Before the Frankenstein even begins to recount his story in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the reader perceives a foreboding tone through his diction and appearnce. However, with with knowledge of the folklore, this may be shocking for the reader. Prior to reading Shelley's novel, one assumes that the monster's creator would find great excitement and achievement in bringing life to his creature. However, one quickly realizes that the original story does not fall in line with such popular notions. For example, Frankenstein describes his destiny as "utter and terrible destruction" (Shelley, 23). This provides one of the first intimations of the ominous tone that laces the story he has to tell.
Furthermore, even before Victor begins to communicate with Walton, one also gleans a sense of the ominous tone of his tale through Victor's appearance. For instance, upon seeing him for the first time, Walton describes Frankenstein as "...dreadfully emaciated by fatigue and suffering. I never saw a man in so wretched a condition" (9). Once again, if Frankenstein had been satisfied with his creation, he would not appear this way. Thus, a foreboding tone is set for the story to come.
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