Frankenstein's Persistent Tone example essay topic

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley In the Gothic novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley integrates the rhetorical devices figurative language, imagery, and tone to impart the concept that the desire to acquire knowledge and emulate God will ultimately result in chaos and havoc that exceeds the boundaries of human restraint. I. Life of Mary Shelley / Characteristics of Gothic Literature A. Life of Mary Shelley 1. Eleven days after Mary Shelley's birth, her mother, the famed author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, succumbed to puerperal fever, leaving her [Mary Shelley's] father, William Godwin, bereft of his beloved companion. In her honor, Godwin puts together a loving tribute entitled Memoirs of the Author of a Vindication of the Rights of Woman, a sensitive and factual account of his deceased wife's life. 2.

The relationship between Mary Shelley and her stepmother was strained. The new Mrs. Godwin provoked Shelley's ire by encroaching upon her privacy. In addition, she resented Mary's passionate affection for her father and was envious of the interest showed by visitors in the two radical thinkers of the day. 3. Death revolved around Mary Shelley's life. Her first child was born prematurely and survived for only eleven days; her second child died of malaria; the next child succumbed to dysentery after sustaining life for about a year; and her sister Fanny committed suicide.

4. Mary Shelley was denounced by her beloved father; who thought that she "had been guilty of a crime". Shelley, who was seventeen at the time, was not yet a wife and no longer a mother. She felt insecure and was dependent on her future husband Per Shelley for emotional support and familial commitment. 5. Shelley suffered her greatest loss in 1822, the death of Percy Shelley by drowning.

Percy's sudden death left Mary in a psychological turmoil, with feelings of "fierce remorse" and guilt. In order to make up for her guilt, Shelley decided to write his biography and an idealized portrait of him in her next novel, The Last Man. B. Characteristics of Romantic / Gothic Literature 1. Romantic literature everywhere includes themes such as: imagination was praised over reason, emotions over logic, and intuition over science-making way for a vast body of literature of great sensibility and passion. 2. This literature emphasizes a new flexibility of form adapted to varying content, encourages the development of complex and fast-moving plots, and allows mixed genres and freer style. 3.

No longer tolerated, for example, were the fixed classical conventions, such as the famous three unities (time, place, and action) of tragedy. II. Rhetoric in the Novel A. Conflict 1. From the tortures of my own heart, I turned to contemplate the deep and voiceless grief of my Elizabeth.

This also was my doing! And my father's woe, and the desolation of the late so smiling home - all was the work of my thrice-accursed hands... Thus spoke my prophetic soul, as torn by remorse horror, and despair, I beheld those I loved spend vain sorrow upon the graves of William and Justine, the first hapless victims to my unhallowed arts". a. In this quote, Frankenstein has an inner conflict within himself.

He has realized that his lack of foresight has caused the deaths of two of his loved ones - William and Justine. In doing so, he has also placed grief into the hearts of his father and Elizabeth. Tone here is agonized - this is because he is filled with anguish knowing the fact that he created a monster that induced grief among his loved ones. This quote also serves as an example of irony. It implies that instead of achieving the glory he had hoped for by discovering the secret of creation of life, he has only caused grief. 2.

"Liberty, however, had been a useless gift to me, had I not, as I awakened to reason, at the same time awakened to revenge. As the memory of past misfortunes pressed upon me, I began to reflect on their cause - the monster whom I created, the miserable daemon whom I had sent abroad into the world for my destruction. I was possessed by a maddening rage when I thought of him, and desired and ardently prayed that I might have him within my grasp to wreak a great and signal revenge on his cursed head". a. In this quote, Frankenstein is clearly in conflict with the monster as a result of the monster's heinous actions. Here, the actions of the monster have prognosticated Frankenstein's ire and have spurred him to wreak revenge upon the monster. This quote further bolsters the irony that although Frankenstein initially wished to create life for the sake of glory, the creature becomes intractable and induces grief in Frankenstein by gradually depriving him of his loved ones.

The tone in this statement is a bitter and vengeful one. This is evident because Frankenstein himself states that he was "possessed by a maddening rage" and wished to "wreak a great revenge" upon the monster. B. Figurative Language 1. "But these philosophers, whose hands seem only made to dabble in dirt, and their eyes to pore over the microscope or crucible, have indeed performed miracles. They penetrate into the recesses of nature and show how she works in her hiding places". a.

In this quote, M. Waldman's speech appeals to Frankenstein's desire to acquire knowledge. In his speech, M. Waldman praises the modern scientists for their outstanding and brilliant achievements. For example, he uses a metaphor "recesses of nature" and "hiding places" to portray how modern scientists have achieved significant discoveries by acquiring knowledge. This speech further motivates Frankenstein to seek knowledge to its extent. 2. "As he went on I felt as if my soul were grappling with a palpable enemy; one by one the various keys were touched which formed the mechanism of my being; chord after chord was sounded, and soon my mind was filled with one thought, one conception, one purpose.

