Mary Shelly's Use Of Symbolism In Frankenstein

Mary Shelley was known as an English novelist, biographer and travel writer. She married the romantic poet and philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley, which died at the age of 29. She is known mainly for her efforts to publish her husband’s work and for the novel Frankenstein, published in 1818. Her mum also tragically died of puerperal shortly after Marry was born, leaving Godwin (her father) to bring up Marry in London. Her mum was an English philosopher advocated to women rights, whilst her dad was also a philosopher and a journalist. Growing up Mary, received an informal education as his father often found himself in debt and felt that he could not raise her daughter. At the age of 19, Mary, Percy and their son travelled to Geneva, in which

Whilst living at her father’s house, he had many visitors that included leading radical thinkers. This led her to be widely interested in history and philosophy often discussing political and social issues with her father. Shelley’s creation of the monster can be seen in various ways: The critic of society, a representation of a dangerous force or a symbolization of the French Revolution. Mary became more aware of the discussions of cruelty and tyranny that were inhabiting human as well as the political establishment. This reflected on the creation on an outsider to which the society had no room for. The monster can be seen as foreshadowing they hatred to come. Mary feared that and was anxious about the possibility of revolutionary mob violence. She feared what could happen if individuals started to act collectively and commit atrocities. The monster represents the loose force in society which is uncontrollable and cause damage. Frankenstein also symbolises the revolutionary spirit during the French Revolution, including massacres and blood. It reflects on the monstrous behaviour created by the revolution created by the thinkers, which is

The time period in which women were considered inferior to males. This explains the minimalistic role of female characters in the novel. Throughout the novel we become aware of the role of reflecting on the male characters. This is because of the imposed ideology and perception that women need a man’s help. This can be seen throughout the novel were female characters are very poor and cannot not being able to speak directly. For instance, after Caroline dies, Elizabeth becomes in charge of the household and becomes the motherly figure. However, her character still has little role in the society. Furthermore, both Justine and Caroline are mainly present to help male characters. Women are used as symbol to measure relationships. For instance, when Elizabeth is killed at her wedding night due to the dispute between Victor and the