Parallelism

"A flash of lightning illuminated the object, and discovered its shape plainly to me; its gigantic stature, and the deformity of its aspect, more hideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed me that it was the wretch, the filthy daemon to whom I had given life." Pg. 50

     Throughout the first half of Frankenstein, the reader only comes to know the appearance and perceived demeanor of the creature through Victor Frankenstein's characterization of it. However, the first twelve chapters afford the reader a few brief glimpses into the appearance of the creature. Each time the creature is spotted, Victor describes him as a monster of "gigantic stature," and I believe there is significance in the repetition of this phrase. A diligent reader can perceive that Frankenstein progress through several mental states, including despair, terror, guilt, and bliss. The creature is the cause of these emotions, but his descrpition does not change throughout the entirety of the first half. By describing the creature in terms of his size and stature, Victor conveys to the reader the natural emotions which follow sighting such a monster. Although he thoroughly explains his emotions each time he spots the creature, the physical description serves to punctuate the innate feelings which are associated with the monster. I have little doubt that if I were to perceive such a creature, I too would feel terrified and ultimately combative toward him. The repetition also serves as an effective set-up for the dialogue the creature gives in chapters eleven and twelve. In these pages, one learns how the creature was greatly neglected, and the physical description contrasts greatly with his obvious tenderness and personal hardships.