Part B: Essay On Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is widely recognised as one of the most impressive gothic horror novels ever written. Inspired by one of her dreams, Shelley managed to give birth to a phenomenal creature: Frankenstein's monster.
Victor Frankenstein, who is characterised as 'The Modern Prometheus' became obsessed with the idea of creating life after his mother's death, which devastated him. He worked hard for a long time until his creation was complete, but the first signs of life in the monster's corpse terrified him and he decided to destroy it. The creature, however, escaped from Frankenstein's laboratory and swore revenge and eternal war to his creator and all mankind.

In my opinion, Frankenstein's creation should not be considered as a monster, even though Shelley does not give it a name. Although the creature expresses monstrosity in many ways, its humane characteristics must not be disregarded. I also believe that the creature's monstrous behaviour wasn't entirely Frankenstein's responsibility, as inappropriate behaviour and prejudice from other characters as well as Frankenstein left it with no other choice. There are many reasons in favour of my argument, which will be presented in this essay.
Initially, great emphasis must be given to the first appearance of the creature in the novel. It has to be made clear that the narrator in this chapter is Victor Frankenstein himself. The event of the creature's genesis is, therefore, explored from Frankenstein's perspective and does not allow the reader to empathise with the creature. This technique significantly affects the reader's opinion towards the creature, as its monstrous characteristics are highlighted to a great extent. In addition, Frankenstein himself believes that he has created 'a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived'. Therefore, the reader's impression of the creature is biased at this point.
Even before the creature is introduced to the reader, the choice of diction in the chapter prepares its entrance. Firstly, the fact that the corpse was brought to life on a 'dreary night of November' underlines its importance in Frankenstein's life. It also implies that Frankenstein was only concerned about his creation at this stage and had ignored every other responsibility concerning him or his family. Secondly, there are numerous gothic features, such as rain pattering 'dismally against the frames' and darkness, which set up an almost paranormal atmosphere. Frankenstein states that his 'candle was nearly burnt out', which is highly ambiguous. It is possible that this only reinforces the already tense scene, but it is more likely that the candle is counting down to the creation of a monster. In 'Frankenstein' this technique is used to indicate the commencement of a new era, in which creature and creator bring fear and devastation to mankind.
The choice of phraseology used to describe the creature is vastly significant. Primarily, the corpse did not sweetly awake, but when its 'dull yellow eye' opened, 'it breathed hard and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs'. Frankenstein had 'selected his features as beautiful', but when the creature came to life 'the beauty of the dream vanished', as luxuriance's such as 'lustrous black' hair and 'teeth of a pearly whiteness' only formed a more 'horrid contrast with his watery eyes'. At this point, the only characteristic of the creature that expresses monstrosity is its appearance, but it must not be judged solely by that.
Although it might not seem so, there is a large amount of humanity conveyed by the creature at this point. As it 'stretched out' to reach Frankenstein, a 'grin wrinkled its cheeks', which indicates a need for its creator. The monster is behaving like a newborn baby needing the guidance of its mother. In my opinion there are no signs of monstrosity in its actions at this stage.
After the creature's escape from Frankenstein's laboratory the reader is given the chance to empathise with it, as its own story reveals its true feelings. The narrator in these chapters is the monster itself and the events are, therefore, surveyed from its perspective. A dual narrative, such as this, gives the opportunity to explore events from different points of view and affects our opinion of the characters. Although this appears to be confusing at first, it aids the reader to a great extent and improves our understanding of the sub-text of the novel.
It is reasonably evident from the language used by the monster, that the reader is faced with an almost civilised person, who now makes its first steps towards maturity. It is confusion, rather than monstrosity, which is expressed by the creature in this early stage. This surprises the reader, as a false impression was made from Frankenstein in previous chapters. The monster experiences a 'strange multiplicity of sensations' and its humane characteristics can be clearly recognised.
The monster calls itself a 'poor, miserable wretch' and recognises its hideousness. The fact that it 'sat down and wept' indicates its human nature. It is 'overcome with joy' when it experiences warmth from a nearby fire and howls with 'pain' as it 'thrust (its) hands into the live embers'. It appreciates beauty in nature and tries to mimic sounds of 'sweet little winged animals'. However, the 'inarticulate sounds which broke from (it) frightened (it) into silence again'.
