Frankenstein

The novel, Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley presents many themes. One prevalent theme within the novel is the issue of revenge. Frankenstein's creation has been labeled a "monster" due to his gruesome appearance and his truculent actions, however it is a false accusation that Frankenstein created a monster. I believe that society created a monster. This essay intends to explain why the creation is justifiable in his pursuit for revenge. Frankenstein pursues the knowledge of the world through investigation. His intentions are initially noble when he takes it upon himself to create life-- he wants to help mankind by advancing science. However, when his creation comes to life, he neglects his original goal. In response to the creature coming to life, Victor says, "I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart" (Frakenstein, 38). Victor reached his goal of doing the impossible, but when his creation is in existence, he turns his back from his creation simply because he is aesthetically compromised. The "monster" came into the world as a clean slate--he was pure and naive just as a child. He was susceptible to growing by learning from his master, however he was left in the dark and forced to learn without guidance. He formulated his ideas and thoughts from what was going on around him. Every attempt that he made to try to have positive interactions with people failed miserably. The creation desperately yearned for emotional connections or at least some kind of interaction. The creature begins to realize his own status in "the strange system of human society" (Frankenstein, 96). He begins to realize that society has set an unbreakable code that individuals must follow to be accepted. He was shunned by society due to his appearance. The creation can be compared to an abandoned child. Evil was not in his nature, he just was not nurtured. Frankenstein did not take responsibility for his creation, therefore the creation was left to run wild, free, and untamed. He was unable to distinguish right from wrong because of the way he was treated and the absence of supervision. As the creator progresses, he continues to absorb actions that are going on in his new, strange world-- "For a long time I could not conceive how one man could go forth to murder his fellow, or even why there were laws and governments; but when I heard details of vice and bloodshed, my wonder ceased and I turned away with disgust and loathing" (Frankenstein, 104).The creature fell victim to a system that treats one according to appearance. The "monster" had the potential to be has human as any other person if given the chance. He was disabled from doing so because he ultimately became a product of rejection: "I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend" (Frankenstein, 84). The creature proves to be benevolent (he saves a little child; he helps the De Lacey family collecting firewood) and intelligent and cultured (he learns to read and talk in a very short time; he reads Goethe's Werther, Milton's Paradise Lost and Plutarch's works). Still, he is a rejected because of his disturbing physiognomy and in turn, reacts to the adversity he faces with negative emotions. After the creature scared the cottagers away that he simply wanted to help he said, "I continued for the remainder of the day in my hovel in a state of utter and stupid despair. My protectors had departed and broken the only link that held me to the world. For the first time, feelings of revenge and hatred filled my bosom. . ." (Frankenstein,114). After being convinced of the De Lacey's high level of nobility of character, the creature attempts to introduce himself into their lives which only ends with disastrous results. This once again reinforces the idea that no matter how he behaves, society will never accept him. The creature exclaims, "Hateful day when I received life! Accursed the creator. Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust." (Frankenstein,

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