The Fulfillment of the Definition of Gothic Horror by Chapters 5 and 4 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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The Fulfillment of the Definition of Gothic Horror by Chapters 5 and 4 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

'Frankenstein' is a gothic novel, a type of novel most popular between

1760 and 1820. The main components of the gothic novel are mystery,

horror, and the supernatural. The word 'gothic' itself has several

meanings. It can mean harsh or cruel, referring to the barbaric Gothic

tribes of the Middle Ages. However, gothic novels typically feature

wild and remote settings, such as haunted castles or wind-blasted

moors, and their plots involve violent or mysterious events. Sometimes

events are represented in an uncannily macabre way. Occurrences in

such novels feature melodramatic violence and often, strange

psychological states are also explored.

The word 'Frankenstein' has become synonymous with monsters,

originating from Mary Shelley's tragic saga about a pioneering and

well-meaning disciple of science and his almost-human creation. There

were several factors which influenced the writing of the book. Many

breakthroughs took place in the field of science, especially in the

areas of biology and chemistry. Shelley was the daughter of two of

England's most intellectual radicals. Her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft,

was an established feminist who specialised in education and women's

rights. Her father, William Godwin, was a well-known political

philosopher and novelist. Shelley never met her mother as she passed

away several days after giving birth, but was nevertheless inspired by

her works and reputation. While being brought up in a well educated

and literary household, Shelley was inspired by all those around her

to write her novel. She elo...

... middle of paper ...

...tein raiding graveyards for the various parts of the human

body, then later the murders of his family and friends by his

creation. With all of these elements combined, chapters 4 and 5

fulfilled the definition of gothic horror. I personally enjoyed

reading the novel as the storyline was an unusual and very gripping. I

also enjoyed the uncertainty at the end of chapter 5 as the creature

was gone but not destroyed. It also relieved Victor of all his fear

and was a greater burden to him towards the end of the novel after the

monster began to kill Victor's family. Chapters 4 and 5 consist of

many gothic elements, which make an worthy gothic novel. Shelley

produced a creation which fulfilled Lord Byron's challenge and truly

was: 'One

which would speak to the mysterious fears of our nature and awaken

thrilling horror.'

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