Prelinguistic and Linguistic Dimensions in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Abstract

The present paper analyzes the building of identity and consciousness of the wretch in Mary Shelley‟s Frankenstein. First, it provides an analysis of the prelinguistic stage the wretch goes through in light of Ernst Cassirer‟s theory on animal reactions and human responses. Here, the concept of “symbol” plays a central
role, since it is what triggers the wretch‟s emotional development. Secondly, the paper presents a series of Jaques Lacan‟s concepts on the symbolic such as symbolic order, Mirror Stage and the Other, in order to illustrate
how the wretch attempts to become more human as its linguistic competence improves. Through the analysis of the process of language acquisition, the wretch‟s emotional development will is traced in order to see how
his initial sympathetic kindness turns into disappointment and brutal desire for revenge