What does water symbolize in Frankenstein? It’s a question that has stumped literary scholars and enthusiasts alike for years. Some have speculated it represents the power of nature, while others argue it signifies the duality of life and death. Despite the various interpretations, one thing is certain: water plays a significant role in Mary Shelley’s classic novel.
From the opening pages of Frankenstein, water is a recurring theme that foreshadows the events to come. Victor Frankenstein, the story’s protagonist, is utterly captivated by the natural beauty of his surroundings and often seeks solace by the water’s edge. The narrative takes on a melancholy tone whenever water is present, underscoring the looming sense of tragedy that pervades the book. Indeed, as the plot unfolds and Victor’s scientific ambitions plunge him into despair, it’s clear water is more than just a picturesque background. It’s an ever-present symbol of the book’s themes and motifs.
As readers delve deeper into the pages of Frankenstein, it becomes apparent that water has many symbolic meanings. Perhaps most notably, it represents the uncontrollable forces of nature. Victor’s obsession with creating life brings to mind the myth of Pygmalion, but unlike Pygmalion, Victor is not seeking perfection. Rather, he is attempting to control the very essence of life itself. As he ignores the warnings of others and pursues his dangerous experiments, it’s clear that he is playing with forces beyond his control. The water that surrounds him serves as a visual reminder of this fact, representing the vast and mysterious power of the natural world.
The role of water as a symbol of birth and creation in Frankenstein
In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, water is a recurring symbol that represents the concept of birth and creation. The novel opens with Captain Walton’s voyage to explore the North Pole. As he sails through the Arctic, he reflects on the idea of the birth of a new world, a new land that no one else has ever seen. Similarly, Victor Frankenstein’s creation of his monster is also like the birth of a newborn creature. The presence of water in these scenes highlights the idea of new beginnings and the start of something new.
Throughout the novel, water is often associated with life and vitality. The monster, for example, is brought to life in a vat of water. This scene emphasizes the importance of water as an element of life. Additionally, the monster’s desire for a mate is also strongly connected with the idea of birth and creation. In his request to Frankenstein, the monster states that he wants a companion to share his life with and start a new chapter, similar to the feeling of becoming a parent and bringing new life into the world.
Furthermore, water is also used to create a sense of renewal and purification. In the novel, Victor frequently seeks out natural bodies of water such as streams, rivers, and lakes, to find solace and escape from his troubles. This could suggest that he is searching for a way to cleanse himself of the guilt and burden he feels for creating the monster. Water acts as a way of renewing Victor’s spirit and healing his troubled soul.
Water as a Conduit for Life and Vitality in the Novel
Water plays a significant role in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as a symbol of life and vitality. Throughout the novel, water is depicted as a source of power and renewal, showcasing its life-giving properties. Victor Frankenstein’s fascination with water leads him to study it in-depth and harness its potential for creating life.
- The Vitality of Rain: Rain plays a crucial role in the novel as a symbol of rebirth and renewal. After the monster is brought to life, it is through a heavy rainstorm that he experiences his first moment of vitality. He lays in the rain, feeling the droplets on his skin, and revels in his newfound energy. This scene highlights the connection between water and life, illustrating how water renews and invigorates.
- The Importance of Water for Life: Water is essential for life, and this is emphasized throughout the novel. When Victor Frankenstein creates the monster, he uses water as a vital component in the creation process. The monster’s body is composed of various body parts, and it is only through the infusion of water that it is brought to life. This underlines the significance of water in the creation of life, and how it acts as a crucial conduit for life and vitality.
- Water as a Symbol of Rebirth: The importance of water as a conduit for life is further highlighted through its use as a symbol of rebirth. In the novel, both Victor and the monster experience moments where they use water as a means to start anew. When Victor becomes overwhelmed with guilt and despair, he seeks solace by the banks of a lake, using its healing properties to renew his spirits. Likewise, the monster also seeks refuge by the side of a river, using the water to cleanse himself of death and misery. Through the use of water as a symbol of rebirth, Shelley underscores its importance as a conduit for life and vitality.
