Reflective Essay On Frankenstein

Words: 660
Pages: 3

Frankenstein Reflection Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley began Frankenstein in 1816 with a simple horror story in mind; nevertheless, her tale emerged as a renowned piece of literature due to it’s contemplative and introspective nature. While Frankenstein encompasses such themes as empowerment, gender struggle, and fear, her novel heavily examines the effects and consequences of loneliness— of feeling detached from society. Shelley explores this theme through three main vessel: Captain Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and Frankenstein’s so-called “monster”. Each of these characters, the three main storytellers, include site feelings of aloofness and otherness as crucial parts of their being, which drive them further into exile and despair. Frankenstein …show more content…
Firstly, when Frankenstein shares his lack of childhood friends, citing Henry Clerval as one of his only and dearest friends. Unfortunately for Frankenstein, his dear friend is unable to join him while he studies at Ingolstadt. Without the stabilizing force of societal interactions, Frankenstein, as most introverted and introspective individuals do, loses himself in his obsession of creating life. The creation of his monster does nothing to sooth his loneliness; in fact, the dread it created forced him further into isolation. His utter disgust with his actions, with the being of his creation, effected a deep, sorrowful instability, shown through his several bouts of nervous fevers and near insanity. In short, he found himself unable to face humanity, fearing he had betrayed the world, in some way, by creating such a being. To him, solitude was his only escape for the agonizing guilt and misery he …show more content…
Not only does Shelley’s use of these characters explore the adverse effects of portrayed through each of the characters lives, but she reflects on societal roles as well. She questions the value placed on power and beauty while emphasising how honest, real relationships may be the only solution for despair. Specifically, an empathetic, understanding kindred soul, who at the very least attempts to understand without passing judgement. Through the eyes of Walton, Frankenstein, and the Monster, Shelley attempts to ingrain in the minds of her readers, the true purpose of