A Theme Characterized by Juxtaposition and Parallels

Throughout her novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley uses juxtaposition and parallels to emphasize certain important events and ideas. Captain Robert Walton's search for friendship in the barren arctic region mirrors the monster's quest for companionship in the cold and unwelcoming world.  In the opening chapters, Victor's upbringing is described as being near-perfect: "No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. We felt that they were not the tyrants to rule our lot according to their caprice, but the agents and creators of all the many delights which we enjoyed." (p19) During the time his youth is being described one can't help but think that it serves the purpose of foreshadowing a vastly different and more depressing quality of life later on for Victor (it does). While these strategies are employed heavily in the early portion of the book, Shelley continually uses them throughout her novel. As the monster watches Agatha and Felix interact lovingly with the old and blind De Lacey, he becomes more and more aware of the lack of love and companionship in his own life. "Nothing could exceed the love and respect which the younger cottagers exhibited towards their venerable companion. They performed towards him every little office of affection and duty with gentleness; and he rewarded them by his benevolent smiles." (p77) Shelley's description of the caring actions of the villagers makes it easy for the reader to realize the lack thereof in the monster's life. Another major juxtaposition that occurs with the villagers is the difference between the relationships of Felix and Safie and Frankenstein and the monster. After observing the love and care exchanged between the couple, the monster remarks that, "benevolence and generosity were ever present before me, inciting within me a desire to become an actor in the busy scene where so many admirable qualities were called forth and displayed." (p90) It is clear from this passage that the monster yearns for a relationship like the one Felix and Safie have, but it is never to be. While Felix does everything in his power  to be with his beloved Safie, Frankenstein is disgusted with the monster and eventually, although he fails, does everything in his power to destroy him. An important parallel that takes place later on in the book is the one between Victor Frankenstein and Henry Clerval. As Henry gets older, he begins to resemble more and more what Victor was like before the creation of the monster (strongly connected with nature, a deep love of science). However, as Victor ages and becomes increasingly consumed by the monster's existence and actions he loses his earlier passions and becomes a miserable shadow of his former self. The parallel between the older Henry and younger Victor serve to show just how much Victor has changed since the creation of the monster.  Shelley's novel is so heavily characterized by its use of juxtapositions and parallels that the theme of the book can be considered one of opposites and similarities. The majority of the goals of the novel are accomplished through its use contrasting or correlating stories, people, relationships and so on.