Thus, water represents life and vitality in the novel. It acts as a vital component in the creation of life and renewal, showcasing its power as a conduit for life. Shelley effectively uses water to connect her characters to this essential element, highlighting its importance in the overall narrative.
| Symbolism of Water in Frankenstein | Examples from the Novel |
|---|---|
| Vitality and Renewal | The monster’s first moments of vitality during a rainstorm |
| The Conduit for Life | Water being a vital component in the creation of the monster |
| Symbol of Rebirth | Victor and the monster using water to start anew |
Overall, water in Frankenstein acts as a powerful symbol of life and vitality. Shelley’s use of water in the novel highlights its importance in the creation of life, renewal, and rebirth. The symbols associated with water in the novel effectively connect the reader to the essential element of life, showcasing its power and potential.
The significance of water in Victor Frankenstein’s initial experiment and subsequent rejection of his creation
The presence of water in Frankenstein serves as both a powerful symbol and a crucial element in the story. Specifically, the role of water in Victor’s experiment and the later rejection of his creation underline the duality of water as a life-giving force and destructive power.
- Water as a life-giving force: Water is an essential component in Victor’s initial experiment, acting as a primal element that allows the creation of life. The use of water in this context underscores its symbolic potency as a vital force that brings forth life. At the same time, Victor’s reverence for water in his creation process reflects the Romantic emphasis on a spiritual connection to nature and a divine harmony with the world.
- Water as a destructive power: After Victor succeeds in creating life, however, water takes on a new meaning in the story. Victor’s rejection of his creation and his subsequent pursuit of it juxtaposed against the destructive power of water as a tool of nature’s wrath, symbolizes the dichotomy of life and death, creation and destruction. Victor’s creation, like water, is both a life-giving force and one that can unleash chaos and destruction.
- Water as a symbol of Victor’s guilt: In addition to its role in Victor’s creation process and the subsequent rejection of his creation, water in Frankenstein also acts as a recurring symbol of Frankenstein’s guilt. Victor’s guilt over abandoning his creation and the consequences that follow haunt him throughout the novel. The presence of water in these moments reinforces the idea of emotional turmoil as the waves both envelope and consume Victor’s psyche.
In summary, water in Frankenstein serves as a potent symbol that weaves together nature, spirituality, and the human condition. It signifies the dual nature of life and death, creation and destruction, and serves as a reminder of the emotional and moral complexity of the novel’s themes.
Reference: Ferriss, T. (2016). What Does Water Symbolize in Frankenstein?
| Symbolism | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Water as a life-giving force | Bringing forth life, achieving harmony with nature |
| Water as a destructive power | Symbolizing the dichotomy of life and death, creation and destruction |
| Water as a symbol of Victor’s guilt | Reinforcing the idea of emotional turmoil, moral complexity, and the human condition |
The use of water imagery in the depiction of the Arctic landscape and its implications for the narrative
Frankenstein’s Arctic landscape is rife with water imagery, and for a good reason. The icy landscape is characterized by bitter winds and treacherous seas, which provide the perfect backdrop for the story’s main themes of isolation, danger, and despair. Here are some of the ways water imagery is used in the novel:
- The treacherous seas surrounding the Arctic landscape highlights the danger that Victor and Walton are both putting themselves in as they attempt to achieve their respective goals.
- The vast expanse of ice surrounding the ship and the fragility of the ice create a sense of isolation and confusion. The ice could give way at any moment, and Walton and his crew are constantly surrounded by deadly waters.
- As the novel progresses, the Arctic landscape and the water imagery associated with it take on an increasingly supernatural feel, as Victor’s obsession with his creation grows and his mind begins to unravel.
The use of water imagery in Frankenstein is not solely for description and scene-setting; it carries significant implications for the narrative and the characters’ motivations and actions. Through the use of this imagery, Shelley subtly conveys the idea that humans are powerless in the face of nature and that man’s endeavors to control it will only lead to disaster.
Furthermore, the extreme setting, both natural and supernatural, that is created by the water imagery is key to highlighting the isolation that the characters in the novel experience. The use of the Arctic landscape with its icy and treacherous seas, combined with the constantly changing weather conditions, signify how the characters themselves are isolated and adrift amidst their feelings of guilt, grief, and a sense of loss of control.
In summary, the use of water imagery in Frankenstein serves both as a tool for setting the scene and conveying sophisticated themes and deeper meanings. Shelley uses water imagery to reinforce the idea that humans are powerless in the face of nature and to emphasize the isolation and despair experienced by the characters.
