Literary Techniques In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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The classic novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley in 1818, displays the use of literary devices, foreshadowing, allusions and figurative language, which aid the reader in understanding the authors opinion on scientific exploration. These techniques are used to arouse anticipation within the reader, therefore engaging them throughout the text. Along with providing a greater understanding of the novel, by referring to other books, and using the novel to portray the authors own perspective on scientific exploration. All these devices are effectively used within the novel to provide a deeper understandings of Mary Shelley’s work.

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Mary Shelley can be shown to use foreshadowing to engage the reader through …show more content…

The use of allusions help the reader to interpret what the author is trying to convey. Within the novel, Mary Shelley, provides numerous references to the well-known narrative Paradise Lost. An example, is when ‘the monster’ talks about himself to Walton, the former saying “The fallen angel becomes a malignant devil.”(Chapter 24, pg 221) This text refers to the character Satan or the devil in Paradise Lost, how he previously was an angel that had fallen from the heavens. The monster believes that he is like Satan. He once was good, saving a young girl from drowning, but like Satan, he has fallen into the pits of hell. Where he consistently seeks revenge on Victor, his creator, who is seen as an allusion to God. This relationship between the monster and its creator, can be viewed as a parallel to God and Adam/Satan. Like Adam, he was created by God (Victor), and craves for a companion, just like the monster, who constantly implies that, “I am alone.”(Chapter 24, pg 221) Getting to the point where he asks Victor to create him a partner, which never comes to animation. Thus, resulting in the rebellion of the monster against Victor, his creator, like how Satan defied his. With reference to these allusions, the author creates a sensation of pity and empathy towards the creature, making it easier for the reader to understand the monster’s perspective. The use of the allusion to Paradise Lost helps the reader interpret the characters within the