Death

The theme of death is an important one in the story. Death is prevalent during this time period due not only to the fatalities during World War I but also the deaths due to the global influenza pandemic. Young men like Stephen are dying young because it is thought to be noble to die for your country. Men like Mary Shelley's father think that this is a ridiculous concept because the men are too young to die for a cause they did not start and may not even believe in. Many deaths are occurring regardless and grief runs rampant.

People like Julius Embers take advantage of grieving people who think that he can summon their dead relatives in his spirit photography. Seances are also prominent during this period as a way to make money from grieving people who long to contact their deceased relatives and friends...