Final answer:
Mary Shelley's use of figurative language in 'Frankenstein' plays a crucial role in exploring themes such as scientific overreach and humanity, which is reflective of her place in the Romantic and gothic literature movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of figurative language in Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, is a significant element of the text, revealing the depth and nuances of her characters and the thematic complexity of the work. Shelley, a key figure in the Romantic movement, was known for her monstrous creativity and contributes to the gothic genre, which is rich with symbolism, metaphor, and other figures of speech that evoke the fears and emotions surrounding the unknown and the supernatural. For example, the creature in Frankenstein is often described with metaphors that emphasize its horrifying appearance and the unnatural process of its creation.
As part of the era's literature, Shelley's work can be seen alongside others such as Poe's mystery tales and other Victorian novels that focus on the darkness lurking beneath the surface of society. The figurative language in Frankenstein serves to question the implications of unchecked scientific ambition, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of social ostracism.