The Influence of Gothic Elements in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, often hailed as one of the cornerstones of Gothic literature, masterfully blends Gothic conventions with themes of science and morality to create a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is haunting. By employing Gothic elements such as sublime settings, mystery, horror, and an exploration of transgression and the supernatural, Shelley crafts a story that delves into human ambition, societal critique, and the far-reaching consequences of scientific discovery. This analysis examines how these Gothic features shape the novel's themes, atmosphere, and enduring cultural significance.

The Sublime Setting: Nature’s Dual Role

One of the hallmarks of Gothic literature is the use of sublime landscapes that evoke awe and terror. In Frankenstein, Shelley frequently employs descriptions of nature to reflect the emotional and psychological states of her characters. The Swiss Alps, the Arctic wilderness, and the desolate Orkney Islands serve as backdrops that amplify the novel’s tension and themes.

Victor Frankenstein’s ascent into the mountains offers an example of the sublime in action. Amidst the majestic peaks and valleys, Victor temporarily finds solace, as Shelley writes:
"These sublime and magnificent scenes afforded me the greatest consolation that I was capable of receiving."
However, the sublime also underscores the powerlessness of humanity in the face of nature’s grandeur, paralleling Victor’s inability to control the consequences of his creation.

The Arctic setting, where the novel begins and ends, heightens the sense of isolation and desolation. The frozen landscape mirrors the emotional barrenness of Victor and his relentless pursuit of the creature. This interplay between character and setting exemplifies the Gothic tradition of using the environment to evoke mood and reinforce narrative themes.

Mystery and Horror: Building an Atmosphere of Dread

Mystery and horror are central to the Gothic atmosphere of Frankenstein. The mystery surrounding the creature's whereabouts and intentions sustains a sense of unease throughout the novel. Victor’s obsessive secrecy about his experiments adds another layer of intrigue, as his reluctance to share his knowledge creates a narrative filled with unanswered questions and foreboding.

Horror manifests most vividly in the creature’s physical description and the violence he perpetrates. Shelley describes the creature with grotesque detail:
"His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes."
This vivid imagery evokes visceral horror, emphasizing the unnaturalness of Victor’s creation. The murders committed by the creature, including those of William, Justine, and Elizabeth, further heighten the sense of terror and the moral ambiguity surrounding the boundary between creator and creation.

Transgression and the Supernatural: Crossing Boundaries

At its core, Frankenstein is a tale of transgression—Victor’s defiance of natural and divine laws through his attempts to usurp the role of creator. This act of “playing God” is a quintessential Gothic trope, illustrating the dangers of overreaching ambition. The supernatural element of reanimating dead tissue underscores the novel’s Gothic foundation while raising philosophical questions about the limits of human knowledge and the ethical implications of scientific experimentation.

The creature itself represents a transgression of natural order. As a being who defies categorization, it embodies the fear of the unknown, a recurring theme in Gothic literature. The creature’s existence challenges societal norms and provokes a broader critique of humanity’s treatment of the “other.”

Shelley’s exploration of the supernatural is not limited to the creature’s creation; it also extends to the thematic undercurrents of fate and destiny. Victor repeatedly refers to his tragic downfall as being preordained, invoking a sense of inescapable doom that is central to Gothic narratives.

Critique of Societal Norms Through Gothic Lens

Shelley uses Gothic elements to critique societal norms, particularly regarding ambition, gender roles, and social responsibility. Victor’s obsessive ambition, framed within the Gothic tradition of hubris, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked scientific progress. His single-minded pursuit of knowledge leads to personal ruin and the destruction of those around him, highlighting the ethical dilemmas that accompany innovation.

The Gothic portrayal of women in Frankenstein also invites critical examination. Female characters such as Elizabeth, Justine, and Caroline are relegated to passive roles, often becoming victims of male ambition and neglect. Their fates reflect the broader societal marginalization of women during Shelley’s time, subtly critiqued through the lens of Gothic tragedy.

Narrative Structure: A Gothic Framework

Shelley’s narrative structure contributes significantly to the Gothic atmosphere of Frankenstein. The use of a frame narrative, with Robert Walton recounting Victor’s story, creates a sense of distance and unreliability that is characteristic of Gothic literature. This layered storytelling mirrors the fragmented and disjointed psyche of Victor himself, adding to the novel’s psychological complexity.

The creature’s own narrative, recounted within Victor’s tale, offers a Gothic inversion by humanizing the “monster” and portraying him as a victim of societal rejection and paternal neglect. This dual perspective blurs the lines between hero and villain, a common Gothic device that challenges readers’ perceptions of morality and justice.

Emotional Impact: The Haunting Power of the Gothic

The emotional impact of Frankenstein lies in its ability to evoke both terror and sympathy. Victor’s obsessive ambition, the creature’s anguish, and the tragic consequences of their intertwined fates elicit a complex range of emotions. Shelley’s Gothic elements amplify these feelings, immersing readers in a world where fear, guilt, and despair reign supreme.

The novel’s climactic moments—such as the creature’s confrontation with Victor and the ultimate pursuit across the Arctic—underscore the Gothic tradition of relentless tension and cathartic release. By the novel’s end, both Victor and the creature are consumed by their own obsessions, leaving readers to grapple with the unresolved questions of blame, redemption, and the limits of human endeavor.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a masterful blend of Gothic elements and philosophical inquiry, offering a narrative that is as haunting as it is profound. Through sublime settings, mystery, horror, and an exploration of transgression and the supernatural, Shelley crafts a tale that critiques societal norms, examines human ambition, and delves into the consequences of scientific discovery. The Gothic tradition informs every aspect of the novel, from its narrative structure to its emotional resonance, making Frankenstein a timeless work that continues to captivate and challenge readers. By weaving Gothic conventions into a story of moral complexity and existential reflection, Shelley solidifies her place as a pioneer of both Gothic and speculative literature.