Mary Shelley uses numerous literary and rhetorical devices to invoke a tone of disgust, repugnancy, and even to convey the creator’s feelings towards the monstrosity he has manufactured, which approach hatred. Immediately Shelley opens the passage with a rhetorical question which introduces the negative feelings the creator has towards the monster; the use of words such as “catastrophe,” “delineate,” “wretch,” and “infinite pains” showcase the struggle and atrocities that are taking place with the formation of this creature. The self-pity suggested by the rhetorical question along with the mention of his “infinite pains” beg for sympathy, creating a very effective instance of pathos, or emotional appeal. All of these factors combine to create
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His repugnant appearance can be seen as a tell of a similar character, and even of an equally repulsive life, for both the creation and its creator. Words throughout the passage such as “catastrophe,” “wretch,” “horrid,” and “shriveled” all appear before any single behavioral aspect of the monster is known; already Shelley has characterized the creation as a damnable monstrosity based only on its appearance mere moments after its life begins. Also contributing to this notion is the quote, “I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful! – Great God!” The repetition of “beautiful” does well to refute its own meaning; by saying it twice, and especially with the exclamation of the second time, it makes it clear this creation is anything but beautiful, as well as adding an effect of disbelief to the tone of the passage, but to a much lesser extent than other aspects of the tone such as disgust and repulsiveness. These all combine to form a formidable instance of characterization which gives a clear depiction of the monster only moments into its …show more content…
From the start the tone is set with a rhetorical question in which the narrator is lamenting the misfortune he brought upon himself, while simultaneously beginning the characterization of the creation with words such as “wretch” and “catastrophe,” marking the creation as evil before it even has a chance to prove itself so. The oddly inhuman description of the monster in the second part of the passage contributes an effect of horror, as well as continuing and reinforcing the characterization of the monster. All of these factors combine to bring forth a tone consisting of disgust and hostility, and even with elements of isolation and disbelief. Through her great use of rhetorical devices, Shelley produces a tone of repugnancy and hostility within the passage, while also making clear how the monster should be viewed and how the creator feels about his
His repugnant appearance can be seen as a tell of a similar character, and even of an equally repulsive life, for both the creation and its creator. Words throughout the passage such as “catastrophe,” “wretch,” “horrid,” and “shriveled” all appear before any single behavioral aspect of the monster is known; already Shelley has characterized the creation as a damnable monstrosity based only on its appearance mere moments after its life begins. Also contributing to this notion is the quote, “I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful! – Great God!” The repetition of “beautiful” does well to refute its own meaning; by saying it twice, and especially with the exclamation of the second time, it makes it clear this creation is anything but beautiful, as well as adding an effect of disbelief to the tone of the passage, but to a much lesser extent than other aspects of the tone such as disgust and repulsiveness. These all combine to form a formidable instance of characterization which gives a clear depiction of the monster only moments into its …show more content…
From the start the tone is set with a rhetorical question in which the narrator is lamenting the misfortune he brought upon himself, while simultaneously beginning the characterization of the creation with words such as “wretch” and “catastrophe,” marking the creation as evil before it even has a chance to prove itself so. The oddly inhuman description of the monster in the second part of the passage contributes an effect of horror, as well as continuing and reinforcing the characterization of the monster. All of these factors combine to bring forth a tone consisting of disgust and hostility, and even with elements of isolation and disbelief. Through her great use of rhetorical devices, Shelley produces a tone of repugnancy and hostility within the passage, while also making clear how the monster should be viewed and how the creator feels about his