Within Mary Shelley?s ?Frankenstein,? the divisional aspect of the two principal characters, Frankenstein and the monster, rather subvert the theme of being physically divided. Mary Shelley presents this theme through her use of juxtaposition when describing both Frankenstein and the monster convulsing in the same chapter. Linguistically she reflects Frankenstein as becoming part of his creation at the moment of its birth. Just as Frankenstein describes how in his fever ?every limb became convulsed,? so too does the monster reflect, effectively through Shelley?s use of descriptive language, how when created it had a ?convulsive motion? which ?agitated its limbs.? As Mary Shelley presents Frankenstein and the monster as one through her comparative language, her use of syntax within the description of the monster?s birth also adds emphasis to this theme.
Thematically, the divided self is once more, seen as subverted through the use of imagery instead of language. Rather than describing the actions of both Frankenstein and the monster as analogous through the use of language, Mary Shelley, through Robert Walton?s encounter with Frankenstein also thematically reinforces both characters as united through the use of imagery.
Even though the reader is later informed the traveller is Frankenstein, the unique choice of imagery when describing him as an ?interesting creature? serves only to reinforce how Frankenstein has become divided from humanity due to his unnatural creation. However, this singular image has a paradoxical effect upon Frankenstein?s divided self. Although one may view Frankenstein as divided, one may also regard him as united with his ?creature.? Just as he is presented as ?gnashing his teeth,? the monster is later seen to reflect Frankenstein?s actions by gnashing his teeth in ?the impotence of anger.?
Mary Shelley?s use of language regarding the theme of giving birth to an embodiment of ones self clearly depicts the physical, mental and spiritual void in both Frankenstein and his creation. Just as Cathy?s emotions are repressed within Wuthering Heights, so too are Frankenstein?s. The monster himself may represent the division within Frankenstein?s sub conscience, his primitive self. ?We are unfashioned creatures, but half made up.? As his creation has given birth to his other self, he is closely linked with the monsters own spiritual self. ?You my creator, detest and spurn me?to whom thou art bound by ties only dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us.?
Emily Bronte also successfully presents as Mary Shelley does, the theme of the divided self through her use of language. When the reader is told ?her mind has wandered, her soul no longer remains within her,? one may view Emily Bronte?s description of Cathy?s divided self as conflicting. Although her soul is seen to escape what she likens to a ?shattered prison? which has, like the two households similarly restricted her, this liberation also divides Cathy within herself, spiritually, mentally and physically.
The monster, within Frankenstein is also subjected to spiritual division. His perception of life is based upon experience. Through his involvement with the cottagers he instinctively learns to ?assist their labours,? thus developing a sense of humanity. This instinctive good side is destroyed however when the cottagers reject him and with a ?bitter sickness? the monster therefore learns how he will treat Frankenstein in return, thus destroying his sense of humanity, forever dividing him until his death.
Within both novels, the theme of the divided self is an experience, which each protagonist character is seen to endure. Until they tragically accept their destiny, Cathy, Heathcliff, Frankenstein and the monster are presented as physically, spiritually and mentally divided, not only within themselves but also with each other. Only when they finally succumb to death, are ?the dead at peace,? leaving the reader to ponder upon the rhetorical question which touches upon the theme of the divided self; for ?where can I find rest but in death??