Frankenstein- Figurative Language

Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley

Letters- chap XII

The author commonly uses figurative language like imagery, similes and metaphors to provide more insight into the feelings and actions of characters.  Different types of figurative language were used numerously in the many pages of description about Justine's trial and subsequent death.  When comparing Justine's pain to his own, Victor ranks his own pain as much higher than hers.  "The tortures of the accused did not equal mine; she was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore at bosom and would not forgo their hold" (Shelley, 57).  This metaphor, referencing sharp fangs of an animal, clearly displays the utter despair and misery that Victor felt.  He knew that he indirectly caused the death of two innocents, and the guilt would not go away.  More figurative language is used to further show Victor's guilt and despair, and highlight the innocence of everyone else involved.  In speaking of himself and Elizabeth, Victor says, "But I, the true murderer, felt the never-dying worm alive in my bosom, which allowed of no hope or consolation. ELizabeth also wept and was unhappy; but hers also was the misery of innocence, which, like a cloud that passes over the fair moon, for a while hides but cannot tarnish its brightness" (Shelley, 59).

Figurative language simply helps the reader see in more vivid images the feelings of a character, which adds to the understanding of the novel as a whole.