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The Symbolism Of Light In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein many symbols are represented throughout the book. One of those symbols is light. Light stands for life. Also, light functions in Frankenstein through knowledge, discovery, and enlightenment which are parts of life.The symbolization of light connects the story of Prometheus, a Greek god. Prometheus gave the human race the gift of light because of this he was punished. This symbolization contributes to the work as a whole through a message in the book, light of science is good until it is pursued too far. In the story of Prometheus consequences are suffered. Likewise, characters in Frankenstein suffer repercussions for their actions. In other words, the light of science in Frankenstein is creation. Furthermore, Victor Frankenstein pursued his scientific abilities too far and suffered the consequences of life.
Light begins as a symbol with the letters at the beginning of Frankenstein. Walton writes letters to his sister informing her that he is on his way to eternal light. As his letters continue, the light is described in detail. Walton is seeking out the secrets of life. Coming into the novel, Walton’s search transforms to Victor’s obsession in natural philosophy where he ventures to find the secret of life. Victor intends to let light into the …show more content…

The light allows the monster to be recognized as an ugly creature. Also, the light of the fire gives the monster warmth, however, it causes him pain because he gets burnt. This ties into the work as a whole because one of themes of Frankenstein is that the light of science is good until you pursue it too far. Just like Victor Frankenstein pursued knowledge too far and attempted to do God’s job of creation. The light Victor has seen quickly ends. In result of Victor’s creation, the light of science causes the monster depression and feelings of negativity. Pain of the monster stems from the light of science being researched too

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Frankenstein wants the glorification and pride in being the first person to create life. Frankenstein sees himself in Walton, and Walton says, “ ...do I not deserve to accomplish some great purpose?...,but I prefer glory to every excitement that wealth place on my path”(10). Walton is a younger extension of Frankenstein and gives perspective to the ideas of the younger version of Frankenstein as he creates the creature. However, Frankenstein’s ambitions cost him dearly. The deaths of those around him make him suffer, but also the creation of the creature makes the creature suffer.

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Frankenstein is a book written by Mary Shelley about a man named Victor Frankenstein and his life and how it came to be. He had created a monster and brought it to life by studying and learning natural philosophy. Mary Shelley brought the emotions forward from the main characters by the amount of detail she put into the book. Most of the detail was brought in by the suffering that happens throughout the book caused by Frankenstein’s monster. The monster in this story is a tragic figure that is the main cause of suffering that occurs to everyone.

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Furthermore, Shelley examines the relation that Frankenstein and his monster have towards relevant motifs of Enlightenment such as science, religion, and humanity. To begin with, the era of Enlightenment was characterized by numerous scientific discoveries in Europe. Advances were made in various scientific fields such as astronomy, physics, and mathematics. They caused large controversies which had a deep impact on people’s thinking about God and religion.

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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. Add scientific exploration here-

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This foreshadows that once Walton hears Frankenstein’s story, he will change his mind about his expedition. Also, during the thunderstorm that happened in Victor’s childhood, Victor sees a tree get struck by lightning. He becomes interested in the idea of electricity, and he starts to study its

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Frankenstein follows his creation to one of the most symbolic places on earth in coalition with his heart, The Arctic. He brings himself to his wit’s end on this search for the monster. However, Frankenstein describes how revenge is his driving force when he says, “many times have I stretched my failing limbs upon the sandy plain, and prayed for death. But revenge kept me alive; I dare not die, and leave my adversity in being" (219). Frankenstein’s rage filled hunt for his creation comes to an end when he realizes he will not be able to catch the monster.

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Mary Shelley's Frankenstein depicts the remarkable resemblance to the “modern” myth of Prometheus. The intertextuality used to connect these two stories, allow Shelley to bring out the most prominent themes of Power and suffering. As both of the characters deal differently with the struggle to resist the power that comes with creating life, the inevitable end for both characters are the same; they fall at the hands of their own creations. Shelley carefully utilizes the legend of Prometheus to express the connection between punishment and creation.

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