Monster In Frankenstein

Words: 843
Pages: 4

What is a monster? When asked this question many will answer it is someone who looks grotesque or different from what society considers normal, however, people forget you don’t necessarily have to look like a monster to be considered one. Ultimately a person’s actions can classify them as a monster. In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, we are introduced to the main protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, whose obsession with creating life leads him to create a creature from the remains of corpses without taking into consideration the consequences of his actions—he sets loose a “monster” who is the very cause of not only his death but the death of his loved ones as well. But is the creature that Victor creates truly a monster? Throughout Shelley’s …show more content…
“I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend” (103). This quote shows how the misery from due the constant rejection and loneliness that he has endured is the cause behind his malicious thoughts and actions, which is fueled even more when he comes across a cottage where he sought shelter in a low hovel. The people that resided in this cottage were of gentle nature and are the reason why the creature learned how to read and speak so eloquently. In return, he would aid the cottagers with their chores such as collecting firewood and clearing a path when it snowed, both things that the cottagers greatly appreciated. In spite of the creature’s good intentions the cottagers were horrified at the sight of him and was struck; this clearly sparks his thoughts for revenge as the creature states, “…from that moment I declared ever-lasting war against the species, and, more than all against him who had formed me, and sent me forth to this insupportable misery” (138). In other words, if there was no way to change the minds of those who encountered him then he might as well go against …show more content…
It is correct that he caused a significant amount of pain to Victor and why so many innocent lives were lost, however, it’s not his fault. Moreover, the blame here lies on Victor for creating a creature without fully understanding the consequences that would arise from his unhealthy obsession. The monster was different from humans that it not only frightened those around him but his own creator as well, thus leaving him miserable and desolate. Furthermore, despite his attempts to do selfless acts such as helping the cottagers he was always met with fear and disgust—causing him to go against those he once helped because there was no way he would change their