Question

The novel 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley explores themes of scientific ambition and its consequences. What is a key Gothic element present in the novel?

• A. A haunted castle
• B. A tyrannical patriarch
• C. An isolated and monstrous creation
• D. A focus on domestic life

Answer 1

Answer:

C. An isolated and monstrous creation

• Gothic Literature: A genre characterized by elements of horror, death, and gloom, often featuring settings like ancient castles, remote landscapes, and supernatural events.
• Key Gothic Elements in Frankenstein:
• The Monstrous Creation: The creature itself, an isolated and unnatural being, embodies the Gothic trope of the grotesque and the terrifying. Its very existence is a violation of natural order, a common theme in Gothic narratives.
• Isolation and Alienation: Both Victor Frankenstein and his creation experience profound isolation. Victor isolates himself in his obsessive pursuit of knowledge, while the creature is ostracized due to its appearance, leading to despair and violence. This theme of a lonely, misunderstood protagonist is a staple of Gothic literature.
• Setting: The novel utilizes bleak and remote settings such as the Arctic, stormy nights, and desolate landscapes, which contribute to the atmosphere of dread and unease characteristic of the Gothic.
• Ambition and Transgression: Victor's unchecked scientific ambition leads him to transgress natural boundaries, resulting in catastrophic consequences. This cautionary tale about the dangers of overreaching ambition is a frequent motif in Gothic fiction.
• Supernatural and the Uncanny: While not overtly supernatural in the traditional sense, the act of reanimating a corpse borders on the uncanny and the forbidden, tapping into Gothic fears of death and the unknown.
• Psychological Horror: The novel delves into the psychological torment of its characters, particularly Victor's guilt and the creature's existential angst, creating a sense of dread and unease that goes beyond mere physical threat.
• Significance for Competitive Exams: Understanding these Gothic elements is crucial for analyzing literary works, identifying themes, and answering questions about literary genres and their characteristics in English Literature exams.