his deformities and grabs the child's arm. The child screams and calls him a 'hideous monster' and says that his father, M. Frankenstein, will punish him. Upon hearing this name, the creature strangles the boy and feels a 'hellish triumph' at the boys death. The creature takes the necklace as he finds Caroline exquisitely beautiful, but is angry that no one will ever see him that way. The creature enters a nearby barn and finds Justine sleeping. Terrified she will wake up and denounce him a murderer, he hides the portrait in Justine;s dress. He thinks it is the beauty of people like Justine that have led him to this crime and so she should deal with the consequences. At the end of the tale, the creature demands that Frankenstein makes him a companion 'of the same species and of the same defects' so that he will no longer be alone. 

What makes it gothic?

•  Revenge - the creature his determined to repay his creator and humanity for the harm they have caused

Frankenstein: Volume II - Chapter 7

Chapter 7

The creature gains knowledge from three books left in an abandoned leather satchel: Padadise Lost, Plutarch's Live and The Sorrow of Young. They are of strong importance to him as they make him feel extremes of emotions. He is enthralled by Werther's thoughts about death and suicide, Plutarch's regard for heroes of the past and the grand themes in Paradise Lost. He reads all the books like they were true and sees Milton's story of the struggle between God and his creations as similar to his own story. He sees himself like Satan. The creature finds Frankenstein's laboratory journal and curses his creator for giving him life. He despairs his hideousness and sees even Satan as more fortunate than him. He, unlike Satan, is alone, but has hope that the family will see past his looks. When Winter comes, the creature decides to speak to the family. He decides to speak to the older man first as he is blind, and so will be able to understand better the goodwill of his heart without being disgusted. The creature knocks on the De Laceys door and bares his soul to the old man, telling him that he is an outcast and the family are his only friends. Before the man can reply, Safie, Felix and Agatha come in and Felix, in a 'transport of fury', violently beats the creature. The creature still loves the family and so does not retaliate, but flees the cottage and goes back to his hut.

What makes it gothic?

• Biblical themes - the creature thinks that even Satan is more fortunate than him
• Seasons - the cold Winter reflects the cold outcome of the creatures bravery

Frankenstein: Volume II - Chapter 6

Chapter 6

The creature learns that the family's surname is De Lacey, and they are the last of a noble French family. They lived in Paris surrounded by luxury but suffered a misfortune which forced them to go into exile. The cause of the misfortune was Safie's father, a merchant, who had been unjustly imprisoned by the Parisian government. He was imprisoned due to the racism and hatred of Islam that Parisians held. Felix was appalled by this and visited the man, vowing to do anything to liberate him. The merchant promised Felix his daughters hand in marriage to encourage him, and when the couple met they fell in love.The merchant, however, did not want his daughter to marry a Christian and conceived a plan to trick Felix and take his daughter back to their home in Turkey. Safie, however, did not want to leave as she enjoyed the freedom women had in Europe. Felix freed the merchant the night before his scheduled execution and was taking the fugatives across the French countryside when he heard that Agatha and the old man had been imprisoned. With this, he returned to them and told the merchant to keep Safie in Italy until he could meet her. The family were stripped of their fortune and forced into exile, and the merchant did nothing to help. The merchant fleed Italy and Safie travelled to Germany to see Felix.

What makes it gothic?

• Deceit - the merchant deceives the family
• Injustice - the family lose everything because they were kind

Frankenstein: Volume II - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

TIn Spring, a stranger arrives at the cottage, who Felix is delighted to see and calls her his 'sweet Arabian', though her actual name is Safie. The family have difficulty communicating with Safie and begin to teach her their language. The creature secretly takes part and finally begins the master the language. Safie's learns from a book called the Ruins of Empires, which intregues Victor to find out more about history. He learns of the atrocities people have committed against each other and is disgusted, but also wonders what place he can have amongst the people as he owns no property. The creature hates his new knowledge as it causes him to see himself as an outcast and monster. He feels he will never gain a friendship with the family as they will despair his appearance. The creature is friendless, loveless and hopeless. 

