Making the Fictional Seem Real

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Throughout the first twelve chapters of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley alludes to countless well-known works of literature.  She also includes, instead of merely referencing, a couple poems in the novel itself.  These allusions, displaying Shelley's intellectual and well-read nature, lend credence to her writing.  Additionally, they provide a medium through which Shelley's fictional, horror story may relate to reality and thus appear even more frightening.  For example, Shelley's including the manuscripts of the natural philosophers Agrippa, Parcelsus, and Magnus in Victor's early studies makes his journey toward creating an abomination more believable and scary.  Also, some of Shelley's allusions, especially her poetic references, heighten the emotions she seeks to convey.  In describing Victor's creation, Shelley writes, ". . . it became a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived," (Shelley 36).  Dante refers to the protagonist in Dante's Inferno who travels through hell, witnessing the most grotesque demons, fiends, and tortured souls ever to exist.  If the creature would alarm even Dante, he is disturbing beyond belief.  Additionally, as stated, Shelley includes poems to clarify and more accurately describe the emotions of her characters.  Depressed and sorrowful after Justine Moritz's death, Victor travels into the mountains as he contemplates the whirlwind of emotions he feels.  To convey Victor's ever-changing sensibilities, Shelley includes a passage from one of her husband's poems that reads, "Nought may endure but mutability!" (Shelley 67).  This passage brings both the novel and Victor's character to life by giving meaning to his emotions.