Introduction
When we think of monsters, we often imagine terrifying creatures lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting victims. However, Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” challenges this traditional notion by presenting us with a creature that evokes sympathy rather than fear. Victor Frankenstein’s creation is often labeled as a monster due to his grotesque appearance and violent actions, but if we take a closer look, we might just find ourselves feeling more compassion for him than revulsion. In this essay, I will explore how Shelley crafts the narrative in such a way that readers can empathize with the creature and how this reflects broader themes of isolation, rejection, and the quest for companionship.
The Creature’s Desolation
One of the first things that strikes me about the creature is his profound sense of loneliness and abandonment. Born into a world that immediately recoils at his appearance, he becomes an outcast from day one. Imagine waking up to find everyone running away from you simply because you look different! It’s heartbreaking when you consider that he didn’t choose his form; it was thrust upon him by Victor’s ambitious yet reckless scientific pursuits. The creature yearns for connection—he desires love and acceptance but finds only fear and hostility instead.
This profound isolation sets off a chain reaction leading to his anger and eventual violence. In many ways, he mirrors societal outcasts in our own world who face discrimination based on their looks or backgrounds. Instead of being treated with compassion or understanding, he faces brutality which eventually hardens him into what society labels as a ‘monster.’ It makes me think about how important it is for all individuals—regardless of their appearance—to feel accepted in their communities.
Desire for Companionship
Another crucial element that elicits sympathy for the creature is his desperate need for companionship. Throughout “Frankenstein,” we see glimpses of the creature trying to connect with others: observing the De Lacey family from afar while they represent everything he wishes to be—a part of something greater than himself. The creature learns language and develops emotions just by watching them interact with each other; however, when he finally gathers enough courage to approach them, they react in horror and violence.
This moment speaks volumes about human nature—how easily fear can override our capacity for empathy and kindness. The rejection drives him further into despair; it’s hard not to feel pity when you consider how much effort he put into understanding love through observation only to be met with hatred upon revealing himself.
The Role of Victor Frankenstein
If there’s anyone who deserves blame in this tale beyond just societal prejudices, it’s Victor himself—the creator who failed his creation spectacularly. From my perspective, Victor embodies irresponsibility masked as ambition; he creates life without any forethought regarding its implications or responsibilities towards that life afterward. Instead of nurturing his creation or even taking responsibility after its birth like any decent parent would do (or should do), he runs away at first sight.
This refusal sets off catastrophic events not only for those around him but also leads directly to suffering on both ends—the monster acts violently because he’s constantly scorned while Victor suffers personally due directly resulting from these actions stemming from neglect!
Moral Complexity and Human Nature
What makes Shelley’s novel so compelling—and perhaps timeless—is its exploration into moral complexity within human nature itself: Who truly deserves condemnation? Is it merely the outwardly monstrous figure wreaking havoc? Or could it be those who cast judgment without attempting genuine understanding? As readers navigate through Victor’s turmoil alongside the creature’s plight throughout various events (from initial abandonment up until tragic confrontations later on), we’re forced into moments where we must reflect critically upon our biases toward others deemed “different.”
Conclusion: A Call for Empathy
“Frankenstein” ultimately serves as an enduring reminder that every story has multiple sides—and sometimes monsters are products not just of their own making but also shaped heavily by external forces outside themselves! Through her nuanced portrayal filled with sympathy towards her creature rather than vilification alone allows us opportunities reconsidering how we view those who may appear frightening on surface level merely due sheer appearance flaws alone! This begs important questions about empathy towards individuals marginalized within society today—can we learn something transformative through examining ourselves alongside literary characters? Perhaps through doing so humanity itself grows closer together despite differences—not unlike potential friendships awaited inside pages yet unread!
References
- Shelley, Mary. “Frankenstein.” Lackington, Hughes & Co., 1818.
- Bennett, Andrew & Royle, Nicholas. “An Introduction to Literature, Criticism and Theory.” Pearson Education Limited 2016.
- Mellor, Anne K. “Mary Shelley: Her Life ,Her Fiction ,Her Monsters.” Routledge 1991.
- Kahane,Cynthia . “The Monstrous-Feminine.” Screen 1987.
- Punter ,David & Byron ,Gloria . “The Gothic.” Blackwell Publishing 2004.
