Imagery and symbolism » Introduction

Patterns of imagery and symbolism in Frankenstein are not easily separated from other literary features of the novel. As can be seen from the sections on Narrative, Themes and significant ideas  and Structure, the book is very tightly organised, so that one feature supports another. There are also clear and consistent patterns of allusion to such figures as Adam, Satan and Prometheus, which are indicative of the book’s thematic concerns.

This section, therefore, will contain a number of cross-references to other locations in this guide. As well as to other main sections it will direct you to the discussions of particular points and passages in the Going deeper parts of Synopses. Details of these discussions are not repeated here, but the relevant passages are clearly indicated.