The relationship between water and death, as seen in the novel’s various drownings and near-drownings
In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, water serves as a powerful symbol that is recurring throughout the novel. One of the primary themes associated with water is death or the threat of death, often depicted through the various drownings and near-drownings that occur throughout the story. Victor’s obsession with creating life and playing god leads to a number of tragic consequences that are closely linked to the element of water. Let’s explore this relationship in more detail.
- The drowning of Victor’s mother: The novel opens with the death of Victor’s mother who had fallen ill and passed away in his absence. The cause of her death is attributed to a scarlet fever, but the circumstances surrounding her passing highlight the metaphorical role that water plays in the novel. On his journey to return home, Victor must cross a body of water, which serves as a symbolic crossing from life to death. Additionally, the fact that Victor is unable to save his mother and is not present when she dies reinforces the notion that water equals death.
- The near-drowning of Victor: Victor’s pursuit of science and the creation of life leads to an obsessive fixation that causes him to become ill and weakened. When he finally confronts his creature in the mountains, the encounter leaves him weak and in need of rest. Exhausted and disoriented, Victor finds himself on the edge of a cliff and falls into a body of water, where he narrowly escapes drowning. This brush with death serves as a warning to Victor and foreshadows the recurring fate of characters who find themselves in perilous watery situations.
- The drowning of William: The death of Victor’s younger brother William is another tragic event that is closely linked to water. While walking along a body of water, William encounters the creature and is strangled to death. The fact that this event occurs near water underscores the notion that water equals death and reinforces the idea that Victor’s creation brings nothing but tragedy and destruction.
Beyond the metaphorical relationship between water and death, the novel also explores water as a literal threat. As Victor’s obsession with his creature grows, it becomes clear that the creature poses a significant danger to those around him. In the novel’s climax, the creature is found by the shore, ready to commit suicide by jumping into the water. This moment serves as a reminder that water not only symbolizes death but can also be a means for an individual to end their own suffering.
| Event | Location | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Death of Victor’s mother | Body of water | Symbolic crossing from life to death |
| Near-drowning of Victor | Body of water | Metaphor for the danger of Victor’s obsession |
| Drowning of William | Body of water | Highlight the destructive consequences of Victor’s creation |
| Creature’s suicide attempt | By the shore | Water as a means of ending suffering |
In conclusion, the symbolism surrounding water in Frankenstein is complex and multifaceted, with themes of death and danger firmly intertwined with this recurring motif. Through the various drownings and near-drownings that take place within the novel, the dangers of playing god and meddling with natural order are clearly illustrated, revealing the disastrous consequences of scientific discovery when left unchecked.
The symbolic significance of Henry Clerval’s death by drowning in relation to the novel’s larger themes
Henry Clerval’s death by drowning holds significant symbolic importance in Frankenstein, particularly in relation to the novel’s larger themes of the dangerous pursuit of knowledge and the destructive power of nature.
- Water as a symbol of knowledge
- The dangerous pursuit of knowledge
- Henry Clerval as a symbol of innocence
Water is often used as a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment in literature, and in Frankenstein, it is no exception. The act of drowning can be seen as a metaphor for overwhelming oneself with knowledge and being consumed by it, which ultimately leads to destruction.
The pursuit of knowledge is a prominent theme in Frankenstein, with both Victor and Walton driven by their thirst for discovery. Clerval’s death serves as a warning of the dangers of this pursuit, as he is an innocent character who is caught in the crossfire of Victor’s obsession with his creation.
Henry Clerval can be seen as a symbol of innocence and purity, as he is one of the few characters in the novel who remains untainted by the pursuit of knowledge. His death by drowning can be seen as a tragic end to this purity, and a warning of the corrupting power of knowledge.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Water | Symbol of knowledge and enlightenment |
| Drowning | Metaphor for overwhelming oneself with knowledge and being consumed by it, which ultimately leads to destruction |
| Henry Clerval | Symbol of innocence and purity, and a warning of the corrupting power of knowledge |
Overall, Henry Clerval’s death by drowning holds symbolic significance in Frankenstein, serving as a warning of the dangers of the pursuit of knowledge and the destructive power of nature.
