Foreshadowing In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, is a novel that exposes many themes and ideas with the assistance of literary and stylistic techniques. Shelley explores certain ideas about good and evil including the idea that happiness is valuable, that through persistent negative inputs someone’s outward character becomes their inside beliefs and that there will be no rest until there remains only one god. These ideas closely interlink with the themes of good and evil which allows for contrast, giving the audience an opportunity to gain their own meaning. Foreshadowing is used to effectively develop the story, while the metaphors are used to give the readers a visual understanding of the storyline. Shelley makes all these components work together to form a

As the descriptions of nature begin to intensify, it foreshadows the occurrence of something bad, “…night advanced, a fierce wind arose from the woods, and quickly dispersed the clouds…the blast tore along like a mighty avalanche…” (Shelley 2009, p.168). These words were spoken right before the monster ignited the flame that destroyed the cottage. Through the literary technique of foreshadowing, Shelley lets the audience feel the experience and gain their own meaning through the characters actions. Additionally Shelley uses the stylistic feature of metaphors to increase the depth and development of the story. “But I, the true murderer, felt the never-dying worm alive in my bosom, which allowed of no hope or consolation.” (Shelley 2009, p.100). This metaphor expresses the guilt and despair that Victor felt as a result of the murder he committed. “The tortures of the accused did not equal mine…the fangs of remorse tore my bosom and would not forego their hold.” (Shelley 2009, p.96) This metaphor continues to symbolise that just like the fangs of a wild animal tear at their prey, so does the despair within Victor. The metaphors within Frankenstein influence the readers by letting them see the value of innocence. Metaphors give the story a greater visual comprehension allowing the readers to gain meaning within their responses. Shelley uses stylistic and literary techniques to enhance the novel, developing the storyline while allowing the readers to make their own