The creature's relationship with nature is incredibly similar to one of a child and its parents. It discovers life through its interaction with Mother Nature and learns to appreciate and love beauty in animals and humans. It utilizes nature to acquire new skills and regards it as benevolent towards it.
In my opinion, the most powerful expression of humanity in these chapters would be the creature's first meeting with the De Lacey family. The monster realized that 'the girl possessed delicate beauty' and was impressed by the 'rugged good looks of Felix'. It 'longed to reach out and touch them both', but 'felt fear for these strange beings'. The creature desires to communicate with human beings, but is awfully afraid of their reactions towards it because of its appearance.
Despite of the creature's innocence there are various signs of monstrosity shown in these chapters. Although without being aware of it, the monster terrified an old man who 'shrieked in terror and fled' and 'greedily devoured the remnants of the man's breakfast'. However, these actions do not express true monstrosity. The creature had not been taught right from wrong, as Frankenstein had abandoned it immediately after its birth. Also it is not responsible for its exterior characteristics.
I believe that wider society has an instant effect on the creature's behaviour, as prejudice and fear caused by the monster cause them to act inappropriately towards it. They disregarded its feelings, 'attacked (it)' and even 'unleashed several dogs' as soon as it 'wandered into a nearby village'.
Nevertheless, the creature does not turn against mankind, but instead concentrates on the De Lacey family. When it realises that the people he admires the most suffer from poverty, it decides to 'assist them in their labours' by placing before the door of their cottage 'huge piles of logs to burn'. The monster felt contented by their happiness and 'shared in their joys and sorrows'. Although it 'longed to sit with them and talk', it 'dared not for fear of rejection and pain'. When the monster finally meets the old man, it is polite and civil towards him. It does not seek material satisfactions, but 'warmth and the company of man'. The creature speaks about the De Lacey's as it would about its parents. It calls them its educators 'of great benevolence' and states that he now desires to 'request their friendship'.
By having this conversation with the old man, the creature proves to the reader that although it might appear monstrous, it has a human nature. It understands that 'prejudice clouds the eyes' of mankind, 'and where they ought to see a feeling and a kind friend, they see only a detestable monster'. The old man De Lacey himself reinforces this point by saying that the creature seemed to be a 'noble and virtuous being'. These words give satisfaction to the monster, which thanks his 'best and only friend and benefactor' for his 'kindness'.
Even when Agathe and Felix entered the room and the creature was '(torn) away from the blind one', it did not act monstrously. Instead it 'easily pushed Felix aside and stared at Agathe unconscious on the floor'. By stating this, the monster implies that he could have easily hurt both cottagers, but instead he moved out of their way. It has to be noted and reminded that the monster was beaten 'with a stick' and shot in the shoulder by Felix, but in spite of everything it did not attack him.
The sole act of monstrosity the creature is responsible about in these chapters is after seeing 'the most hideous reflection in the mirror'. Its reflection terrified it, as it states that 'only (then) did the stitches and the scars mean anything'. Anger took over the monster as it swore revenge and left 'the one place (it) had so dearly loved and where (it) had so very nearly found happiness beyond compare'. Despite of these words, it must be recognised that anger is a very humane characteristic, which the creature greatly expresses. Also, it must be stated that even after swearing revenge, the monster still felt melancholy, as it had to leave the De Lacey family.
After leaving the cottage, the monster expresses a vast amount of humanity. It feels miserable without the human company, but believes that 'there was none among the myriads of men that existed who would pity or assist (it)'. It believes nature is being hostile towards it, as the 'cold stars shone in mockery and the bare trees waved their branches above (it)'. Nevertheless, it can still recognise the 'sweet voice of a bird bursting forth' and the beauty in nature fascinates it. Although the creature declared 'everlasting war against the species', the 'pleasant sunshine and the pure air of the day restored (it) in some degree of tranquillity'. After rethinking its actions the monster decided it 'has been too hasty in (its) conclusions' and became determined to forgive the De Lacey's behaviour towards it. It 'resolved to return to the cottage, seek the old man and win him to (its) party'. The creature kept dreaming about the incident in the cottage, which indicates how troubled and upset it was.
