Frankenstein - Symbols

"I lighted the dry branch of a tree and danced with fury around the devoted cottage, my eyes still fixed on the western horizon, the edge of which the moon nearly touched." p. 132

Light and fire are two prominent symbols throughout the novel that essentially represent knowledge. Even as far back as Walton's first few letters to his sister, light has represented knowledge attained through the scientific process: "What may not be expected in a country of light?" p. 15. The flash of lightning that splits a tree stump serves as an impetus for Lil Victor to pursue science as a profession p. 40. However, though knowledge can oftentimes be used for good and the betterment of the human species, other times, it can be misused and abused to bring harm to the world. Well, hey, that's where the fire comes in.

You see, children, fire and light are connected, and in the knowledge symbolism sandwich, they are essentially two sides of the same coin. One can illuminate a room by either flipping a light switch or tossing in a molotov cocktail. Either way works, really, but the latter is a bit more destructive, really. Thus, light and fire both represent knowledge, but whenever fire is used, it represents the more destructive and dangerous things that come along with the attainment of knowledge. This is first hinted at when Mario discovers fire p. 100 and how the light and warmth are both pleasing to him. However, when he gets tooooo clooooose, that same light suddenly is not quite so pleasant. Knowledge hurts, don't it, Mario? This fire symbolism ultimately cultivates in Mario's realization of the knowledge that the whole world hates him forever, so he resolves to burn the whole place down, starting with that cottage over there. It's a good start, big fella, but you've got a lot more knowledge to gain before you'll ever be happy :D fwoooosh.

(he'll never be happy)