Night and Day

In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley went out of her way to create symbolism through the time of day. It seems that during the day, Victor and even the creature were happy; rather, they were happier than they were at night. Nighttime seemed to bring about demons. After the light diminsihed from the land, the evils came out. When the creature was about to go introduce himself to De Lacey and was full of hope, "the sun shone on the red leaves that strewed the ground, and diffused cheerfulness" (Shelley, 94). That same day, the devil within the creature rose within him. As soon as night fell, he ran wild through the forrest howling like a wild beast, "When night came I quitted my retreat and wandered in the wood" (Shelley, 97). That next morning, he woke up and seemed to have calmed down and was able to think clearly; "The pleasant sunshine, and the pure air of day, resotored me to some degree of tranquility" (Shelley, 98). THEN, that night, "as the night advanced, a fierde wind arose from the woods, quickly dispersed the clouds that had loitered in the heavens" (Shelley, 99). There are many, many more examples than this for the creature; however, it is obvious that light brings about calmness, hopes, and dreams whereas darkness and storms bring about demons and destruciton.

Even for Victor, we see that the setting is important in regards to his state of mind. It seems that, like tha creature, nighttime seems to be when his family is brutally murdered. Similarly, the seasons have a great deal of significance on him. Spring brings about the regrowth of his soul and spirit. Henry loved the beauty and randiance of the newly blosomed plants and the beauty of the fresh earth. This passion that was instilled in Henry, shown on Victor in his deepest hours of agony.