Isolation in Frankenstein

Mary Shelley uses icy glaciers to give off the aura of loneliness. Arctic areas are completely deserted so it's not surprise that they were used as the setting throughout the novel. The creature says at one point "The desert mountains and dreary glaciers are my refuge. I have wandered here many days; the caves of ice, which I only do not fear, are a dwelling to me, and the only one which man does not grudge." This shows how the creature has been rejected and is forced to live in the icy mountains alone solely based upon his looks.

 

Isolation in Gothic Literature

A common element used in Gothic literature are feelings of despair and isolation. This can make the reader feel sympathy for a character even if they may not deserve it. Gothic literature strives to create a dark and menacing setting and by adding intense feelings and depressing moods, it adds to the aura of terror and mystery. This is why dark castles, towers, mysterious corridors, etc are so popular in Gothic literature. Mary Shelley's use of an ice glacier is an example of isolation in Frankenstein. It wasn't a dark castle of mysterious corridor, but it did give off a feeling of loneliness and despair.

Source: Suite 101

Origin of Gothic

Gothic Literature, also known as Victorian Literature, is a literary genre that is believed to have been started by a man named Horrace Walpole. He is the first author to have ever written gothic literature with his novel The Castle of Ortranto. Horrace dreamed that he was in a dark castle and creepy castle, and standing on the uppermost banister of a long and winding staircase was a gigantic hand in full armor. This was the inspiration for the first ever gothic novel. The word "Gothic" was invented by writers of the Italian Renaissance who blamed the general “ugly” nature of 15th century art and architecture on people from the northern tribes of Germany barbarian tribes known collectively as “the Goths”.

The typical characteristics of a graphic novel are terror and mystery. Themes of death and decay especially that of the human body, are a big part of gothic literature as well. Ghosts, haunted houses, family curses, and insanity also play a part in gothic literature. They add a sense of suspense and fear. Edgar Allen Poe is considered the "master" of gothic literature with his stories such as "The Black Cat" and "A Tell Tale Heart". A more modern gothic author would be Stephen King. For example his short novel Christine and the movie The Shining are considered to be pure Goth. It just goes to show that gothic literature has not died and is still relevant in today's society. (Source: Eerie Books)