Isolation In Frankenstein

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Isolation is the Real Monster While monsters might appear to be demonic creatures, a closer examination reveals layers of emotion and sensitivity. Their intimidating nature is provoked when they are rejected and cast out by those around them. In Heart of Darkness, Kurtz’s solitude in the wilderness makes him a misunderstood being with a monstrous character that shapes his interactions with humans to be warped and contorted. Similarly, Victor, from Frankenstein, isn’t seen as human but rather as a monster because of his isolation from people as he was creating the wretch, causing him to become a secretive, misunderstood figure. On the other hand, Beowulf’s Grendel is a “black sheep”, considered a freak by the humans …show more content…
Grendel’s solitude and consistent negative essence develops into his monstrous identity which he is label by. His desolation and seclusion created a freakish figure, “Inflicting constant cruelties of people…he was the lords outcast,” (p.13) Grendel is an outsider, and he has been his entire life. He uses the fear that he causes in others as a reason to fight. The isolation that Grendel is held in is based on his monstrous ways, conferring the violence he provokes upon people. The brutality that Grendel maintains causes people to distance themselves from him, but he accepts the detachment from humans and is okay with the uneasy aura he gives off. Grendel doesn’t find interacting with humans to be attractive or welcoming in his world. His gloomy outlook on life is “spurned and joyless, [as he] journeyed on ahead and arrived at the bawn.” (p.49) Grendel will never be satisfied with life, even if his goals are achieved. Grendel’s “rage boil[s] over” (p.49) when he isn’t included in the festivities that are taking place in Heorot, as he is stuck in solitude because of his foreign presence. Grendel is “malignant be nature, [in that] he never showed remorse.” (p.11) Grendel’s emotionless exterior is a result of his isolation and negative reputation. He turns himself into a dangerous creature and intimidating figure because of his clouded views of his aloneness and his sadness of not having anyone to confide upon. Being an outcast and an unaccepted figure gives him a perception of permission to become to be a monstrous
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