The Significance of Water as a Purifying Agent in the Context of Frankenstein’s Search for Redemption
Throughout Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, the symbolism of water carries significant weight as a purifying agent in Victor Frankenstein’s search for redemption. From the frigid Arctic waters that surround the ship Walton is traveling on to the rainstorm that brings him to seek shelter in a nearby dilapidated castle housing Victor, water is a constant in the novel. The fluidity and transformative nature of water symbolize Victor’s desire to cleanse himself of his sins and seek redemption.
- Victor’s Obsession with Creating Life
- Falling Ill After Immersing Himself in the Elements
- The Importance of the Creature’s Birthplace and the Subsequent Pursuit
One of the most notable ways in which water functions as a purifying agent is through its connection to Victor’s obsession with creating life. Victor, upon discovering the secret of life, is consumed by a desire to create a being outside of the natural order. His obsession leads him to isolate himself and immerse himself in his work, neglecting the outside world and his responsibilities. Victor’s obsession with creating life comes to a head when he finally brings the creature to life, an act that is linked to a stormy night and a laboratory filled with instruments and fluids.
In addition to its role in Victor’s creation of the creature, water also functions as a purifying agent in the aftermath of the monster’s birth. Victor falls ill after immersing himself in the elements following the creature’s creation, a parallel to the creature’s own suffering and displacement. The physical effects of Victor’s exposure to the natural world reflect his guilt and moral corruption.
The importance of the creature’s birthplace and subsequent pursuit is another notable examples of water functioning as a purifying agent. The creature is born in a stream and spends his early life around water, finding solace and companionship in a family living on the outskirts of society. However, Victor’s abandonment of the creature sends him on a quest for vengeance, leading him to pursue his creator across different bodies of water, from rivers to glaciers, in order to confront him and demand accountability for his suffering.
Overall, the significance of water as a purifying agent in Frankenstein underscores the novel’s themes of isolation, guilt, and redemption. By constantly associating water with cleansing and purification, Shelley draws attention to the transformative power of seeking redemption through confronting one’s own moral failings.
| Symbolism of water | Importance in Victor’s search for redemption |
|---|---|
| Cleansing and purifying agent | Victor’s desire to cleanse himself of his sins and seek redemption |
| Connected to Victor’s obsession with creating life | Victor’s obsession leads him to isolate himself and immerse himself in his work, neglecting the outside world and his responsibilities |
| Functions as a purifying agent in the aftermath of the monster’s birth | Victor falls ill after immersing himself in the elements following the creature’s creation, a parallel to the creature’s own suffering and displacement |
| Importance of creature’s birthplace and subsequent pursuit | The creature is born in a stream and spends his early life around water, finding solace and companionship in a family living on the outskirts of society. However, Victor’s abandonment of the creature sends him on a quest for vengeance, leading him to pursue his creator across different bodies of water |
The symbolism of water is crucial to understanding the significance of Victor’s search for redemption in Frankenstein. Through its transformative and cleansing properties, water helps to underscore the novel’s themes of guilt, isolation, and redemption, as well as the often destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and scientific experimentation.
The Role of Light and Water Imagery in the Novel’s Exploration of the Sublime
Water is a prominent symbol in Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein. It serves to represent various themes and ideas throughout the text. One of the most significant themes that water represents is the sublime.
- Water represents the power and vastness of nature that humans cannot control.
- It symbolizes the unknown and mysterious aspects of life that are beyond human comprehension.
- Water is also associated with life and creation, which ties into the novel’s exploration of the creation of life by Victor Frankenstein.
In addition to water, light imagery is also used to explore the sublime in Frankenstein. Both water and light are used to represent the unknown aspects of life that humans cannot comprehend. They serve to symbolize the vastness and power of the natural world that humans cannot control.
The use of water and light imagery is not just limited to serving as symbols of the sublime. They are also used to evoke emotional responses in the reader. For example, the use of light imagery during the creation of the monster serves to create a sense of horror and revulsion in the reader.
The Role of Water Imagery
The use of water imagery is prevalent throughout Frankenstein. It is used to represent various themes and ideas, including the sublime. One of the most significant examples of water representing the sublime is in the scene where Victor Frankenstein is sailing through icy waters in pursuit of the monster. The use of water imagery in this scene serves to create a sense of fear and unease in the reader. It represents the power and vastness of the natural world that humans cannot control. The icy waters also represent the unknown and mysterious aspects of life that are beyond human comprehension.
