20-minute plan
- Skim your class notes for pre-marked figurative language examples
- Match each example to a core theme (creation, isolation, guilt)
- Write 1 sentence explaining how each device supports its theme
Keyword Guide · study-guide-general
Examples of Figure of Speech in Frankenstein: Study Guide for Students
Figurative language shapes the tone and themes of Frankenstein more than plain description ever could. High school and college students need to spot these devices to ace class discussions, quizzes, and essays. This guide organizes clear, actionable examples without relying on copyrighted text snippets.
Frankenstein uses figures of speech like simile, metaphor, personification, and allusion to frame ideas about creation, isolation, and guilt. Each device ties directly to a core theme, making them critical for analysis. Jot down 2 devices you notice on your next reread to build your study notes.
Next Step
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Answer Block
A figure of speech is a non-literal word or phrase used to emphasize meaning or create a vivid image. In Frankenstein, these devices often mirror the narrator's shifting emotional state or highlight the novel's central conflicts. They are not just decorative—they carry thematic weight.
Next step: Pull up your annotated copy of Frankenstein and mark 3 instances where the text uses non-literal language to describe a character or setting.
Key Takeaways
- Figurative language in Frankenstein links directly to themes of creation and isolation
- Common devices include simile, metaphor, personification, and allusion
- Spotting these devices requires connecting word choice to character motivation
- You can use these examples to strengthen essay arguments or discussion points
20-Minute Plan and 60-Minute Plan
60-minute plan
- Reread 2 key chapters where the narrator's tone shifts dramatically
- Mark every figure of speech you encounter and label its type
- Create a 2-column chart linking each device to a character's emotion or theme
- Draft 2 thesis statements that center on figurative language's role in the novel
3-Step Study Plan
Action: Read 1 chapter at a time, circling non-literal phrases
Output: A list of labeled devices (simile, metaphor, etc.) with page references
Action: For each device, ask: What emotion or idea does this emphasize?
Output: A 2-column chart linking devices to themes or character states
Action: Write 1 short paragraph for each top example explaining its impact
Output: 3 ready-to-use analysis snippets for essays or discussions
Discussion Kit
- Name one figure of speech that describes the creature, and explain how it shapes your view of their humanity
- How does the use of figurative language differ between Walton's letters and Victor's narration?
- Why do you think the author relies heavily on personification when describing natural settings?
- Can you find an example of allusion that ties to the novel's themes of creation?
- How might a figure of speech in the novel reflect Victor's growing guilt?
- What would change if the novel used only literal language to describe key events?
- Find a figure of speech that links Victor and the creature, and explain its significance
- How does figurative language help build the novel's dark, tense tone?
Essay Kit
Thesis Templates
- Frankenstein’s consistent use of [device type] highlights the novel’s exploration of [theme] by framing [character's action or emotion] through a non-literal lens.
- By contrasting [device type] in Victor’s narration with [device type] in the creature’s dialogue, the author emphasizes the divide between creator and creation.
Outline Skeletons
- Intro: Hook about figurative language’s role in gothic literature; thesis about [device] and [theme]. Body 1: Analyze 1 example from Victor’s narration. Body 2: Analyze 1 example from the creature’s dialogue. Conclusion: Tie examples to novel’s overall message.
- Intro: Thesis about shifting figurative language reflecting Victor’s mental state. Body 1: Examples from Victor’s early, ambitious days. Body 2: Examples from his guilt-ridden later days. Conclusion: Explain how this shift reinforces the novel’s warning about unchecked ambition.
