Essay On Frankenstein Alienation In Frankenstein Choice In Frankenstein Essay

1. Essay On Frankenstein
Mary Shelley is one of the best known authors of gothic literature. Her most famous work is the
horror novel Frankenstein which she wrote at the early age of 20. Since she was so young when
writing the novel, it is interesting to ask for her ideas and the source of inspiration for the content of
her story. In literary studies, Roland Barthes' theory says that the author – and so his or her life –
should not be the reference point for an analysis (Jannidis et al. 182). Nevertheless in some stories,
the traces of the author are so strong and important that they cannot be ignored when analysing the
story. Therefore, this essay will examine the traces of Mary Shelley's biography in Frankenstein with
reference to mother's death, different places...show more content...
Shelley's stepmother did not want the children to be highly educated due to her own only
average education. Shelley probably educated herself through reading a lot and "the comings and
goings of such rare personalities as Lamb and Coleridge to the house" (Sparks 13). This might
serve as an argument why books and reading are often mentioned in Frankenstein. Education is
also important for Victor Frankenstein. He studies in Germany and becomes a scientist with deep
knowledge in this area. Not only for Victor, education also plays a major role for other characters.
For example, Elizabeth is sad because "she [has] not the same opportunities of enlarging her
experience, and cultivating her understanding" (Shelley 106) when Victor leaves to visit France,
the Netherlands, Scotland and England. So even for a woman, knowledge was desirable. Due to
the lack of a high education, it might be that Shelley was not able to speak any foreign languages.
She might come to terms with it and the probable wish to speak other languages through the detailed
description of the acquisition of a language (Shelley 74–79). In conclusion, one can see that
education played a key role in Shelley's life even if she was not allowed to take part in it as much as
she would have
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2. Alienation In Frankenstein
In her novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley explores a wide range of themes concerning human nature
through the thoughts and actions of two main characters and a host of others. Two themes are at the
heart of the story, the most important being creation, but emphasis is also placed on alienation from
society. These two themes are relevant even in today's society as technology brings us ever closer to
Frankenstein's fictional achievement.
First, let's examine the alienation from society suffered by Frankenstein's monster. The cause of his
ostracism was his horrific physical appearance. It was so bad that people would not even allow him
the chance to speak or get to know the person...show more content...
And when Frankenstein rejected him, he sought to make Victor an empathizer by killing those
whom he loved. Perhaps less than revenge, the monster only wanted someone to know what it is
like to be alone and denied love.
This brings us the theme of creation, which really contains smaller 'sub–themes.' There is the
relationship between the creator and his creation as well as the question of whether or not the
created owes his allegiance to society. What should the relationship between Victor and the
monster have been? In Shelley's criticism of all who were disgusted by his looks, Victor would be
in the wrong for having shunned the monster. It was his fault the monster existed, so he should
have taken it in and shown it compassion. As the creator, he owes his creation the basic means to a
happy life. As for the monster, in turn for his creator's gift of life and happiness, he would pledge
loyalty. But because Frankenstein dropped his end of the contract from the start, all bets were off
and the monster tried to be as diplomatic as possible about the whole affair. This goes back to the
alienation theme starting with Victor's abandoning of the monster.
What about the monster's role in society? As a man's creation, did the monster owe any debt to
society or have a right to be part of it? He did not choose to be born into it, but he was forced to seek
refuge in the world upon
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3. Choice In Frankenstein Essay
Choices
When man decides to assume the role of God, consequences are bound to plague such an ambition.
In the case of Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the product of
such an ambition is a creature born of the dead. Despite the frightening process of his creation, the
creature wakes into the world as a benevolent being. He simply longs for acceptance and friendship,
but due to his unsightly features, the world is quick to condemn him as the monster he appears to
be. With an unbearable sense of rejection in his heart, the monster begins to turn wicked. Soon
enough he is responsible for multiple deaths in the name of revenge. Although many treat him
unfairly, the monster is fully aware of his actions...show more content...
One day he finds the courage to reveal himself to the blind old man, but in mid–conversation, the son
returns home and "struck him violently with a stick" (115). The monster runs out of the home filled
with pain and anguish.
When the monster returns, he learns of the family's sudden plans to move away. With no other
direction, the monster seeks out answers from his creator. He comes across Victor's papers, which
reveal his identity and residence. With his newfound information, the monster decides to find his
way to Victor. Throughout his journey his curiosity begins to turn into hatred and rage towards his
creator. As he treks across the continent he discloses, "the spirit of revenge is enkindled in my heart"
(119). This shows the monster's capability of harboring dark emotions; it shows his benevolence
quickly slipping away.
After his arrival in Geneva, the monster comes across a boy who reveals that he is related to Victor
Frankenstein. He tells the boy "you shall be my first victim" (122), and chokes him till he struggles
no longer. As the monster gazes at the lifeless body that lies before him, he claps and shouts in
triumph, "I too can create desolation; my enemy is not invulnerable; this death will carry despair to
him, and a thousand other miseries shall torment and destroy him" (122). This statement clearly
shows the he is aware of the crime he has committed and expresses no remorse. Unfortunately the
boy is not his last
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