Stylistic Choices

Diction
When Shelly writes this novel, it is imperative that she uses the right words to invoke
the right senses in the reader. For example, in order to create a sense of fear, she uses words
like, His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was
of a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only
formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same color as
the dun white sockets in which they were set, his shriveled complexion and straight black
lips. (45). This kind of language is quick to trigger the readers gag reflex, and makes the
creation seem like a horrible monster.

Syntax
Commonly throughout the story, the flow of the narrative is interrupted by a injection
of parentheses. In these parenthesis, is comment from the mind of Victor, or the creature.
What this does, is to help the reader to understand that the whole book is written as the story
being told by Victor.
Also, the majority of the sentences, especially the ones about the nature and setting,
are extremely long with some very complicated and even ostentatious words. This type of
complex structure is prominent in her writing in order to show off, in a way, her education
knowledge. This is because at the time, as mentioned before, women were not expected to
be so well educated.

Figurative Language
In order to describe the details in the novel with better accuracy, Shelly uses not only
literal language, but also figurative language. There are many examples of metaphors and
similes. A metaphor is used when he is describing how his experience with his parents: "I was
so guided by a silken cord that all seemed but one train of enjoyment to me" (27). We see a
simile when Victor is at the foot of the great mountains, and is in awe in the midst of his
depression: I wept like a child. (61) Victor personifies his feeling often as well: "I was
hurried away by fury; revenge alone endowed me with strength and composure; it molded my
feelings, and allowed me to be calculating and calm, at periods when otherwise delirium or
death would have been my portion." (171). Finally, there are many instances of subtle
alliterations, one of them: So expressive of sensibility and sweetness" (27)

Comments on the authors style

I think that the use of three narrators can be a bit taxing on the reader. I also
feel that the author makes it clear that she is Romantic, because of her style and the
personalities of her characters and the lengthy descriptions of nature. Personally, I
enjoy the descriptions of nature, and find them amusing and peaceful, while others
may feel they are just filler text. I also like the way she uses complex words, because
every time that I see one, I am reminded that this piece of literature was written by a
woman in a time where women were viewed as property. This always makes me feel
good for Mary, and find it a bit amusing. However, I feel that sometimes that she uses
words that re too big and seem a bit out pf place at times.