1. Shifting Perspectives:
* Victor's Narrative: This section is often characterized by a dramatic, confessional, and often self-pitying tone. Victor's voice reveals his internal struggles, guilt, and terror as he confronts the consequences of his actions. He often uses elevated, poetic language, highlighting his intellect and the emotional turmoil he experiences.
* Monster's Narrative: The Monster's narrative takes on a more empathetic, vulnerable, and at times, accusatory tone. His language is often simple and direct, reflecting his self-education and his quest for understanding. Shelley portrays his loneliness, pain, and longing for acceptance, compelling the reader to question societal prejudice and the nature of humanity.
* Letters and Journal Entries: The novel incorporates letters and journal entries from Robert Walton, which provide a more objective and distanced perspective. This allows Shelley to offer a broader societal context for Victor's actions and the Monster's plight.
2. Contrasting Diction:
* Elevated Language: Shelley employs elaborate vocabulary and complex sentence structures, particularly in Victor's narrative. This emphasizes his intellectualism and the grandeur of his ambition. However, this can also convey a sense of detachment and arrogance.
* Simple Language: In the Monster's narrative, the language is straightforward and often colloquial. This reflects his lack of formal education and his struggle to articulate his complex emotions. It creates a sense of authenticity and vulnerability.
3. Shifting from Gothic Horror to Philosophical Reflection:
* Gothic Horror: Shelley uses vivid descriptions and suspenseful plot points to evoke fear and suspense. The novel is infused with elements of the Gothic genre, particularly in the scenes of the Monster's creation and the terrifying encounters between Victor and the creature.
* Philosophical Reflection: The novel also delves into profound philosophical questions about creation, responsibility, morality, and the nature of humanity. Shelley uses these moments to challenge societal norms and provoke deeper reflections on the human condition.
4. Humor and Irony:
* Dark Humor: Shelley occasionally uses dark humor to provide a satirical commentary on society's attitudes towards science, ambition, and social exclusion. This adds layers of complexity to the narrative, preventing it from becoming solely a tale of horror.
* Irony: The novel is rife with ironic situations, particularly in the consequences of Victor's actions. This irony highlights the inherent flaws in human ambition and the unintended consequences of scientific progress.
Overall, Mary Shelley masterfully manipulates tone to create a complex and multi-layered novel that continues to resonate with readers centuries later. By seamlessly shifting perspectives, using contrasting diction, and weaving together elements of horror, philosophy, and satire, she creates a powerful and enduring exploration of human nature and its complexities.