So much has been done, exclaimed the soul of Frankenstein - more, far more, will I achieve; treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation". a. This quote is arguably the most potent, powerful, and expressive one in the entire novel. So expressive this quote is that Frankenstein eloquently describes the overwhelming desire to explore the mysteries of knowledge. Frankenstein uses parallelism". ... one thought, one perception, one purpose... ". to underscore his unwavering goal to discover the secrets of creation. Furthermore, Frankenstein also uses a metaphor to compare his desire to acquire knowledge to the chords being sounded on a piano. This quote emphasizes that Frankenstein had one goal - to seek out the secrets of creation.

3. "The tortures of the accused did not equal mine; she was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore my bosom and would not forgo their hold". a. Frankenstein feels utter remorse when he is aware that Justine will not be spared. An analogy is used here - Justine's tortures are being compared to those of Frankenstein. A sophisticated metaphor is also used here to compare remorse to "fangs" that "would not forgo their hold" on him.

This quote serves to stress the fact that Frankenstein's previous "unhallowed acts" have led to his grief. 4. "I believed myself destined for some great enterprise... I possessed a coolness of judgement that fitted me for illustrious achievements... I deemed it criminal to throw away in useless grief those talents that might be useful to my fellow creatures... But this thought, which supported me in the commencement of my career, now serves only to plunge me lower in the dust.

All my speculations and hopes are as nothing, and like the archangel who aspired to omnipotence, I am chained in an eternal hell. My imagination was vivid, yet my powers of analysis and application were intense... From my infancy I was imbued with high hopes and a lofty ambition; but how am I sunk!" a. This speech made by Frankenstein in his last days was filled with regret and remorse. Frankenstein relates how he at first was intent on seeking knowledge and unfolding the mysteries of creation. But he then progresses to state how all his actions have been in vain.

Instead of achieving the glory that he initially wished for, he inflicted pain upon himself by unleashing a monster that was beyond his control. This monster was the product of his rashness, imprudence, and his failure to consider the consequences when he decided to create a being that was far more potent than any human. Frankenstein conveys his remorse by admitting that he had sought to unlock the mysteries of creation "from his infancy" but it only served to plunge him into numerous dilemmas. C. Tone 1. "After days and nights of incredible labor and fatigue, I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter. The astonishment which I had at first experienced on this discovery soon gave place to delight and rapture". a. The tone expressed in this quote is one of ecstasy and joy.

Frankenstein, after a laborious study, has finally unlocked the secret to creation of life. Through his words, the reader can absolutely infer that Frankenstein feels happy that he has been granted the secret of creation of life. This quote is significant because it portrays Frankenstein's joy at acquiring secret knowledge. 2. "My cheek had grown pale with study and my person had become emaciated with confinement. Sometimes, on the brink of certainty, I failed; yet still clung to the hope which the next day of the next hour might realize". a.

The tone here is one of persistence in spite of condition. Frankenstein is clearly motivated to study and discover the secret of creation; however, as the reader can deduce, Frankenstein's health is on the decline. Despite his degrading health, Frankenstein displays an indomitable will to pursue his study and attain his objective. 3. "My limbs now tremble, and my eyes swim with the remembrance; but then a resistless and almost frantic impulse urged me forward; I seemed to have lost all soul or sensation but for this one pursuit. It was indeed but a passing trance, that only made me feel with renewed acuteness so soon as, the unnatural stimulus ceasing to operate... ". a.

This quote also expresses the tone of persistence. Frankenstein describes how he had a driving and "frantic impulse" that goaded him to pursue his goal and how he was numb to all other feelings except this one stimulus. He also briefly elaborates how this impulse was "unnatural" and never stopping. Frankenstein's persistent tone in this example serves to stress the fact that he was filled with only one purpose - to discover the secret of creation. D. Imagery 1. "It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed". a.

This quote signifies an event that served to drive Frankenstein to thirst for knowledge. In this quote, the author employs imagery in order to reveal the extent of Frankenstein's awe. Frankenstein describes in detail how the tree was totally demolished by a single strike of lighting. He describes the debris: "it was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons on wood". Tone could also be a rhetorical device that is evident here because Frankenstein states how he "never beheld anything so utterly destroyed".

By stating these words, Frankenstein indirectly reveals to the reader that he will pursue a quest for more knowledge. 2. "I collected bones from charnel-houses and disturbed, with profane fingers, the tremendous secrets of the human frame... In a solitary chamber, or rather cell, at the top of the house, and separated from all the other apartments by a gallery and staircase, I kept my workshop of filthy creation; my eyeballs were starting from their sockets in attending to the details of my employment.

The dissecting room and the slaughter-house furnished many of my materials; and often did my human nature turn with loathing form my occupation... ". a. In this quote, Frankenstein describes the setting of his work. The setting is described as resembling that of a mad scientist's laboratory. Frankenstein also lightly touches upon the concept of immoral ethics in this quote. He states how he "collected bones form charnel-houses", which is clearly a sacrilege to the deceased. The tone could be described as gloomy and sepulchral because the details relate to dead bodies and body parts, which characterize the typical tone of tombs and cemeteries.

