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Frankenstein

week 19

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Chapter 23 and Fuseli's 'The Nightmare.'

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Task 1.

Read chapter 23.

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Fuseli’s ‘The Nightmare’

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Task 2. Read:

(Background of Fuseli’s ‘The Nightmare’)

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Closer analysis of the painting.

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Description of Elizabeth (Ch.23)

Great God! why did I not then expire! Why am I here to relate the destruction of the best hope and the purest creature of earth? She was there, lifeless and inanimate, thrown across the bed, her head hanging down, and her pale and distorted features half covered by her hair. Everywhere I turn I see the same figure--her bloodless arms and relaxed form flung by the murderer on its bridal bier. Could I behold this and live? Alas! life is obstinate and clings closest where it is most hated. For a moment only did I lose recollection; I fell senseless on the ground.

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Task 3: In pairs discuss:

  • Evaluate the similarity between the description of Elizabeth’s corpse in Chapter 23 and the painting ‘The Nightmare’ by Fuseli.
  • What other connections can you make between this painting and the denouement (end) of Frankenstein?
  • What symbolism might Shelley have wanted to connect with the Frankenstein’s marital bed?

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Post your ideas here.

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*Post your ideas beside the actual features of the painting.

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Aesthetic

Beauty/ style

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Aesthetics = the appreciation/study of beauty and form