One of the foremost things that I have noticed so far in reading Frankenstein is the extensive use of environmental descriptions. In our previous readings, the authors have been fairly analytical, but very sparse in describing the setting for the story. For example, when Gulliver is first stranded on the isle that is to be so central to his story, he describes it quite simply as a land “. . . divided by long rows of trees, not regularly planted, but naturally growing; there was great plenty of grass, and several fields of oats” (Swift 438). In a strong contrast to this Shelly goes to great lengths to describe the scene, providing details on the setting, weather, and even temperature, with the effect of drawing the reader into the experience. An excellent example is when Victor first encounters his creation on the outskirts of Geneva as he attempts to locate the site of William’s murder. In his account, Victor writes, “I quitted my seat, and walked on, although the darkness and storm increased every minute, and the thunder burst with a terrific crash over my head. It was echoed from Saleve, the Juras, and the Alps of Savoy; vivid flashes of lightning dazzled my eyes, illuminating the lake, making it appear like a vast sheet of fire” (Shelly 48). Comparing that vivid and detailed description with the flat and terse descriptions by Swift in Gulliver’s Travels, shows their tremendous difference in style of writing. While I think that in large part this is due to Swift trying to present the story as a journal and to lend credence to the story, I find Shelly’s writing much more compelling and involving because of the vivid imagery she presents.
Image by Gürkan Sengün and can be found at this web address.
I noticed this also. I believe this was done to add life to the story. To make it seem more life like.From dead to life lets face it things could stayed on the bad, even evil side but color and detail was added to increase the possible reality of the story.
ReplyDeletei believe that Shelley is setting up a feeling to the story not just scenery.For example in the beginning when she writes " i walk in the streets of Petersburg, i feel a cold northern breeze play upon my cheeks,which braces my nerves, and fills me delight"(7). Even though this is Walton speaking to his sister in a letter, you can still feel the essence of the story. This is a cold tragic tale and yet he is excited that he going to places unknown. You can also parallel to Victor he was so enthralled and excited about the unknown science he was about to embark on that he didn't see the cold tragedy that was going to follow it.
ReplyDeleteGreat point sir, the weather pulled me right into the story. “the cold is not excessive, if you are wrap in furs, a dress which I have already adopted; for there is a great difference between walking the deck and remaining seated motionless for hours, when no exercise prevents the blood from actually freezing in your veins” (Shelley 9). While reading this I got chilly, because I could visualize him getting up and walking around the ship so his blood wouldn’t freeze. To add to the matter we are experiencing 90 degree weather here in Arkansas still. I like the part when he attempts to look tuff by telling his sister that, it’s not that cold if you have on fir and he’s use to the cold. I’m sure if his voyage would have took him closer to the equator he wouldn’t have minded a bit.
ReplyDeleteJeremy I've been having the hardest time getting into this story. We were discussing it this morning but reading your blog I realize that I have to try and look at it from inside me find what attracts me to the story. I love to read love stories so maybe I should look for the romance in the story. It is very descriptive and has a romanitic flow like in this quote, "It was a most beautiful season; never did the fields bestow a more plentiful harvest, or the vines yield a more luxuriant vantage: but my eyes were insensible to the charms of nature." So looking at it in another light my help me thanks.
ReplyDelete