The Role of Light Imagery
Light imagery is also used to explore the sublime in Frankenstein. The use of light during the creation of the monster serves to create a strong emotional response in the reader. The use of light in this scene creates a sense of horror and revulsion. It represents the unknown aspects of life that are beyond human comprehension. The use of light in this scene also serves to create a sense of secrecy and mystery.
Water and Light Imagery: A Comparative Analysis
The following table compares the use of water and light imagery in their exploration of the sublime in Frankenstein:
| Water Imagery | Light Imagery |
|---|---|
| Represents the power and vastness of nature that humans cannot control | Represents the unknown and mysterious aspects of life that are beyond human comprehension |
| Associated with life and creation, tying into the novel’s exploration of the creation of life | Creates a sense of horror and revulsion in the reader |
| Creates a sense of fear and unease in the reader in scenes like Victor’s pursuit of the monster through icy waters | Creates a sense of secrecy and mystery during the creation of the monster |
Overall, the use of water and light imagery is significant in Frankenstein’s exploration of the sublime. They serve to represent the power and vastness of the natural world that humans cannot control. The unknown and mysterious aspects of life that are beyond human comprehension are also represented through these symbols. In addition to exploring the sublime, the use of water and light imagery also serves to evoke emotional responses in the reader, making them powerful tools in creating a truly unforgettable literary experience.
The Relationship Between Water and Female Characters in Frankenstein, Particularly in Regards to the Character of Elizabeth Lavenza
Water plays a significant role in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, symbolizing various themes and concepts throughout the novel. In particular, the relationship between water and female characters is notable, especially regarding the character of Elizabeth Lavenza.
The Symbolism of Water in Frankenstein
- Water represents life, renewal, and birth, characteristic of the feminine energy.
- The element of water symbolizes purification and cleanliness, often associated with the feminine purity.
- Water is used as a means of transportation throughout the novel, particularly in Victor’s journey to Ingolstadt to study.
The Connotation of Water with Female Characters
The presence of water in relation to female characters in Frankenstein demonstrates the traditional stereotype and gender norms that were prevalent during the time period the novel was written. Historically, feminine purity was associated with the element of water.
Furthermore, the female characters in the novel are often passively situated in proximity to water, which further romanticizes their perceived purity and innocence. This is observed in the passive role Elizabeth, and other female characters, hold throughout the novel, sitting by the edge of a lake or a river, waiting for their male counterparts to arrive.
Elizabeth Lavenza and Her Relationship with Water
Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor’s adopted sister, is one of the main female characters in the novel, and her relationship with water is a significant theme. At multiple points in the book, she is portrayed as a passive and innocent figure, closely associated with the element of water.
During Victor and Elizabeth’s childhood, they would often visit a nearby lake together, where Elizabeth would sit and play by the water’s edge while Victor would explore the surrounding land. Elizabeth’s childlike innocence is brought to the forefront in this scene, as she is described as a pure and unblemished figure, mirroring the tranquil waters of the lake.
| Moments of Elizabeth and Her Relationship with Water | Quotes from the Novel |
|---|---|
| Elizabeth by the Lake, Innocence | “[Elizabeth] drew me to shore with one hand, and with the other grasped a floating branch, which led her…to the shore.” |
| Elizabeth by the Lake, Romanticist Perceptions of Femininity | “[Elizabeth] sat in a dozing posture. The water, reflected on the ceiling, looked like a shower of diamonds.” |
| Elizabeth in the Sea, Powerless in Relation to Men | “‘Save yourself, my dear, sweet Elizabeth!…Leave me, and save yourself!’ |
Furthermore, later in the novel, Elizabeth is portrayed as a figure of tragic innocence when she drowns in the lake after marrying Victor. The use of water as a symbol of life and rebirth is undermined in her death, which subverts the traditional romanticized gender norms that associate feminine purity with water.