The imagery is of importance in this quote because it expresses all the details that set the tone of the quote. Vivid images such as "dissecting room" and "slaughter-house" serve to establish the sepulchral tone as well as evoke a scenario that includes these details in the reader's mind. Finally, this quote contains an example of irony because it relates how Frankenstein "turned with loathing from his occupation". Although Frankenstein may feel a slight abhorrence toward his conducts, the reader knows that he will proceed with the project because he has an impulse that drives him to continue - this impulse being the desire to obtain knowledge. E. Foreshadowing 1. No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself". a. This is a terse statement; yet, it reveals much.

This statement conveys to the reader that Frankenstein had a slight feeling of egotism - he believes that he had the happiest childhood that no other child has ever passed. In addition, Frankenstein implies a slight hint of a miserable wretched adulthood - an example of foreshadowing. The reader is later cognizant that this misery is caused in part by Frankenstein's thirst for knowledge.. Themes / Criticisms A. Nature vs. Nurture 1. The theme "Nature vs. Nurture" plays a minor role regarding the concept that the acquirement of knowledge leads to chaos. However, it does serve some significance.

In the early chapters of the novel, Frankenstein informs the reader that he was interested in obtaining knowledge since he was a youth. Frankenstein states: "My childish pursuits were turned toward an eager desire to learn, and not to learn all things indiscriminately... It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still my inquiries were directed to the metaphysical, or in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world". In other words, Frankenstein is clearly intent on learning science since infancy.

This serves to underscore the fact that a fraction of his proclivity for science emanated from his innate character. Therefore, his inherent nature had contained this trait - this desire to seek scientific knowledge to its extent. In addition, the concept of "nurture" also played a role in impelling Frankenstein to pursue his objective. Frankenstein informs the reader that he chanced to find a volume of Cornelius Agrippa's works and was filled with a passion for science.

Frankenstein goes on to state that he had read the works of Agrippa with "greatest avidity". Therefore, this example serves to emphasize the fact that Frankenstein was influenced by outside factors such as Agrippa's work that led him to seek scientific knowledge. Another outside incident that shaped Frankenstein's pursuit to unfold the mysteries of science was the lightning storm. Frankenstein observes a tree being shredded to "ribbons of wood" by lightning and becomes further fascinated with electricity.

This incident played a role in influencing Frankenstein's goals. B. Lack of Responsibility 1. The theme "Lack of Responsibility" plays a role in the concept that the acquirement of knowledge results in grief and chaos. This theme is omnipresent in the novel - and it ultimately brings about Frankenstein's demise. The most well-known example is of course Frankenstein's decision to create a being that is superior to human in every physical aspect. This proves to be an imprudent action because if the monster rebels (which he does), it would be difficult for a human to overcome him physically. Another sign of Frankenstein's lack of responsibility is his failure to act as a "father" to the monster.

At first sight of the monster, Frankenstein flees in terror. This is an act of irresponsibility because Frankenstein, as the creator, must fulfill his duties as one and act as a "father" to the monster. Since he does not do this, the monster is left to a "child's blindness" and must unravel the aspects of life himself. This is partly the reason that the monster turns to the evil side. Finally, Frankenstein acts irresponsibly at Justine's trial. He is absolutely certain that Justine is innocent and that he is guilty because he is that one who plagued the earth with the monster.

However, instead of stepping up and confessing his "unhallowed acts", he refuses to take the blame and allows Justine to be lynched at the gallows. The effect of Justine's death is overwhelming to Frankenstein's loved ones - and it was all his fault because he failed to take responsibility for his actions. C. The Thirst for Knowledge 1. This is the predominant theme of the outline; the numerous examples that support this concept are listed prior to this section. In general, the overall thesis is that the desire to obtain knowledge will lead to chaos and grief if it becomes too overreaching. A criticism that supports this thesis is by George Levine in his "The Ambiguous Heritage of Frankenstein". The duality of our relationship to creator and creature is an echo of our relationship to the technology that we worship even as we recognize that it is close to destroying us.

Another way to express the duality, in technological terms, is through the idea of entropy. Victor's overreaching is an attempt to create new life. He fails to recognize the necessary secular-scientific myth of entropy: that in any closed system, the new energy generated will be less than the energy expended in its creation, and that ultimately the system will run down. It took a great deal of death to make the new life; the making of the Monster is at the expense of all of Victor's immediate world-brother, father, bride, friend. Without the incalculable presence of divine spirit, creation can only entail destruction larger than itself. It is, ultimately, this nightmare image that the Monster represents to our culture".

In other words, Levine agrees with the concept that knowledge can threaten the balance in the system of the earth if it becomes too overreaching. Levine uses the law of entropy in order to apply it to the system of the earth and describes how new energy generated will be less than the energy used at creation - which will ultimately result in imbalance in the system. What he means is that if a new monster that is created is stronger than humans in every physical trait, it will lead to disorder upon the earth because this if this monster cannot be controlled, then he will wreak chaos. IV.

Conclusion A. The acquirement of knowledge can result in devastating effects if it is overreaching. B. The author uses various rhetorical devices to convey this concept. C. Frankenstein serves as a model of Gothic literature by employing various themes that are prevalent in most Gothic literature.