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Gothic Portrayals of Helplessness and the Unknown

            
             Gothic literature explores the natural human sensation of helplessness in the face of the unknown. By comparing Frankenstein with at least one other Gothic text, discuss this view of Gothic literature.'.
             In the novels 'Frankenstein' and 'The Woman in Black' helplessness in the face of the unknown is displayed in multiple ways, one being the use of a naive narrator. There are also other characters who display obliviousness to certain events around them. Such as Victor believing that the monster will not strike at him and that Arthur believing Jennet Humfrye won't seek revenge.
             Captain Walton can be seen as a naive narrator because despite Victor Frankenstein's warnings that he is: "exposing [himself] to the same dangers which has rendered me what I am", Walton continues towards his dreams of discovering the North Pole. Even though Frankenstein is trying to dissuade him because he knows the problems caused by overreaching, he continues on anyway oblivious to what may happen.
             Walton displays more naivety when he says "I dedicated myself to this great enterprise" which indicates that he cares little about the consequences and dangers of what is to come but wanders into the unknown solely to "obtain a niche in the temple where the names of Homer and Shakespeare are consecrated". It appears he is intent on personal gain and dismisses the dangers as he is so focused on getting what he wants. This is similiar to 'The Woman in Black' because Arthur Kipps says Mrs Drablow's case gave him "so much responsibility in the firm"; it would seem that Kipps is willfully ignorant to the various dark hints about the case because he sees it as an opportunity for his personal gain. He says "I might feel justified in asking for an increase in salary". Kipps is oblivious to the dangers present as he too is focused on his own ambitions.
             The naivety of Walton is shown when he travels to the North Pole without knowing what he may find and ends up stranded.


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