The Influence of Gothic Literature in Frankenstein: How Mary Shelley’s Novel Fits Within the Gothic Tradition

The Influence of Gothic Literature in Frankenstein: How Mary Shelley’s Novel Fits Within the Gothic Tradition

Frankenstein is one of the most significant works in Gothic literature, incorporating many of the genre’s defining elements: dark settings, supernatural events, and a sense of foreboding. Shelley’s novel explores the darker side of human nature and the consequences of playing with forces beyond one’s control.

The Gothic atmosphere in Frankenstein is evident in its settings, from the bleak landscapes of the Swiss Alps to the dark, foreboding laboratories where Victor Frankenstein conducts his experiments. These settings enhance the sense of horror and isolation, key features of the Gothic genre. The novel also introduces elements of the supernatural, particularly through the creation of the creature and the moral dilemmas that arise from it.

Shelley’s Frankenstein fits within the Gothic tradition by exploring themes of monstrosity, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the dangers of tampering with the natural order. The novel builds on the Gothic tradition’s fascination with the macabre, using its eerie atmosphere to examine deep psychological and moral questions.