Introduction: Setting the Stage for Prejudice
Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is not just a tale about a man who creates a monster; it dives deep into the themes of prejudice and societal rejection. The novel, published in 1818, reflects the anxieties of its time—concerns about scientific advancement, social responsibility, and human nature. But at its core, it grapples with how society views those who are different or misunderstood. In this essay, we’ll explore the multifaceted nature of prejudice as portrayed in “Frankenstein,” examining both societal attitudes towards Victor Frankenstein’s creature and how these attitudes resonate in today’s world.
The Creature: A Victim of Prejudice
From the moment he comes to life, Frankenstein’s creature is met with horror and disdain. Victor Frankenstein’s immediate reaction to his creation is one of repulsion; he sees not an innocent being but rather a grotesque failure. This initial rejection sets off a chain reaction that highlights one of Shelley’s most poignant critiques: when faced with something or someone unfamiliar, humans often resort to fear and prejudice rather than understanding.
The creature’s journey through the world is marked by encounters that further emphasize this theme. When he attempts to interact with humans, they respond violently or flee in terror. It raises a crucial question: what makes something monstrous? Is it the physical appearance alone? Or does our perception shape what we deem acceptable? The creature longs for companionship and acceptance but faces constant rejection due to his grotesque form—a powerful commentary on how society often equates appearance with morality.
The Role of Isolation
One aspect that amplifies the theme of prejudice is isolation. The creature becomes increasingly aware of his otherness as he observes human interactions from afar—especially those within the De Lacey family. His longing for acceptance grows stronger as he learns about love and friendship through their experiences, yet he knows that revealing himself would only lead to fear and hatred.
This isolation mirrors Victor’s own descent into solitude as guilt consumes him over creating such a being. Both characters are trapped—not just physically but emotionally—by their inability to connect with others due to societal prejudices. Shelley seems to suggest that isolation breeds despair and anger; after all, if one cannot find companionship or empathy from others, what remains but resentment?
Victor Frankenstein: A Reflection of Societal Prejudice
While much focus is placed on the creature’s suffering due to external prejudice, Victor himself embodies another layer of this theme. He represents an individual whose ambition leads him down dark paths yet fails to take responsibility for his actions or understand their repercussions fully. Instead of facing his creation and guiding it towards moral understanding, Victor abandons it out of fear.
This abandonment speaks volumes about societal prejudices—how we often shun those who do not conform or meet our standards without considering their potential for growth or redemption. Rather than seeing the creature as an extension of himself—an opportunity for learning—Victor views him solely as an aberration needing eradication.
The Broader Implications: Prejudice Today
The themes present in “Frankenstein” resonate even more today when we examine modern issues such as xenophobia, racism, and discrimination against marginalized groups. Much like how Shelley depicted her characters’ reactions toward ‘the other,’ contemporary societies still grapple with fear-driven responses towards differences in culture, appearance, or belief systems.
This begs us to reflect on our own biases—how do we respond when confronted by someone who doesn’t fit neatly into our worldview? Do we reach out for understanding like Elizabeth Lavenza did when she cared for Victor despite his flaws? Or do we act more like villagers armed with pitchforks ready to attack anything that seems abnormal?
Conclusion: Lessons from “Frankenstein”
Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” serves not only as a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition but also stands firmly against prejudice—the monster being more than just a physical entity but also emblematic of societal fears surrounding difference itself. Through both Victor Frankenstein’s abandonment and the creature’s tragic quest for acceptance amidst relentless rejection, Shelley invites readers to question their own biases while emphasizing empathy over judgment.
In examining these themes within “Frankenstein,” we can better understand ourselves today: how far have we come in combating prejudices? And perhaps more importantly—how far do we still need to go?
References
- Shelley M., & Wolfson S.(2007). *Frankenstein*. New York: Dover Publications.
- Baldick C.(1987). *In Frankenstein’s Shadow*. Oxford University Press.
- Punter D.(1996). *The Literature of Terror*. Longman Group UK Limited.
- Sherwin R.D.(2001). *Victorian Literature & Culture*. Cambridge University Press.
- Kossuth J.L.(2016). *Monstrosity in Literature & Film*. Routledge.
