Frankenstein: Irony

                After reading the conclusion of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, I have come to realize the various types of irony which Shelley utilizes in her novel, as well as the purpose the contribute to the novel’s plotline. To begin with, numerous examples of situational irony are present throughout the second half of the novel. For example, Victor’s relationship with the creature in and of itself is an example of situational irony. Frankenstein worked so vigorously and passionately for two years to create his being that the reader would expect him to have an inherent adoration of its life and accomplishments; contrary to what would be appropriate and suspected, however, Victor fears and loathes his creation form the moment it comes to life. In fact, Victor’s detestation of the creature becomes so complete by the end of the novel that he ultimately dies in the effort to kill that which we worked so tirelessly to produce. Additionally, the fact that the creature goes to great lengths to inflict as much pain and suffering as possible on his creator would cause the reader to belief that he took pleasure in seeking this revenge. Despite this, the creature confesses at the end of the novel that, “For while I destroyed his hopes, I did not satisfy my own desires” (Shelley, 165) and ultimately resolves to end his own life. This, therefore, is also an example of situational irony. Victor’s inclination towards solitude is a third representation of this situational irony, for the fact that Victor’s creation was largely for the purpose of finding a way to potentially end death. In creating the creature, Victor entertained the possibility of prolonging the lives of his loved ones; unfortunately, however, the life of his creation is ultimately what led to the deaths of his loved ones. Evidently, Shelley keenly manipulated situational irony throughout the second half of the novel in order to contribute to the progression of the plotline and highlight the intricate relationship between Victor and his creature.

                Dramatic irony is also present in one particularly significant place in the second of half of the novel when Victor misinterprets the creatures promise that he would be with Victor his wedding night. Victor immediately made a false assumption in believing that “That then was the period fixed for the fulfillment of my destiny. In that hour I should die, and at once satisfy and extinguish his malice” (Shelley, 123). While Victor interpreted the creature’s warning in this way, however, the reader understands that the creature is in reality referring to his intent to murder Elizabeth on their wedding night. The reader’s understanding of this warning in contrast to Victor’s misunderstanding therefore builds suspense which contributes to the plotline of the novel. Such use of irony is a vital component of Shelley’s writing style.