Keyword Guide · study-guide-general
Figurative language shapes every layer of Frankenstein, from character relationships to thematic beats. US high school and college students need to spot these devices to ace quizzes, lead discussions, and write strong essays. This guide gives you concrete, actionable tools to analyze and use these elements effectively.
Figurative language in Frankenstein includes metaphor, simile, personification, and symbolism that link the creature, Victor, and natural settings to core themes of isolation, creation, and moral failure. Every device ties back to the novel’s exploration of what it means to be human. Start by mapping 3 key devices to Victor’s arc for a focused analysis.
Next Step
Stop sorting through pages to find figurative language. Get instant, organized insights to ace your next essay or discussion.
Figurative language in Frankenstein refers to non-literal words and phrases Shelley uses to convey abstract ideas. These devices connect the novel’s characters, settings, and plot to themes like guilt, alienation, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. They also create emotional resonance that literal description cannot match.
Next step: Pull out your copy of Frankenstein and mark 2 examples of figurative language tied to either Victor or the creature in your first 5 assigned chapters.
Action: Read assigned chapters and circle every non-literal phrase you encounter
Output: A marked text with 10-15 examples grouped by device type (metaphor, simile, personification)
Action: For each marked example, write a 1-sentence note connecting it to a theme from class lectures
Output: A annotated list of examples with clear thematic ties
Action: Sort your annotated examples into 2-3 groups based on shared characters or themes
Output: A structured list of evidence ready for essay outlines or discussion points
Essay Builder
Turn your figurative language notes into a structured essay with AI-backed tools designed for literature students.
Action: As you read, ask: Is this phrase describing something literally, or is it comparing, exaggerating, or giving human traits to a non-human thing?
Output: A marked text with clear separation between literal and figurative language
Action: For each figurative example, ask: How does this phrase change my understanding of a character’s emotion or a core theme?
Output: A list of examples with 1-sentence thematic or character links
Action: Sort your linked examples into groups based on essay prompts or discussion topics from class
Output: A structured set of evidence ready for quizzes, essays, or class talks
Teacher looks for: Accurate identification of specific devices (not just ‘figurative language’ in general) from the novel
How to meet it: Label each example with its exact device type (metaphor, simile, personification) and explain why it fits that category
Teacher looks for: Clear, logical links between figurative devices and the novel’s core themes
How to meet it: Write 1 sentence per example explaining how the device reinforces a theme like isolation, ambition, or guilt
Teacher looks for: Relevant, specific examples used to support claims about characters or themes
How to meet it: Avoid vague references; instead, tie each analysis to a specific character, setting, or plot beat from the novel
Shelley uses figurative language to shape how readers see Victor and the creature. Victor’s arc is often tied to harsh, wild natural settings described through non-literal phrases. The creature’s voice relies on vivid comparisons to express his loneliness and desire for connection. Use this before class discussion to prepare a targeted talking point about character perception.
Many figurative devices appear in parallel for Victor and the creature. These mirroring choices highlight their shared experiences of isolation and guilt. They also blur the line between creator and created, a core tension of the novel. Create a side-by-side list of these parallel devices to visualize their thematic link.
Shelley’s descriptions of mountains, ice, and weather are rarely just literal. They often reflect a character’s emotional state or foreshadow a key plot event. For example, harsh, unforgiving landscapes tie to moments of moral failure or despair. Mark 3 natural setting descriptions in your text and link each to a character’s emotional state.
The most common mistake students make is identifying figurative language without explaining its purpose. A strong analysis must connect the device to why Shelley used it, not just what it is. Another mistake is ignoring the creature’s figurative language, which holds critical clues about the novel’s message about humanity. Circle every example of figurative language from the creature in your next reading assignment.
Figurative language makes a strong anchor for essay theses. Choose 2-3 related devices to build your argument around. For example, you could argue that Shelley uses weather as a metaphor for moral decay throughout the novel. Use this before essay drafts to craft a focused, evidence-based thesis.
Quiz questions often ask students to identify a device and explain its purpose. Practice labeling devices out loud as you read to build recognition speed. Flashcards with device types on one side and Frankenstein examples on the other can also help with quick recall. Make a set of 10 flashcards focusing on the most frequent figurative devices in your assigned chapters.
Shelley relies heavily on metaphor and personification, often linking natural settings to character emotional states. Metaphors appear to draw parallels between characters and abstract ideas, while personification gives human traits to non-human elements like weather or landscapes.
Start by identifying the figurative device, then ask how it changes your understanding of a character or theme. For example, if you spot a metaphor linking Victor’s laboratory to a tomb, you can connect it to the theme of moral death or guilt.
You don’t need to memorize exact phrases, but you should be able to describe general examples of key devices and their thematic links. Focus on 5-6 core examples tied to major themes like isolation and ambition for exam prep.
Romantic literature emphasizes emotion, nature, and individual experience. Shelley uses figurative language to frame natural settings as mirrors of human emotion, and to elevate the individual struggles of Victor and the creature to universal, thematic ideas.
Editorial note: This page is independently written for educational support. Verify specifics with assigned class materials and the original text.
Continue in App
Readi.AI helps you analyze figurative language, build essay outlines, and prepare for discussions faster than ever before.
