The settings of Shelley's novel do have symbolic significance. The awe-inspiring natural landscapes, such as the beautiful lakes and sublime mountains, represent the power and majesty of nature. These landscapes contrast with the more austere and forbidding landscapes, such as those near the North Pole, which symbolize the dangers and isolation of the natural world.
The significance of these symbolic landscapes is that they reflect the themes of the novel. The beauty of nature is often contrasted with its destructive power, and the characters must grapple with the consequences of their actions in these landscapes. The natural world is both a source of comfort and a source of terror, and the characters must navigate these conflicting emotions in order to survive.
Additionally, the landscapes can deepen the meaning and message of the novel. The contrast between the beautiful and the forbidding landscapes can serve as a reminder that the world is not always as it appears, and that danger can lurk even in the most idyllic of settings. The characters must constantly adapt to their surroundings in order to survive, and their struggles in these landscapes can serve as a commentary on the human condition and the ways in which we must confront our own limitations in order to thrive.