The curious thing is that the protagonists in some of the works actually portray monster-like characteristics--a role reversal between the monster and the hero of the work: "We have found the enemy and he is us." The analogy of the monsters is actually depicted in each of the work's respective humans' thoughts and deeds. This also shows the authors' portrayal of the monster-like and thus human-like characteristics of the human unconscious and the conscious mind. The role-reversal of an antagonistic monster and the human hero is never more blatant than in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. In modern pop culture, the name of Frankenstein is often associated with the monster of the novel.
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.
More of this ominous diction that Shelley uses is shown here and it provides very disturbing imagery. The creepy imagery that is used really makes one's stomach turn so they can see the gruesomeness of the monster, and the gravity of the situation that Frankenstein has put himself in. This also helps us know how he must’ve felt in that position! Obsessed with the pursuit of knowledge, Frankenstein ends up destroying his whole life. He now lives in fear that the monster will kill him.
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?
The reaction of Victor changes the role between him and Frankenstein, making Victor the monster. The way Mary Shelley has done this has shown a contrast change in character roles. There is a sense of irony as Victor is regarded as the monster in chapter 5 instead of Frankenstein. Their roles have changed as Victor is classed a monster but there is still a strong sense of sympathy towards Frankenstein. “The beauty of the dream vanished and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.” As the reader acknowledges this it give a nauseating impression towards Victor, but also a shocking undisguised impression of hatred.
Captain Ahab’s uncontrollable compulsion and desire to hunt and kill Moby-Dick can be seen as an extreme obsession, in which, only the most sinister acts can appease. As seen in this passage and what one can presume will continue to effect the role of Captain Ahab through the remainder, both tone and imagery play a compulsory role in the explanation and realization of Ahab’s obsession; the death of Moby-Dick. When looking at the context and language used in the opening sentences of the passage, one can see that a specific tone becomes apparent. The tone of the passage gives an initial insight as
As exemplified by both Dr. Frankenstein and his monster, prolonged estrangement from society essentially rips the lid off Pandora’s notorious Box, prompting self-destruction and magnifying the human tendency to harbor resentments towards a society that has become foreign to them. Our gruesome adventure begins
Strangeworth’s actions the reader would find that Miss. Strangeworth was truly evil. Now before it can be understood why Miss. Strangeworth is evil one must know the level of evil she can be viewed at. Evil can be given a level on your actions from bullying to serial killer stature.
In a tale of epic proportions, where gruesome monsters meet valiant heroes, it is a surprise that human nature is a topic that is expressed so excellently in Beowulf. The reader is introduced to multi-dimensional characters that possess god-like strengths, but also typical human-like mistakes. These mistakes are what make Beowulf so relevant and relatable to the common man and are what acknowledge the age old saying that nobody’s perfect. Even Beowulf, the superhuman man who could kill a monster with his bare hands is susceptible to these weaknesses. Human flaws are portrayed numerous times through characters in the poem, by both monster and by man.
In sum, isolation becomes the worst imaginable fate throughout the novel, which leads to violence, rage and disaster. Knowledge, social responsibility, society's view of beauty, and secrecy are the major themes that were presented in this gothic novel. Shelley identifies the most hideous of human characteristics in Victor and his monster, and she focuses on how obsession can be a very dangerous and blinding force that leads to various disasters. Frankenstein and his monster represent the good and the bad through the reckless pursuit of knowledge. Both of these characters were afraid of rejection.