Mary Shelley-"Frankenstein"

The Sun and the Moon.

Shelley often utilized nature as sort of foreshadowing device.  The condition of nature tends to reflect the current happenings/feelings of a character, namely Victor.  Whenever Victor is calm, the weather is at its height.  Yet, when Victor is scared, in trouble, or something bad is about to take place, the weather becomes terrifying.  Storms and lightning fill the sky.  However, on the night the creation came to life, it was merely drizzling outside.  This leaves a question among the audience on whether the creation is a good or bad occurrence.  Additionally, the reader knows not whether Victor was happy or troubled during the creation process as there was never any reference to what the weather was like.  In fact, Victor was so busy, he barely noticed it himself. 

Nature also serves as a comforting device for Victor, the Creation, and Robert.  When Robert Walton becomes advanced on his journey he claims the weather has been somewhat helpful and advantageous to him.  "...although not so warm as in England, the southern gales, which blow us speedily towards those shores which I so ardently desire to attain, breathe a degree of renovation warmth which I had not expected" (Shelley, 7).  When Frankenstein goes off on his own after the death of both his brother and Justine, the only thing that can comfort his grief is nature.  "These sublime and magnificent scenes afforded me the greatest consolation that I was capable of receiving" (Shelley, 66).  When the Creation explains his life experiences, he also expresses a love for the warmth the Earth provides.  "Soon a gentle light stole over the heavens, and gave me a sensation of pleasure.  I started up and beheld a radiant form rise from among the trees" (Shelley, 71).