What makes it gothic?

• Isolation - the creature is alone
• The outsider - the creature is shunned from society

Frankenstein: Volume II - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The creature recalls his longing to speak to the cottage inhabitants, who seem gentle and simple, but doesn't due to the cruelty he previously experienced. He notices that the family are very poor and the two young people often go hungry so that the old man can eat. With this knowledge, Victor refrains from taking their food although he is very hungry himself. He also begins to cut firewood so that the young man, Felix, doesnt have to. The creautre spends the winter watching the family and begins to love them all and he tries to learn their language. He notices they are unhappy but cannot understand why; they have a roof, fire and human companionship. The creature sees his reflection in water and becomes certain that he will never know true happiness, but still continues to learn the language of the cottagers and strives to win their affection through his gentle heart.

What makes it gothic?

• Ambiguity - why are the family unhappy?
• Mystery - will the creature win the hearts of the family? 

Frankenstein: Volume II - Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The creaature's first memories involve confusion about his senses. He wanders around and eventually take refuge in the forest near Ingolstadt because it offered him shade. He suffered from hunger, thirst and bodily pain, but he felt better in the light of the moon and loved birdsong. He soon discovered fire, and realises it is not only good for warmth but also for making food more palatable. The people he encounters are horrified by him and often throw stones at him or beat him with sticks, even though he tries to befriend them. The creature finds a hut next to a cottage and takes refuge 'from the inclemency of the weather and from... the barbarity of man'. The creature observes the three people in the cottage (and young woman, young man and old man) and he is enthralled by how they speak, yet he cannot understand them.

What makes it gothic?

• Isolation - the creature is alone in the forest and is shunned from society
• Mystery - who are the people in the cottage? 

Frankenstein: Volume II - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Victor continues to travel through the valley, in awe of the natural landscape. He also, however, notices that it is plagued by destruction, for example through avalanches. He decides to climb the regions largest glacier, Montanvert, and the sight of the mountrain fills him with 'sublime ecstasy'. He is, however, filled with melancholy as he climbs the mountain and meditates about human dreams amid rain and rockslides. When he reaches the top, he invokes the 'wandering spirits' of the dead and ask them to either let him be happy or send him to his grave. Soon, the creature appears. Victors shouts, threatens and curses him but the creature is unmoved. The creature eloquently says that he is full of love and humanity, but his suffering has led him to do evil. He persuades Victor to accompany him to his cave to tell Victor a story.

What makes it gothic?

• The sublime - Montanvert
• The supernatural - the 'wandering spirits' seem to almost summon the creature
• The weather - the weather appears to reflect Victors feelings

Frankenstein: Volume II - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Following Justine's execution, Victor feels guilty. He falls ill as a result of his guilt and depression, and his father, having seen Victor depressive state, falls ill too. The Frankenstein family go away to their home in Belrive, but Victor spends his time there alone because the guilt and secrecy of Justine's death makes it agonising for him to spend time with his family (in contrast to the landscape in Belrive which impresses him due to its beauty). Victor often thinks about sucide but it put of by the grief it would cause Elizabeth and the potential harm the creature could cause in his absence. Victor's hatred for the creature becomes an obsession and he begins to think of nothing but revenge. Elizabeth also changes after the execution, and loses all faith in humanity. Now men appear to her 'as monsters thirsting after each other's blood'. Elizabeth still believes Justine's innocence, and tells Victor she is pityful for the man who must hold the guilt of her murder, to which Victor internally despairs. He seeks escape from this by travelling through the Alpine valley, where he often went as a boy. He is taken back by the beautiful scenery and sees it as proof of an omnipotent God. He is able to sleep for the first time since Justine's execution.

What makes it gothic?

