Credit: www.rayofhopechurch.org/lock.jpg Claustrophobia: A Psychological Form of Imprisonment
Sitting in a dark dungeon. Locked in a closet. Trapped in a dark cell. I feel like anyone would become claustrophobic in these situations! Typically, claustrophobia is associated with the fear of confined closed spaces; in society this is commonly how the fear is portrayed. In literature, however, claustrophobia can also be a psychological feeling of being trapped or condemned to some “dark destiny” (Saylor.org). Frankenstein explores the motifs of claustrophobia and imprisonment in a more abstract way. There seems to be no escape for Victor Frankenstein… (I picture someone doing an evil laugh after saying this!)
Moments of Motifs
When creating his first human being, Victor’s workplace acts as a physical form of confinement. He is cut off from his family and ignores the seasons around him. He says, “I appeared rather like one doomed by slavery to toil in the mines, or any unwholesome trade, than an artist occupied by his favorite employment… but I believed that exercise and amusement would soon drive away such symptoms; and I promised myself these when my creation should be complete.” (Shelley 29) At first he seems to not fear this form of prison; he only acknowledges his seclusion but puts up with it because he is working so hard on his creation.
However, when he starts creating the female creature, he exposes a more mental awareness of claustrophobia, related to being condemned to a dark destiny. His laboratory symbolizes a physical prison, which he emotionally feels trapped with his cursed power of creation. He says, “I left the room, and locking the door, made a solemn vow in my own heart never to resume my labors… I was alone: none were near me to dissipate the gloom, and relieve me from the sickening oppression of the most terrible reveries.” (Shelley 113). He views his power of creation as a dark and horrifying capability, and he feels like there is no way to escape the consequences of his actions.
The Motif Comes Back To Haunt You
The motif of imprisonment continues throughout the story as Victor is pursued by his first creation. He is confined by misery, often feels helpless, and sees no escape from the monster or the outcomes of his decisions. In Gothic literature, the fear of entrapment contributes to the overall horror effect of the novel by creating suspenseful moments, a feeling of panic, and a continued threat to the character.
Sources:
Saylor.org. “A Glossary of Literary Gothic Terms.” PDF file
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Mineola: Dover Publications, 2013. Print.
To check out more gothic motifs visit: http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/engl403-1.3.1-A-Glossary-of-Literary-Gothic-Terms.pdf
Sitting in a dark dungeon. Locked in a closet. Trapped in a dark cell. I feel like anyone would become claustrophobic in these situations! Typically, claustrophobia is associated with the fear of confined closed spaces; in society this is commonly how the fear is portrayed. In literature, however, claustrophobia can also be a psychological feeling of being trapped or condemned to some “dark destiny” (Saylor.org). Frankenstein explores the motifs of claustrophobia and imprisonment in a more abstract way. There seems to be no escape for Victor Frankenstein… (I picture someone doing an evil laugh after saying this!)
Moments of Motifs
When creating his first human being, Victor’s workplace acts as a physical form of confinement. He is cut off from his family and ignores the seasons around him. He says, “I appeared rather like one doomed by slavery to toil in the mines, or any unwholesome trade, than an artist occupied by his favorite employment… but I believed that exercise and amusement would soon drive away such symptoms; and I promised myself these when my creation should be complete.” (Shelley 29) At first he seems to not fear this form of prison; he only acknowledges his seclusion but puts up with it because he is working so hard on his creation.
However, when he starts creating the female creature, he exposes a more mental awareness of claustrophobia, related to being condemned to a dark destiny. His laboratory symbolizes a physical prison, which he emotionally feels trapped with his cursed power of creation. He says, “I left the room, and locking the door, made a solemn vow in my own heart never to resume my labors… I was alone: none were near me to dissipate the gloom, and relieve me from the sickening oppression of the most terrible reveries.” (Shelley 113). He views his power of creation as a dark and horrifying capability, and he feels like there is no way to escape the consequences of his actions.
The Motif Comes Back To Haunt You
The motif of imprisonment continues throughout the story as Victor is pursued by his first creation. He is confined by misery, often feels helpless, and sees no escape from the monster or the outcomes of his decisions. In Gothic literature, the fear of entrapment contributes to the overall horror effect of the novel by creating suspenseful moments, a feeling of panic, and a continued threat to the character.
Sources:
Saylor.org. “A Glossary of Literary Gothic Terms.” PDF file
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Mineola: Dover Publications, 2013. Print.
To check out more gothic motifs visit: http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/engl403-1.3.1-A-Glossary-of-Literary-Gothic-Terms.pdf