The relationship between water and female characters, particularly in regards to Elizabeth Lavenza, offers a critical lens through which we can view the gender dynamics and traditional gender roles present in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
The Use of Water Imagery in the Novel’s Larger Critique of the Enlightenment and Scientific Progress
In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, water symbolizes a range of meanings that contribute to the novel’s larger critique of the Enlightenment and scientific progress. Through the use of water imagery, Shelley showcases the darker side of the pursuit of knowledge, specifically in the realm of natural sciences.
- Symbolism of Water: Throughout the novel, water embodies both life and death. It represents the vastness and mystery of the natural world, as well as its overwhelming power. The creation of the monster, for instance, is framed by a storm on the lake. This setting highlights the hubris of Victor Frankenstein’s desire to create life and the powerlessness that his creation brings. The image of the monster drowning in the water is particularly poignant, as water is typically associated with regeneration and life. Shelley subverts this expectation, highlighting the devastating consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.
- Critique of the Enlightenment: At its core, Frankenstein is a cautionary tale about the dangers of the unchecked pursuit of knowledge. Shelley uses water imagery to highlight the potential consequences of scientific progress. For instance, the Arctic, where Victor ultimately pursues the monster, represents the last frontier of uncharted exploration during the Enlightenment. By choosing this setting, Shelley critiques the limitations of human knowledge and the dangers of exploration for the sake of discovery alone. The water surrounding this desolate landscape serves as a constant reminder of the danger that comes with this type of scientific progress.
- The Limits of Control: Water imagery also highlights the limits of human control over the natural world. The tragedy of Victor Frankenstein’s story lies in his belief that he could control the forces of life and death. However, as the novel progresses, Victor learns that his pursuit of knowledge leads to unintended consequences. The storm on the lake that accompanies the creation of the monster serves as a warning that not all things can be controlled. Through the use of water imagery, Shelley underlines the fact that human knowledge is limited and that nature should be respected for its immense power.
Conclusion
Water imagery is a powerful tool throughout Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Through its use, Shelley critiques the dangers of scientific progress and the Enlightenment’s belief in the unlimited power of human knowledge. Water serves as a reminder of the limits of human understanding and the dangers of unchecked hubris. Ultimately, Shelley’s use of water imagery highlights the need for a balanced relationship between humans and the natural world.
| Symbolism of Water | Critique of the Enlightenment | The Limits of Control |
|---|---|---|
| Represents both life and death – the power of the natural world | Critiques unchecked pursuit of knowledge | Highlights limits of human control over the natural world |
| Subverts expectations of regenerative power of water with the monster’s drowning | Arctic setting critiques the limitations of human knowledge | Storm on the lake serves as warning for the dangers of knowledge pursuit |
| Water imagery underlines the need to respect the power of nature |
By utilizing water imagery in these ways, Shelley ultimately delivers a powerful critique of scientific progress and the belief in the unlimited potential of human knowledge.
FAQs: What Does Water Symbolize in Frankenstein?
1. What does the rain symbolize in Frankenstein?
The rain symbolizes the cleansing and purifying power of nature. Mary Shelley uses the rain to create a contrast between the dirty city and the untouched, pure nature.
2. What does the sea symbolize in Frankenstein?
The sea symbolizes the vast and uncontrollable nature of the unknown. It also represents the dangers and chaos that lurk beneath the surface.
3. What does the river symbolize in Frankenstein?
The river symbolizes the flow of life and the journey of the characters. It also represents change and transformation.
4. What does the lake symbolize in Frankenstein?
The lake symbolizes the stillness and passivity of nature. It also represents the hidden depths and secrets that lie within.
5. What does the Arctic ice symbolize in Frankenstein?
The Arctic ice symbolizes the isolation and loneliness of the characters. It also represents the frozen and barren wasteland that surrounds them.
6. What does water symbolize in Frankenstein generally?
Water symbolizes the power of nature and the uncontrollable forces that govern the world. It also represents the duality of life and death.
7. Do the water symbols in Frankenstein have a deeper meaning?
Yes, the water symbols in Frankenstein are carefully crafted by Mary Shelley to convey deeper meanings and themes, such as the dangers of ambition and the pursuit of knowledge.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading this article on the symbolism of water in Frankenstein. Mary Shelley’s use of water imagery adds layers of meaning to the story and helps create a vivid and atmospheric setting. We hope you found these FAQs informative and insightful. Please visit us again for more interesting literary analyses.