The Juxtaposition of Life and Death in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Imagine a world where the boundaries between life and death are blurred, where creation and destruction coexist, and where the pursuit of knowledge leads to unforeseen consequences. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein explores these themes through the juxtaposition of life and death, highlighting the inherent duality in human existence. This essay will delve into the various instances of juxtaposition in the novel, shedding light on their implications and revealing the deeper meaning behind Shelley's exploration of life and death. Through the examination of key scenes and characters, it becomes evident that Shelley employs the literary device of juxtaposition to convey her critique of scientific ambition and the consequences of playing god.

One of the most prominent examples of juxtaposition in Frankenstein is the creation of the monster itself. Victor Frankenstein, driven by his ambition to conquer death, assembles body parts from various corpses and infuses them with life. This act of creation, however, is immediately juxtaposed with the horror and revulsion that Victor feels upon seeing his creation come to life. The monster, once a symbol of life and vitality, becomes a grotesque embodiment of death and decay. This stark contrast between the act of creation and the result it yields serves to highlight the inherent consequences of meddling with the natural order of life and death. Furthermore, it underscores the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise when humans attempt to play god.

Another instance of juxtaposition can be found in the character of Victor Frankenstein himself. Throughout the novel, Victor oscillates between the realms of life and death, embodying both the creator and the destroyer. On one hand, he is driven by his scientific curiosity and desire to bring life into the world. On the other hand, his pursuit of knowledge leads to the destruction and death of those around him. This constant interplay between creation and destruction underscores the fine line between life and death, and the consequences of crossing that line. Victor's journey serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the potential destruction that can arise from it.

Furthermore, Shelley employs the juxtaposition of life and death to explore the theme of nature in the novel. Nature, often portrayed as a force of life and vitality, is juxtaposed with the unnatural creations of Victor Frankenstein. The monster, a product of science and human ambition, stands in stark contrast to the natural world. This juxtaposition serves to emphasize the destructive nature of Victor's creations and the inherent harmony that exists in the natural order. By juxtaposing the unnatural with the natural, Shelley highlights the consequences of disrupting this balance and the potential for chaos and destruction that arises from it.

In conclusion, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein employs the literary device of juxtaposition to explore the themes of life and death, creation and destruction. Through the creation of the monster, the characterization of Victor Frankenstein, and the exploration of nature, Shelley highlights the inherent duality in human existence and the consequences of playing god. The juxtaposition of life and death serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the potential destruction that can arise from it. Ultimately, Frankenstein challenges us to reflect on the ethical implications of our actions and the boundaries between life and death that should not be crossed.

Bibliography:

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Oxford University Press, 2008.