• The sublime - the Belrive and Apline landscapes have a calming effect on Victor
• Secrecy - Victor is hiding the secret of Williams death
• Psychology - Victor becomes both obsessive and suicidal

Frankenstein: Volume I - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

At the trial, Justine confesses to the crime to avoid going to Hell. She asks to see Elizabeth and Victor, though, and tells them she is innocent. She tells them she ready to leave behind the 'sad and bitter world'. Once she is executed, Victor feels guilty that his creation has killed two people that he loves.

What makes it Gothic?

• Twist of fate - Justines unexpected confession

Frankenstein: Volume I - Chapter 7

Chapter 7

In Ingolstadt, Victor recieves a letter from his father saying to come back immediately as Victors youngest brother, William, has been murdered. They family had been out on a walk and he had run ahead, only to be found 'stretched on the grass livid and motionless; the print of the murderer's fingers on his neck'. The locket  of their mother that Elizabeth had given him earlier was missing. Victor returns to his hometown late into the night, and subsequently the town's gates are locked, leaving him to roam the outskirts of the town until morning. The night holds a severe thunderstorm. When Victor is near to where his brother was murdered, a flash of lightning reveals the creation amongst the trees. Upon seeing the 'demon', Victor realises that the creature was probably Williams murderer. Victor wants to warn his family about the dangers of his creation, but realises he would be perceived as a madman and so decides to keep quiet. When Victor arrives at the Frankenstein household, Ernest tells him that Justine has been accused of Williams murder as the picture he had was found in her pocket. Victor exclaims Justines innocence, but does not give a reason. He reassures the family, particularly Elizabeth, that she will not be found guilty due to lack of evidence.

What makes it Gothic?

• The Weather - the flash of lightning accompanies the revelation of the creature, the storm foreshadows dark circumstances
• Sense of mystery and dread - what will happen at the trial?
• Secrets - Victor does not tell his family about the creature

Frankenstein: Volume I - Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Elizabeth write in the letter that she is concerned about Victor and his health, and asks him to write to his family as soon as he can. She then goes on to say that Justine Moritz, a girl who used to live with the Frankenstein family, has moved back to their home after her mothers death. Victors brothers are well; William has turned five and Ernest is now sixteen and wants to join the foreign service. Victor recovers from his illness and introduces Clerval to his professors. The professors praise Frankenstein highly, and Victor hates this. He abandons his studies in order to learn oriental languages with Henry. Victor plans to visit his family in Geneva, but before going he and Henry go on a two-week walking tour of the German country. Here Victor forgets his misery, and says that Henry calls forth 'the better feelings of his heart'.

What makes it gothic?

• The sublime - Victor and Henry's tour of the German country makes Victor appreciate nature and his surrounding again
• Ambiguity - What will happen when Victor returns to his family?

Frankenstein: Volume I - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

On a stormy night in November, Victor completes his creature and brings him to life after months of working. The appearance of the creature repulses and shocks Victor and upon the opening of the creatures 'dull yellow eye', Victor feels violently ill. Victor created the creature out of the most beautiful human features, but the creature is ugly when completed. Victor runs from the room and into his bedchamber, where he tries to sleep. He is tormented by a nightmare in which he is kissing Elizabeth, but then opens his eyes to find himself holding his mothers dead corpse. He wakes up to see the creature smiling at Victor, with his arm out-stretched, trying to communicate. Victor spends the rest of the night pacing the courtyard, and in the morning goes on a walk in Ingolstadt where he bumps into Henry Clerval, who has come to embark on 'a voyage of discovery to the land of knowledge'. Henry tells Victor that his family are worried for him, and also that he looks unhealthy. Victor brings Henry back to his apartment and is relieved to find that the creature is not there. Victor soon falls ill with a 'nervous fever' and Henry nurses him for months until he is back to health. Victor decides he wants to write to his family. Henry gives Victor a letter that Elizabeth sent during his illness.

What makes it gothic?

