"Frankenstein"- Imagery

Throughout the novel, imagery is constantly present, playing a large role in the mood and meaning of the work. For instance, on page 92, while describing the imagery of the mountains, Frankenstein begins by describing it as calm and serene, saying, "the unstained snowy mountaintop, the glittering pinnacle, the pine woods, and ragged bare ravine, the eagle, soaring amidst the clouds-- they all gathered round me and bade me be at peace" (page 92). This imagery serves to set a peaceful tone and also serves to contrast the imagery in the next section. Directly after this imagery is presented, Frankenstein tells of how he fell asleep and also describes the scene he awoke to. He says, "all of soul-inspiriting fled with sleep, and dark melancholy clouded every thought. The rain was pouring in torrents..." (page 92). The sudden change in imagery here serves a specific purpose. It serves to hint that something bad or seemingly bad is going to happen. It allows the reader to know that something is going to happen which will damper Frankenstein's short-lasting peaceful spirits which were brought on by the beautiful nature. This event which brings him back down is his unexpected encounter with the monster. When he encounters the monster, all of his furry and rage is brought back to the surface and he is once again reminded of his guilt for the deaths of William and Justine. The imagery serves as a for-warning for what is about to come.