Themes: Beauty and the Soul

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When Frankenstein rejects his creation, it is because he cannot bear to look at him. He is so terrified by the physically repulsive appearance of his creature—“a sight which [he] abhor[s]”— that he recoils, determining that nothing so physically unattractive could possibly be anything other than evil. However, Shelley makes a conscious choice in allowing the physically grotesque creature to speak for himself and to speak eloquently and expressively. Had Frankenstein been less preoccupied with the physical appearance of his offspring, he might have been better able to see that the creature was, in other ways, an accurate reflection of humanity, capable of learning and growing, feeling “anguish” and appreciation for beauty.

It is not only Frankenstein, of course, who recoils from the sight of the creature. It is a natural human response to desire what is beautiful and reject what is not, and the creature struggles even with the sight of his own face when he sees it reflected in a puddle. He knows that he is hindered by the fact that the first reaction he evokes is one of disgust. But he feels “pleasure” at the sight of nature, “wonder” at the beauty of the moon, and emotion at the sight of the villagers interacting with each other. Shelley relies heavily upon the language of Romanticism to indicate that the creature, through his interaction with nature, is exploring his own soul. Far from being a hideous automaton, the creature is capable of very deep feeling, and possibly deep inner beauty. This then forces the reader to question how far his subsequent violence is a result of his nature and how far it is the outcome of the utter lack of nurture shown to him by his creator, the shallow and fickle Frankenstein.

Expert Q&A

Why is Frankenstein's monster treated as an outcast due to his appearance and abandonment?

Frankenstein's monster is treated as an outcast due to his grotesque appearance and Victor's abandonment. His yellow skin, watery eyes, and black lips frighten people, leading to rejection and hostility. Victor's horror and disgust upon animating the creature cause him to abandon it, breaking any potential bond. The monster's attempts at human interaction result in violent rejection, forcing him into isolation and prompting his plea for a companion to avoid human contact.

What is the difference between Frankenstein's inner self and his outward appearance?

The monster's outer appearance is grotesque and intimidating, with yellow skin, scars, and a stitched, mismatched body, making him an outcast. Despite this, his inner self is initially benevolent and kind, yearning for connection and understanding. He learns and experiences human emotions, developing a sense of self and rational goals. His inner nature only turns vengeful after experiencing rejection and abandonment. This contrast highlights the separation between his soul and his physical form.

What good qualities does Frankenstein's monster display before killing William?

Before killing William, Frankenstein's monster exhibits numerous positive qualities. He demonstrates gentleness and empathy, as seen when he refrains from retaliating against villagers who attack him. The creature shows compassion by ceasing to steal food from the DeLaceys upon realizing it causes them hardship. He is also intelligent and appreciates music and literature, teaching himself to speak and understand complex works like Paradise Lost. These traits highlight his inherent innocence and need for connection.

Nature's Role and Beauty in Frankenstein

In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, nature plays a crucial role as a source of solace and a metaphor for human emotion. As a Romantic author, Shelley emphasizes nature's beauty as a refuge for Victor Frankenstein, offering relief from his guilt and turmoil. Nature's restorative power reflects Romantic ideals, juxtaposed against Victor's attempts to control it, symbolizing the dangers of disrupting natural order. The novel's settings, from serene landscapes to icy wastelands, underscore the themes of human ambition's consequences and nature's inherent majesty.

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Themes: Religion and the Ethics of Creation

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Themes: Isolation

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