How far can Frankenstein be considered a Gothic Novel?
… and interpret the sub-conscious, often focusing of dreams and nightmares. ‘Victorian Gothic’ novels have science as their main theme. Upon first glance, ‘Frankenstein’ fulfils all the requirements for a ‘Classic Gothic’ novel, though when one makes a more precise examination, two of the ‘Classic Gothic’; characteristics are found to be slightly awry in ‘Frankenstein’ – the presence of ‘haunted’ castles and ruins; the presence of the supernatural. As an initial example, I would like to show the only scene in the book which actually contains castles: “Still, as I ascended higher, the valley assumed a more magnificent and astonishing character. Ruined castles hanging on the precipices of piny mountains; the impetuous Arve, and cottages every here and there peeping forth from among the trees, formed a scene of singular beauty.” Sure, we have castles and ruins in an isolated position and moody settings, but the protagonists are merely passing these castles and ruins. None …
