Unveiling the True Nature: Who is the Monster in "Frankenstein"

Who is the monster in Frankenstein? This question lies at the heart of Mary Shelley's iconic novel, "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus." While the immediate answer might seem to be the creature created by Victor Frankenstein, a deeper exploration of this essay reveals that the true monster in the story is not the physically grotesque being, but the societal and emotional forces that shape his fate.

The Creation of the Creature

At first glance, it might appear that the creature is the primary source of horror in the novel. Victor Frankenstein's ambitious quest to conquer death leads him to create a being from scavenged body parts, stitched together in a macabre fashion. The creature's appearance is indeed monstrous, and its actions, driven by isolation and a desperate search for acceptance, lead to tragedy and death.

The Role of Victor Frankenstein

However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that Victor Frankenstein himself bears responsibility for the tragedies that transpire. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and his refusal to take responsibility for his creation ultimately lead to the creature's misery. Victor's abandonment of the creature immediately after its creation sets in motion a chain of events that spirals into violence and despair.

Victor's actions and decisions throughout the novel paint him as a creator who abandons his own creation, akin to a parent rejecting their child. This neglect and rejection drive the creature to seek revenge and to demand Victor's attention and empathy, actions that might be perceived as monstrous, but are ultimately rooted in the pain of isolation.

The Society's Reaction

Another aspect that amplifies the creature's monstrous nature is society's reaction to its appearance. The creature's initial attempts to integrate into society are met with fear and violence. People judge the creature solely based on its appearance, refusing to see the potential for goodness and humanity within it. This reaction highlights the monster of prejudice and societal bias that exists in humanity, pushing the creature further into isolation and despair.

The Cycle of Revenge

As the creature's experiences of rejection and mistreatment accumulate, its anger and desire for revenge grow. It begins to take lives, including Victor's loved ones, as a form of retaliation. While these acts are undeniably horrifying, they can be understood as a response to the creature's own victimization.

This cycle of revenge underscores the novel's exploration of how individuals can become monsters due to the actions of others. The creature's actions are not born out of inherent evil, but rather out of a deep sense of injustice and a yearning for connection and understanding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of who the true monster is in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is complex. While the creature's appearance and actions might initially label it as the monster, a closer examination reveals that the societal prejudices, emotional neglect, and revenge-fueled cycle are the true sources of monstrosity. Victor Frankenstein's ambition and irresponsibility, along with society's rejection of the creature based on its appearance, shape the events of the novel. The creature, a product of these forces, serves as a tragic reminder that appearances can deceive, and true monsters often lie beneath the surface.

References:

• Shelley, Mary. (1818). Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.
• Hoeveler, Diane Long. (2014). Frankenstein, Feminism, and Literary Theory. University Press of Kentucky.
• Mellor, Anne K. (1993). Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters. Routledge.
• Smith, Johanna M. (2012). Frankenstein and the Problem of Modern Science. Journal for Early Modern Cultural Studies, 12(2), 115-136.
• Levine, George. (2012). The Realistic Imagination: English Fiction from Frankenstein to Lady Chatterley. University of Chicago Press.