Symbols in Frankestein

Question 1

What symbols are used in Frankenstein?

Answer 1

1. Fire (sustains Monster, destroys De Laceys’ cottage).
2. Adam (explicit RHETORICAL, ANTITHESIS “I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather thy fallen angel”).
3. Satan (“Satan as the fitter emblem of my condition”).
4. God (“workshop of filthy creation”).

Question 2

Fire

Answer 2

Fire is a symbol with dual aspects in the novel. It represents both life and destruction. It sustains the Monster by providing warmth and cooking food, symbolizing the benefits of technology and knowledge. Conversely, when the Monster burns down the De Lacey family’s cottage, fire symbolizes destruction and the potential for knowledge and progress to lead to ruin.

Question 3

Adam

Answer 3

The Monster compares himself to Adam, the first man in the Bible, which highlights his role as a new being brought into the world. The rhetorical device of antithesis in “I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather thy fallen angel” shows the contrast between the Monster’s initial innocence and his later corruption due to society’s rejection.

Question 4

Satan

Answer 4

The Monster says he relates to Satan, the rebellious angel, saying he’s “the fitter emblem of [his] condition.” This means the Monster sees himself like Satan because he feels like an outsider and he’s fighting against a world that doesn’t want him.

Question 5

god

Answer 5

Victor’s lab is described as a “workshop of filthy creation,” which flips the idea of God’s pure creation into something messy and wrong. It shows Victor is trying to do God’s work in making life, but he’s doing it in a way that’s irresponsible and ends up causing harm.