Examples Of Collage In Frankenstein

My collage is an eclectic mix of images and quotations that convey central themes within Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. To begin, Shelley emphasizes the dangers of pursuing knowledge and science throughout the novel, drawing attention to the immensely destructive tendencies of Victor Frankenstein’s creature. Frankenstein labors relentlessly to assemble the monster, attempting to quench his unyielding thirst for discovery. However, he neglects to acknowledge the potentially disastrous repercussions of his creation, which ultimately wreaks havoc upon Victor’s life. Victor Frankenstein’s excessive experimentation and application of science is represented by the yellow picture containing a multitude of laboratory equipment and mechanic head. The atomic bomb explosion and light bulb containing fire

symbolize the consequential risks of science and obsession with acquiring wisdom. Although science led to the development of nuclear weapons, these catastrophic bombs have ravaged entire nations and brutally murdered many civilians. Moreover, because light bulbs typically represent innovative ideas and intelligence, the fire challenges the positive connotation commonly associated with wisdom. The fire suggests that superfluous knowledge generates conflict, and Victor, the “modern Prometheus”, is ironically punished repetitively for his developments just as Prometheus suffered because of fire. Although the consequences of Victor’s actions are blatantly obvious to the reader, he immaturely chooses to deflect blame for his wrongdoings and even ignores his mistakes entirely.

This secrecy is evidenced by the picture depicting a man shielding his eyes and mouth. Victor Frankenstein similarly disregards his monster’s pleas, threats, and warnings, remaining silent as William, Justine, and many innocent individuals are murdered. The collage also touches upon the internal conflict that ravages the monster’s mind and inspires him to seek vengeance upon Victor. The creature’s inevitable agony, although constantly present throughout the novel, is highlighted during the scene that describes its tormented reaction to its reflection in a small pond. Despite the grotesque physical appearance of the monster, he is initially gentle and kind hearted. However, its inability to assimilate into society and experience companionship slowly imbues spite within the creation, causing it to declare, “If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!” These significant detrimental effects of the creature’s exterior are brought to attention by the photo containing the hideous monster in the

mirror. The sporadic placement of comic titles displaying “Monster” also emphasizes the demeaning reaction of the public to the creature’s appearance. Additionally, the emotional insecurities carried by the creature gradually infiltrate and dominate its thoughts, eventually rendering it evil. This mental battle that occurs inside of the creature is symbolized by the image of a man whose head is filled with controversial, mind-consuming topics. He internally struggles due to insecurities and alienation from humanity, expressing his pain, “Satan has his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him, but I am solitary and detested.” Finally, the duality of man is illustrated by the picture portraying the head with combined features of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. The half depicting Victor represents our docile humanity, dishonesty, and fundamental desire to form relationships with others. On the other hand, the monster half represents our qualities that society outcasts and rejects, those that we carefully keep hidden from others. But it will eternally be impossible to discern which entity encompasses good versus evil; both man and monster have possess flaws.