The Tones of Frankenstein
The tones of Frankenstein are as important as the story itself, Shelley builds tension throughout the novel by fluctuating between very drastic tones such as that of Chapter 6 ending on a happily as Victor's health returns, which eventually leads to him leaving for Elizabeth in Geneva to assure her that he is well. The tone shifts to a bleak and sorrowful tone in Chapter 7 when Victor is informed of Williams murder and Justine being accused of committing the crime. This quick shift in tone is purposefully written in such a way to keep its audience in suspense and continue reading to see the outcome. Then in chapter 9 the tone of Frankenstein becomes guilt ridden, Victor describes that he "was seized by remorse and the sense of guilt" which created "a hell of intense tortures," this mind set depicts a somber and bleak tone compared to other chapters. Victor debates suicide in chapter 9 as well, while he is on the lake he is "tempted to plunge into the silent lake, that the waters might close over me and my calamities forever" until he thinks of Elizabeth and his family and the suffering such an action would have on her (126).
There is a slightly more vengeful tone when Victor's disgust for The Being turns into pure loathing and wishes he could be with The Being again to "avenge the deaths of William and Justine" (127). As the story turns to The Being's point of view, the tone becomes lonely and somewhat resentful of humanity as well as Victor. The tone shifts slightly when The Being demands Victor make him a companion, the tension is high because of The Being's wedding night threat and Victor is concerned for Elizabeth but ultimately the tone is the calm before the storm. When Victor tears apart the female monster, the tone becomes enraged on both Victor and The Beings parts. However, when Elizabeth is murdered Victor has nothing to live for a tone of determination fills Victors thoughts. Finally, on Walton's icebreaker ship Victor dies and The Being realizes he did care for his creator and a tone of regret rings through his words, "Blasted as thou wert, my agony was still superior to thine, for the bitter sting of remorse will not cease to rankle in my wounds until death shall close them forever" (345).
There is a slightly more vengeful tone when Victor's disgust for The Being turns into pure loathing and wishes he could be with The Being again to "avenge the deaths of William and Justine" (127). As the story turns to The Being's point of view, the tone becomes lonely and somewhat resentful of humanity as well as Victor. The tone shifts slightly when The Being demands Victor make him a companion, the tension is high because of The Being's wedding night threat and Victor is concerned for Elizabeth but ultimately the tone is the calm before the storm. When Victor tears apart the female monster, the tone becomes enraged on both Victor and The Beings parts. However, when Elizabeth is murdered Victor has nothing to live for a tone of determination fills Victors thoughts. Finally, on Walton's icebreaker ship Victor dies and The Being realizes he did care for his creator and a tone of regret rings through his words, "Blasted as thou wert, my agony was still superior to thine, for the bitter sting of remorse will not cease to rankle in my wounds until death shall close them forever" (345).