Frankenstein mary shelley symbolism of butterflies

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a masterpiece of 19th century Gothic horror literature. Published in 1818, the novel tells the tragic story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a hideous sapient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment.

Shelley’s highly imaginative tale explores profound themes of scientific ethics, the human need for companionship, revenge, and mankind’s relationship with the natural world. Beyond its gripping narrative, Frankenstein is remarkable for Shelley’s literary skill and artful use of rhetorical techniques including vivid imagery, symbolism, doubling, and frame narration.

This analysis examines how Shelley employs these literary devices to add emotional power and depth to her creation.

Introduction to Frankenstein

‘Frankenstein’ was written by Mary Shelley. At the age of 18, she conceived the idea for the novel during a cold Swiss summer spent telling ghost stories with peers including the poet Lord By