When the monster 'directed (its) steps towards the cottage', 'all there was at peace'. However, 'the cottagers did not appear' and the creature feared some 'dreadful misfortune'. The fact that the monster still calls the De Lacey family its 'protectors' is very humane and expresses its desire for human company. The creature overheard the conversation of Felix with its landlord and when it realised that the family was quitting the cottage 'it thought of (its) friends and a gush of tears soothed (it)'. It felt 'hated and despised' and believed that its only hope would be to locate Frankenstein. It was 'determined to seek justice' from the person who had 'endowed (it) perceptions and passions' and then abandoned it.
After the rage of the moment passed 'the sun recovered its warmth and the earth again began to look green'. The creature made sure he travelled only by night when it was 'secured from the view of man'. The reader is now surprised by the monster's feelings and behaviour. In spite of all that had happened, it recognised beauty in nature and the 'loveliness of the sunshine and the balminess of the air' cheered it up. '(It) felt emotions of gentleness and pleasure'. Although it was still bitter 'soft tears bedewed (its) cheeks and blessed the sun which bestowed such joy upon (it)'.
Mary Shelley uses constant changes in the creature's mood and behaviour, in order to show that it monstrosity is building up within it, but it never quite reaches the point of absolute monstrous behaviour. Nature is paradoxical and its behaviour changes analogously to the creature's feelings.
Also, another incident emphasises that monstrosity had not yet taken over the creature. As it walked along a river ' a young girl came running towards (it), when suddenly her foot slipped and she fell into the rapid stream'. The creature, without thinking of the consequences 'saved her and dragged her to shore'. This action indicates pure humanity, interest and consideration of other people's life. However, a man following the same path, presumed that the creature intended to hurt the girl and 'aimed a gun at (its) body and fired'. It was then that the monster vowed a 'deep and deadly revenge' after being shot as a 'reward of its benevolence'. It is now clear that the creature's actions are highly influenced by the inappropriate behaviour of other human beings and members of the wider society.
It was after being disappointed by man, that the creature spotted a 'beautiful child' and believed that this 'little creature was unprejudiced'. Consequently, it decided to 'seize him and educate him as (its) companion and friend'. This behaviour undoubtedly indicates a failed attempt to behave humanly, although the creature tries to achieve this in a monstrous way. The child, however, was more prejudiced than the monster had thought and when it discovered that the boy 'belonged to the enemy', it declared that the young one 'shall be (its) first victim'. Nevertheless, it must be noted that the monster only killed the child after it was 'loaded with epithets' from the boy. Although the monster executed this murder, Frankenstein is the one responsible, as he had not taken into consideration the consequences of his actions when bringing his creation to life.
After having murdered a person, the reader would assume that there is nothing more that could possibly affect the creature in a positive way. Nonetheless, the 'loveliness of youth and health' of Justine, fascinated the monster, which tried to wake her up by talking sweetly to her. However, as she stirred in her sleep, the monster began considering her reaction as she would face it and 'a thrill of terror ran through (it)'. The creature assumed she would be horrified by its appearance, so it decided to place the portrait of the child 'in one of the folds of her dress'. At this stage the creature makes one key mistake: it assumes that every human would be terrified by it and does not give anyone a chance. It has to be noted that the monster only makes this assumption because, as said before, humans do not and cannot see beyond its physical characteristics and feels isolated from the world.
As soon as the monster meets its creator, it expresses only one desire: a female 'as deformed and horrible as (itself)'. By demanding this, the monster acts in a humane way, as it feels lonely and is in need of a companion. However, there are also signs of monstrosity in these words. The creature had felt isolation and discrimination because of his appearance, but was willing to put another being through that torture in order for it to be content.
As Frankenstein refused to create another deformed being, the monster states that it is 'content to reason with (him)'. It explains to its creator that '(it is) malicious because (it is) miserable' and expresses his desire to live with man 'in the interchange of kindness'. However, 'that cannot be' and the creature vows to 'cause hatred if (it) cannot inspire love'. There are numerous humane characteristics in the being's words, which express its longing to love and be loved. It sees no other meaning in life if love is not present. The monster intends to 'make reason' with its creator and states that if any being felt benevolence towards (it), (it) would make peace with the whole kind'.
