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The Gothic Novel. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Gothic Novel. Romantics loved the idea of being terrified Eerie and supernatural tales popular Goal: “to make the readers’ blood run cold” Mary Shelley’s intention in her intro . A “little gothick Castel.”. Horace Walpole’s castle
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The Gothic Novel Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Gothic Novel • Romantics loved the idea of being terrified • Eerie and supernatural tales popular • Goal: “to make the readers’ blood run cold” • Mary Shelley’s intention in her intro
A “little gothick Castel.” • Horace Walpole’s castle • Rustic irregularity • Quirky battlements (fortifications for battle) • Overgrown landscaping • Gloriously imperfect • Left in ruins, make it more suitable for the gothic style
Making Monsters • Walpole uses home to inspire ghost stories • The Castle of Otranto horror elements illustrate royal family collapse • Home & Writing inspired new genre • Gothic architecture reflected wild, unpredictable aspects of nature • Parallel to human aspirations & failures
Exploring Unseen Evils • Allowed people of age to express sense of helplessness • Revolutions abroad • Industrial revolution • Economic change • Share the age’s suffering, injustice & unseen evils Left: child labor Right: French Revolution
Birth of Frankenstein • Mary Shelley biography • Author’s introduction to the novel • Provide key points
Frankenstein • Plot: protagonist desires to discover the secret of life and ends up creating a monster • Setting: Geneva, Swiss Alps, Ingolstadt, England and Scotland, Arctic • Point of view: Shifts between characters—Robert Walton, Frankenstein, monster
Frankenstein’s Characters • Victor Frankenstein • The monster • Robert Walton • Elizabeth Lavenza • Henry Clerval • Justine Moritz • Alphonse Frankenstein • William Frankenstein Frankenstein’s CREATURE
Themes, Motifs, Symbols Themes • Dangerous Knowledge • Influence of Nature • Identity of Man vs. Monster • Destructive force of secrecy • Complexity of Storytelling • Inability to control creation • Importance of Friendship Motifs • Passive Women • Abortion Symbols • Light & Fire