• The supernatural - the creature comes to life
• Nightmares -  interpretations of Victors dream lead to explorations of his psyche, relational ability and sexuality

Frankenstein: Volume I - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Victor becomes engrossed in his studies, where laboratory work particularly fascinates him and he is often there for days on end. Victor is so distracted by his studies that he does not visit his family in Geneva. He becomes fascinated with the human body and has a 'supernatural enthusiasm' for the 'principle of life' and death. He begins pillaging graveyards for specimens to use for his dissections and after endless work, discovering the secret to life. Victor begins to construct a creature and envisions a new race of species. He becomes obsessed with his work and is encouraged by the thought of fame and glory, so much so that he isolates himself from his studies, social life and family. Victor briefly thinks about his father, who he has not contacted in a year, but deludes himself into thinking that his father will understand and approve of his work.

What makes it gothic?

• Mystery - Will Victor create life? Or even a race of beings?
• The Supernatural - Going against the natural way, the 'undead'
• The pursued protagonist - Victor is pursued by his own mind, knowledge and imagination
• Psychology - Obsession: Is Victor insane? 

Frankenstein: Volume I - Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Elizabeth catches Scarlet fever and passes it onto Victors mother, who dies as a result. Her dying wish for Victor to marry Elizabeth. Victor goes to Ingostadt to study at University. Victor meets the professor of natural philosophy, M. Krempe, who tells Victor that his previous studies were a waste of time. Victor then attended a lecture given by a chemistry professor, M. Waldman, who talks of the recent successes of science and further inspires Victor to reveal 'to the world the deepest mysteries of creation'. 

What makes it gothic?

• Death and disease - Victors mother dies and Elizabeth catches Scarlet fever
• Mystery - What will Victor achieve or discover?

Frankenstein: Volume I - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Victor has an idyllic childhood in which Elizabeth found a love for poetry whilst Victor was more interested in the 'hidden laws of nature', perhaps a foreshadowment to Victors dangerous ambition. Victor has few friends, but is very close Henry Clerval,  an only child with a vivid imagination. Victor becomes intrigued by alchemy and the natural world when he reads the works of Cornelius Agrippa. Elizabeth's 'saintly soul' soothes Victor passion for knowledge, and without her his interests may have become obsessive. One day, Victor sees lightning strike a tree. A philosopher that knew Victors family tells Victors about the works of electricity, making Victor see alchemy as outdated, and he decides to focus his studies on subjects that are based on fact as opposed to philosophy.

What makes it gothic?

• Sense of mystery - Victor becomes intrigued by the mysteries of the natural world
• Sublime - the wonders of nature: lightning striking the tree 

Frankenstein: Volume I - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

The narration changes to Victor Frankenstein. He was born into a well-respected, wealthy family who lived in Geneva. Frankenstein's mother, Caroline, was the daughter of a noble man named Beaufort who has lost all of his money and was forced to live in 'wretchedness'. Alphonse, Frankenstein's father, was a close friend of Caroline father, and after Beaufort died Alphonse became Caroline's protector. Two years later, they married and Victor was born soon after. Frankenstein had a good, loving childhood. Caroline often visited the poor, as she was saved from poverty herself, she found it important to improve the lives of others. One day she found a orphaned girl with 'golden hair' and 'fair skin' named Elizabeth, whose adoptive parents in Italy could not afford to look after her properly. The Frankenstein's decided to raise the child as their own. Caroline decides that Victor and Elizabeth should marry in the future. Elizabeth becomes Victors most 'beautiful and adored companion', perhaps hinting at their future romantic love.

What makes it gothic?

• Mystery - intrigued into the future of Victor and Elizabeth's relationship
• Wealth - the typical convention that "the higher you are, the harder you fall", perhaps foreshadowing disaster

