Throughout Mary Shelley’s gothic novel Frankenstein readers are forced to compare and contrast the morality and monstrosity of both Victor Frankenstein and ‘the monster’. In literal terms, behaving monstrously is described as ‘committing actions that are inhumanly or outrageously evil or wrong’. To this end, it could most definitely be argued that both of the main characters in the novel are monstrous at one point or another. Ultimately, the following essay is intent upon exploring whether it is in fact the humans or the monster that act ‘the most monstrously’. Firstly, Shelley depicts Victor Frankenstein as more monstrous than the ‘monster’ through the use of a careful plot structure.
Another aspect that is interesting is the turn in behavior for the monster. Perhaps the best quote to represent this idea comes from the actualization of the monster to himself in front of Victor’s dead body “My heart was fashioned to be susceptible of love...it did not endure the violence of change without torture” showing how evil nature overcomes the good nature in human beings (Shelly, 158). Initially the monster is very amicable, however, due to continuous rejection, he seeks revenge upon all human beings. Is Shelly saying that even though even nature is good, evil eventually overcomes this good nature? Or Is Shelly saying that human nature is bad and full of rejection and isolation?
Grendel is seen a monster and horrible creature, while Beowulf is seen as a great warrior and hero. Although the characters are portrayed as very different, they also have many similarities. Beowulf’s killings and feats are seen as justified and respected, while Grendel’s are seen as monstrous; however, from Grendel’s point of view, he may have been doing the right thing. Beowulf could have easily written from another point of view showing Grendel as the hero, which reminds the reader that many heroes and villains may not be so different after
While in Frankenstein the creature’s fate is chosen with his appearance and societies prejudice. What do you think of when I say Frankenstein’s monster? Would you befriend such a thing? So ask yourselves, what makes a monster a
Frankenstein is an ambitious and determined character with obsessive tendencies, and poor judgement but also a character who sometimes lack clear understanding and it is these character flaws which result in his ultimate demise. He is describes as having the appearance of one who’s ‘spirit had been broken by misery’ and having an “expression of wildness…even madness”. In Frankenstein’s first appearance in the novel, he emerges from a ‘very thick fog’. This fog could be seen as symbolic- Frankenstein’s ‘vision’ is clouded and the fog could be considered a symbol of this. He is exceedingly ambitious and acknowledges that it was the knowledge of life and death that he sought.
Begone, or let us try our strength in a fight in which one must fall’” (103) No I don’t agree. Frankenstein merely regarded his creation as `a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived', but Frankenstein disregards or ignores the other humanly characteristics that the creature possesses: such as real feelings and instincts. A communion
Corrupted Souls and Darkened Minds There are things that lurk in the damp, dark, secret places of this world. Hideous, evil things. Monsters, goblins, trolls, dragons, giants, and demons all the same. All alike in their hatred for mankind and all that it stands for. These “evil” creatures are not born with their hatred for all men, nor is it bestowed upon them by their conjurers.
‘Frankenstein’ and the so called ‘Monster’ Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ examines human nature. A first time reader may be used to the unfaithful Hollywood adaptions of this timeless masterpiece but can find profound levels of depth and meaning in the art of Shelley’s storytelling. The creature in the story is a creation of Victor Frankenstein who is obsessed by "a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature" (Shelley 21). It is the creatures treatment by society and his creator Frankenstein that leads him to indulge in vengeful and evil behavior. Although this behavior is horrible and not at all sane or acceptable, it does not mean that the creature is an animal or ‘monster.’ Some people, legally and illegally, commit and enjoy
Fame being one of Frankenstein’s prime motive for creating a superhuman portrays that he does not realize his motive will cause low credibility. Even though the monster is portrayed as ugly and demonic, he longs for a female companion of the same species that will understand him. Moreover, because his physical appearance does not fit in with those around him, he claims he is mean because he is alienated. Thus, Victor suggests the monster’s words are reasonable and promises to create the monster’s companion. However, in the process of his work, Victor slacks off and
In each case, these monsters come from faulted creators that will not or cannot take the necessary action to see their creations through to success. These creations become monsters because they have no choice, yet if the creators are truly responsible for the beings to which they give life, does that not make them the monsters? Although some critics say that the monster Frankenstein has created in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, is the blame for the destruction and rampage that follows the experiment, it is Victor who is the guilty party. First, Frankenstein, being the scientist, should have known how to do research on the subject a lot more than he has done. He has not thought of the consequences that may result from it such as the monster going insane, how the monster reacts to people and things, and the time it will take