Sentence Starters
- When describing [character or setting], the author uses [device] to show that
- One often overlooked figure of speech in the novel appears when [event], and it reveals that
Essay Builder
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Exam Kit
Checklist
- I can identify 4 common figure of speech types used in Frankenstein
- I have 3 specific examples linked to core themes
- I can explain how each device supports its associated theme
- I can compare figurative language across different narrators
- I have 2 thesis templates ready for essay prompts
- I can define each figure of speech type in my own words
- I have marked key examples in my annotated copy of the novel
- I can connect figurative language to character motivation
- I have practiced explaining examples in 1-sentence analysis snippets
- I can avoid mixing up similar devices (simile and. metaphor)
Common Mistakes
- Labeling a literal description as a figure of speech
- Identifying a device but failing to link it to a theme or character
- Confusing similar devices (e.g., calling a metaphor a simile)
- Using examples that are not relevant to the essay prompt or discussion question
- Overlooking how figurative language shifts across different narrators
Self-Test
- Name 2 figure of speech devices used to describe the creature, and explain their effect
- How does personification of nature reflect Victor’s emotional state?
- What type of figure of speech links the novel’s opening and closing scenes?
How-To Block
Action: Read a passage slowly, marking any phrase that does not describe something literally
Output: A list of potential figurative language examples
Action: Cross-reference each marked phrase with definitions of simile, metaphor, personification, and allusion
Output: A labeled list of figure of speech examples with their device types
Action: Ask: What emotion, theme, or idea does this device emphasize?
Output: A 1-sentence analysis for each example, ready for essays or discussions
Rubric Block
Identification of Figure of Speech
Teacher looks for: Accurate labeling of devices with no misclassification (e.g., simile and. metaphor)
How to meet it: Review device definitions before analyzing, and double-check each example against its criteria
Thematic Connection
Teacher looks for: Clear links between each figure of speech and the novel’s core themes or character motivation
How to meet it: For each example, write 1 sentence explaining how it supports a theme like creation or isolation
Analysis Depth
Teacher looks for: Explanation of why the author chose this device alongside literal language
How to meet it: Ask yourself: How would the passage change if it used plain, literal description, and why is the figurative choice stronger?
Simile and Metaphor: Character Framing
Similes and metaphors often compare characters to natural or man-made objects to highlight their traits. These devices can reveal a narrator’s bias or a character’s self-perception. Use this before class discussion to prepare a specific example that ties to Victor’s ambition.
Personification: Nature as a Mirror
The novel frequently gives human traits to natural elements like weather or landscapes. This personification usually reflects the narrator’s current emotional state. Pull 1 example from your notes to use in an essay about Victor’s shifting mental health.
Allusion: Cultural and Literary Context
Allusions to other works or historical events tie Frankenstein to broader conversations about creation and morality. These references add layers of meaning without explicit explanation. Research the context of 1 allusion to deepen your analysis for an exam.
Tone Shifts and Figurative Language
As the novel progresses, the type and frequency of figurative language change to match the narrator’s growing despair. This shift is not accidental—it mirrors the story’s rising tension. Track 2 examples of this shift to present in a group project.
Connecting Devices to Essay Prompts
Essay prompts often ask about theme or character, but you can use figurative language to strengthen your argument. A specific example of a figure of speech can serve as concrete evidence for a claim about theme. Practice tying 1 device to a common essay prompt (e.g., 'Discuss the theme of isolation').
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many students mislabel devices or fail to connect them to themes. A common mistake is calling any comparison a simile, even when it does not use 'like' or 'as.' Review device definitions weekly to avoid this error in quizzes or essays.
What are the most common figures of speech in Frankenstein?
The most common devices are simile, metaphor, personification, and allusion. These appear throughout the novel to reinforce themes of creation, isolation, and guilt.
How can I use figure of speech examples in a Frankenstein essay?
Use specific examples as evidence to support claims about theme or character. For example, a metaphor describing the creature can back up an argument about their humanity.
Do I need to memorize exact quotes for figure of speech analysis?
You do not need to memorize exact quotes, but you should be able to reference key scenes and describe the device’s use. Focus on the device’s impact rather than the exact wording.
How does figurative language affect the tone of Frankenstein?
Figurative language builds the novel’s dark, tense tone by creating vivid, emotional images. It also mirrors the narrators’ shifting mental states as the story unfolds.
Editorial note: This page is independently written for educational support. Verify specifics with assigned class materials and the original text.
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