Frankenstein: The Letters

Letter 1

Written on 11th December 17-, the first letter is written by Robert Walton (in Russia) to his sister, Mrs. Saville (in England). Walton is a sea captain, about to embark on a journey to the North Pole for two main reasons: to find a passage linking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and to find the origin of the North Pole's magnetism. Walton hopes to accomplish 'some great purpose', and fulfil his childhood dream of reaching the North Pole, a place he describes as having 'eternal light'. This provides the basis for the key theme of sublime nature which is vital and central to the novel. Walton is determined to succeed in reaching the North Pole because his dreams of becoming a poet have not worked out. Many romantic writers at this time had very little formal education and, to make up for this, undertook expeditions to widen their knowledge, often to Europe. Shelley also went on expeditions to Europe, perhaps inspiring Walton's expedition. Walton is almost obsessed with knowledge and learning, and feel that the journey will satisfy an 'ardent curiosity' to visit unknown territory.  He plans to travel to Archangel to hire a ship and crew and depart from Russia in June, but is unsure if he will ever return. This is striking as it becomes apparent that Walton is willing to risk his life to achieve his ambitions.

What makes it gothic?

• The sublime - Walton's description of the North Pole
• Mystery - Will Walton achieve his ambition? What will happen on the trip? Will he reach the North Pole? Will he return?
• Justice - Walton has failed in becoming a poet/playwright, but now has a chance to expand his knowledge and leave his mark on the World/make history 
• Mentality - Walton seems almost obsessed with proving his worth and gaining knowledge

Letter 2

After reaching Archangel, Walton is worried that he has no friend that could console him if the trip does not work out, admitting that it is a romantic and emotional need. He is lonely and blames his upbringing for sensitising him to the 'brutality' of life at sea.  He doesn't have a connection with the other men on board the ship as he feels too sophisticated for them but is still excited about the forthcoming journey and writes that the journey is 'fixed as fate'. He confesses his passions for the 'marvellous' and 'mysterious' dangers of the sea, which he attributes to his admiration of 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'. The influence of Romanticism is key in this letter in describing Walton's want for a companion, and his opinion that the sea is 'marvellous' and 'mysterious'. Also, the fact that Walton's view of the sea is based on 'The Rime of the Ancient Ancient Mariner' shows not only romanticism, but a sense of ignorance.

What makes it gothic?

• The sublime - Walton refers to the North Pole as 'marvellous' and 'mysterious'
• Isolation - Walton is lonely and wants a companion
• Mentality - Will the isolation drive him to insanity?

Letter 3

Written on July 7th, Walton states that he has set sail. He describes his journey so far as a 'triumph'. Walton continues his romantic sentiments by writing that the stars will witness his success. The crew have been loyal and the weather fine, though sheets of ice in the sea suggest bad weather may be ahead, and perhaps could foreshadow a change in luck too.

What makes it gothic?

• Weather - the good weather creates good feelings within Walton, though there is potential for a change in weather and therefore also in emotion
• Mystery/dread - the potential bad weather could lead to problems on the ship or with the expedition

Letter 4

The letter is written in 3 parts, the first part beginning with Walton writing that his ship has become stuck in ice. Walton and his men spot a sledge guided by a man 'of gigantic stature' and 'savage'. This monster-like description begins the theme of prejudice in the story. The next morning, the crew find another man and a sledge stranded on an ice flow. All but one of the dogs are dead and the man is weak and starving. Despite his condition, the man refuses to board the ship until told where the ship is heading. The man comes on board the ship and shows, according to Walton, a 'benevolence and sweetness' that he has never seen before. The man spends two days recovering and Walton begins to love him as a brother and the companion he thought he would never meet, appearing to be the end of Walton's isolation. Walton tells the stranger that he is on a quest for knowledge, and this upsets the stranger who says he has lost everything and is at the end of his life. The man decided to tell Walton his story in the hope that Walton may 'deduce an apt moral' after hearing it, suggesting that the man is well-experienced. Walton tells the man that his fate has already been determined, making Walton appear ignorant, and writes to his sister that he will write down the man's story.

What makes it gothic?

• Weather - the ship is trapped in ice and there is a sense of entrapment and isolation
• The supernatural - the 'savage', 'gigantic stature' sounds like a supernatural being
• Mystery - the unknown 'figure' on the sledge
• Ambiguity - Why was the man determined to go North? Who was the figure on the sledge?