Frankenstein

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Foreshadowing

Multiple examples of foreshadowing exist in this novel. One example is through Victor’s inner thoughts and feelings towards his actions. “Thus spoke my prophetic soul, as, torn by remorse, horror, and despair, I beheld those I loved spend vain sorrow upon the graves of William and Justine, the first hapless victims to my unhallowed arts,” (Shelley, 60). The quote saying “the first hapless victims” foreshadows that there will be more victims from Victor’s arts. Arts imply his creation, but it can also mean Victor himself. Victor is also capable of hurting others through his own actions or arts. The creature is not the only one to blame.

                Another example of foreshadowing is the recurring image of thunderstorms or weather related disasters. Every time there is a storm, the creature appears afterward. For example, the first thunderstorm inspired Victor to create the monster. There was a thunderstorm when Victor saw the creature in the spot where his brother was murdered. In addition, there was an avalanche disaster before he saw the creature in the Alps. Whenever there is a storm, we should expect Victor to encounter the creature.