The monster made Frankenstein feel guilty, as he had been 'pitiless towards (it)'. It ensured its creator that it does not 'destroy the lamb and the kid to glut (its) appetite' and that 'the picture (it) present(s) is peaceful and human'. After listening to the monster's argument Frankenstein felt compassion for it and thought that its words 'proved (it) to be a creature of fine sensations'. The creature promised that '(it) shall become a thing of whose existence everyone will be ignorant' and it felt sure that 'the love of another would destroy the cause of (its) crimes'. It uses nature to present its feelings and believes that 'the fire of love burns in (its) heart'
When the monster had finished talking, Frankenstein felt 'as if (he was) placed under a ban - as if (he) had no right to claim (his family's) sympathies and as if never more might he enjoy companionship with them'. Frankenstein feels in the exact same way the monster had felt after his fist terrible experiences with man. The fact that the creator sympathises with the creation in this novel, can be used as very powerful evidence of the monster's humanity.
The main character responsible for the creature's acts of monstrosity in this novel in Frankenstein. Firstly, he had not thought of the consequences of his actions, as he only hoped to 'infuse a spark of being' into the lifeless body of the creature. Selfishness and unawareness of his actions caused him to act monstrously. Secondly, Frankenstein 'rushed out of the room' as soon as the monster opened its eyes and by being prejudice towards it, he misled its actions. He rejected the creation he 'had worked hard for nearly two years' and refused to take responsibility over what he thought was a 'demoniacal corpse to which (he) had so miserably given life'.
Wider society also plays an important role in the formation and building up of monstrous behaviour of the creature. Initially, their prejudice towards the monster led it to inappropriate behaviour towards various members of wider society, such as the young child and eventually Elizabeth.
The actions of the De Lacey family also led the creature to different directions. The old blind man gave hope to the monster and managed to overcome the obstacle of its appearance and see a caring friend instead of a horrible wretch. Felix and Agathe though, have very ambiguous roles. Primarily they inspire love, as the monster 'long(s) to touch them, but are eventually the ones who cause the first acts of monstrosity of the creature, such as the burning down of their cottage.
In my opinion, the true monster in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is Victor Frankenstein. Firstly, pretending to be God, Frankenstein has caused the chaos presented in this novel. The novel's subtitle is The Modern Prometheus, which is very relevant to the story and very significant to the outcome. Frankenstein very ambitiously created a being using parts from dead bodies, just like Prometheus created life from clay figures. Both Frankenstein and Prometheus were punished for their actions, although in very different ways. Frankenstein lost almost every member of his family because of his selfishness and ignorance towards other beings. Prometheus was punished by being tied onto a rock and having his liver eaten by an eagle every day. Prometheus was physically punished, while Frankenstein was mentally punished for his actions.
It is very well known that Mary Shelley believed in Romanticism. Therefore, I believe that ultimately Shelley's monster is a metaphor for nature as evidence of God's work. Romantic literacy opposed to many theories and scientists believing that by using electricity the key to human life could be found. Romantic literacy concentrated mostly on emotions and the importance of imagination as opposed to fact or reason.
I believe that a monster is not recognised and defined solely by its physical appearance. That is why I believe that Frankenstein's creation is not the true monster in this novel, although it expresses numerous signs of monstrosity at different stages throughout the story. In my opinion the creature's humane characteristics not only outnumber its acts of monstrosity, but should also be greatly recognised by every reader. It is truly remarkable that within so much hatred and despair humane characteristics can be witnessed.




Response :



This essay provides numerous valid points rebutting the accusations of Victor Frankensteins creation being the true monster. I believe he/she is correct in stating that the creature cannot be the monster because it has all of the human characteristics that overrule it being such a monstrous figure. However I don't believe that you can be right in calling Victor Frankenstein the real monster. It is clear that his obsession and actions cause basically all of the chaos in the book, but if the creature who has normal human characteristics, does several horrible things and is not labeled as a monster, then what justifies calling Victor one? Even taking into account the mistakes he has made, Victor is as much human as anyone. I agree that the creature is not the monster, but I do not believe Victor Frankenstein is either.