Symbolism of Light in Edgar

¶ … symbolism of light in Edgar Allan Poe's writing with the writing of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Both writers use the symbolism of light or fire in their writing to symbolize very different things. In Shelley's classic work "Frankenstein Or, the Modern Prometheus," light is a symbol of understanding, knowledge, and discovery. In Poe's work, light often symbolizes something terrible, supernatural, or horrific is about to happen, symbolizing the exact opposite of Shelley's use of light.

Edgar Allan Poe uses light quite effectively throughout his writings, and it often creates a climax for the reader and the short story. For example, in one of his lesser known stories, "Metzengerstein," he writes, "A white flame still enveloped the building like a shroud, and, streaming far away into the quiet atmosphere, shot forth a glare of preternatural light; while a cloud of smoke settled heavily over the battlements in the distinct colossal figure of -- a horse" (Poe 8). This is the final line in the story, and the horse in the preternatural light is the last image for the reader, indicating how important light and unnatural light was to the outcome of the story. In another story, "The Fall of the House of Usher," light plays an important role, as well. Poe writes, "No outlet was observed in any portion of its vast extent, and no torch or other artificial source of light was discernible; yet a flood of intense rays rolled throughout, and bathed the whole in a ghastly and inappropriate splendor" (Poe 94). This "ghastly and inappropriate splendor" will ultimately lead to the house's doom, when, under the light of a "blood-red moon" (Poe 102), the house literally disappears into dust in front of the narrator. Light, or the absence of light, plays a role in many of Poe's works, and it always signifies something intense or horrific is about to happen.

Shelley, on the other hand, uses light as a positive symbol in her horror novel. She writes, "[U]ntil from the midst of this darkness a sudden light broke in upon me -- a light so brilliant and wondrous, yet so simple, that while I became dizzy with the immensity of the prospect which it illustrated" (Shelley 44). This is the moment when Victor Frankenstein uncovers the secret that will allow him to create his "monster," and it is one of the most important parts of this novel. Victor has discovered something other scientists have never dreamed of, and the brilliant light symbolizes this knowledge and discovery. Throughout the novel, Shelley continues to use light to show Victor's growing knowledge and understanding, there is always a brilliant light when something important or amazing is about to occur.