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  • Essay / The Use of Language to Influence the Reader in Frankenstein and Hamlet

    Author Julia Penelope once said, “Language is power, in a more literal way than most people realize. When we speak, we exercise the power of language to transform reality. Why don't more of us realize the link between language and power? It is fair to say that language can be very powerful when it comes to communicating and spreading a message. However, this is not the only achievement that language can accomplish. In fact, language can be used to empower or disempower someone in several ways. For example, you can encourage someone to do something they believe in, or you can disintegrate a person by telling them they are not good enough. In literature, authors have many ways to use their words to plant an idea in the reader's mind. The use of motifs, symbols, and stylistic techniques in Frankenstein and Hamlet cause us to question and change our world. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay In Frankenstein, motifs and symbols are used to help develop and inform the main themes of the text and to represent abstract ideas or concepts. In this novel, light is a very important symbol. It symbolizes knowledge and discovery. Our natural world is a place of dark secrets and hidden passages. Then the goal of every scientist is to reach the light. “What could not be expected in the land of eternal light? asks Walton, displaying faith in science. Fire is light's dangerous and more powerful cousin. The monster enthusiastically discovers the dual nature of fire; that it creates light in the darkness, but also that it harms him when it touches him. The presence of fire in the text automatically refers to the title of Shelley's novel; Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus. Prometheus was a Greek god from ancient Greek pathology and is credited with the creation of humanity. He created humans from clay; a lifeless affair. Now, in order to give life to humans, Prometheus stole fire from the vine from the Gods and inserted it into his creation. Likewise, Dr. Frankenstein takes on the role of God as he also creates life in the book. He created life from lifeless matter, which in this case is a corpse. So, Frankenstein played with nature to make something divine; he created life, something no one should be able to do except God. Therefore, both Prometheus and Victor opposed the gods to artificially create life. As a result, these two characters suffered in different ways. Prometheus is dead and Frankenstein is punished in the book by having all his loved ones around him murdered. Additionally, in chapter 4, when Victor describes the dangers of striving to be "greater than nature allows," he explains the dangers of a human being trying to play God. The Greek god Prometheus gave the knowledge of fire to humanity and was later severely punished for it. Victor, who attempts to become a modern Prometheus, is certainly punished, but unlike fire, his “gift” to humanity (the knowledge of the secret of life) remains a secret. Thus, Shelley used good symbols and motifs, light and fire, to represent abstract ideas and inform readers of the main themes to warn them and leave them wondering about the consequences and dangers of experiencing the unknown. In Hamlet, the difficulty in achieving true knowledge is due to the slippery nature of language..