Although the World Is Full of Suffering, It Is Full Also of the Overcoming of It Critical Lens

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In the critical lens, Helen Keller states “… although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it”, meaning everyone faces adversity and sadness in their lives, but they will find a way to conquer these obstacles. Keller’s take on suffering is perhaps too hopeful as there are a number of situations where one can’t overcome their suffering and it in return overcomes them. Therefore, Helen Keller’s statement is false, as so many aren’t able to defeat the suffering they are faced with. The characterization and conflict of both Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet show that not everyone will overcome suffering. Many times, individuals fail to overcome suffering while their suffering continues to overcome them. Frankenstein shows that despite what one does to rid themselves of suffering, it may just never go away. In the novel, Victor Frankenstein builds a creature, but he is disgusted not only by his deed, but the appearance of the creature, turning him away. This first feel of rejection from his creator is what begins the creature’s suffering. The decisions the creature makes out of his suffering, or his characterization, show that one may not overcome suffering. The creature is also turned away without being taught a thing and suffers from the confusion over the world. The conflicts with Victor continue on multiple occasions in Frankenstein. Once the creature learns that it is his appearance that causes people to flee and reject him, he despises himself, but even more Victor. His suffering over his rejection in society had fueled his angry making him hostile. Through this hostility, the creature plans to make Victor suffer as he does, thinking this would ultimately end his suffering. The creature kills many of Victor’s family and friends and stalks him, making him lose his sanity and become quite sick.
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