Appearance vs. Reality: A Comparative Analysis of Macbeth and Frankenstein

In the realm of literature, the theme of "Appearance vs. Reality" echoes through the ages, transcending genres and centuries. This essay delves into the exploration of this theme as depicted in two distinctive works: William Shakespeare's tragic play, Macbeth, and Mary Shelley's gothic novel, Frankenstein. Despite the differing contexts and eras, both authors skillfully employ the motif of appearance versus reality to illuminate the impact of human judgment based on superficial impressions. This essay explores how individuals can undergo transformative changes due to such judgments and how appearances contribute to one's societal standing.

Human nature instinctively leans towards judging others based on outward appearances, relying heavily on visual senses as the primary gauge of character. In Macbeth, the titular character and his wife exploit this tendency when deceiving the king with feigned loyalty, masking their true intentions of regicidal ambition (Macbeth I. v). Lady Macbeth articulates this strategy, advising Macbeth to "look like the time" to deceive others (Macbeth I. v.70-71). The calculated manipulation of appearance reflects the pervasive influence of visual judgment in shaping perceptions.

Victor Frankenstein's creation in Shelley's Frankenstein similarly grapples with the repercussions of its appearance. The creature, with yellow skin, watery eyes, and straight black lips, defies conventional standards of beauty (Shelley, 58). Society condemns the creature solely on its outward ugliness, highlighting the pervasive notion that outward appearance dictates goodness or badness. This connection between appearance and judgment underscores the overarching theme.

The consequences of judgment, both for the judged and the judgers, emerge as a central theme in these narratives.

In Macbeth's case, initial success in deceiving others leads to overconfidence and a descent into tyranny. Once a valiant and loyal warrior, Macbeth's transformation into a murderous tyrant remains concealed beneath a veneer of loyalty (Macbeth I. ii.30-45). The relentless reliance on outward appearances enables Macbeth's unchecked descent into darkness, as illustrated by his resolve to act on his sinister impulses (IV. i.161-162).

Frankenstein's creation faces a parallel plight, experiencing unjust cruelty due to its repulsive appearance ("Frankenstein- The Theme of Appearance." 1). The creature, initially compassionate, transforms into a malicious being, driven by the harsh treatment it endures (Shelley 148). In both cases, misguided judgments catalyze detrimental effects, shaping the characters' destinies. Macbeth's ambition intensifies, leading to his societal downfall, while the creature undergoes a complete reversal from good to bad, highlighting the profound impact of appearance on individual trajectories.

Society, inherently structured with predetermined categories, perpetuates a social hierarchy where individuals are assigned specific roles based on appearances. In Frankenstein's narrative, a society emphasizing moral values over outward beauty would spare the creature from isolation ("Frankenstein- The Theme of Appearance." 1). However, the prevailing bias towards aesthetics relegates the creature to the societal periphery, devoid of companionship or understanding.

Macbeth, on the other hand, aspires to the pinnacle of societal hierarchy—kingship. The societal construct equates kingship with proximity to God, placing it at the zenith of the social order. Macbeth's successful manipulation of appearances allows him to ascend to this coveted position, reinforcing the theme that outward presentation significantly influences one's standing in society.

As the narratives unfold, the intricate relationship between appearance and reality becomes more pronounced. Macbeth's deceptive actions and Lady Macbeth's admonition to "look like the time" demonstrate the power of appearance in shaping perceptions (Macbeth I. v.70-71). However, this manipulation of reality takes a toll on Macbeth's mental and moral fiber, leading to a tragic downfall. The disparity between appearance and reality becomes a source of internal conflict, illustrating the complexity of the human psyche.

In Frankenstein, the creature's external ugliness becomes a barrier to its integration into society. Despite its innate goodness, the creature is condemned solely based on its appearance, highlighting society's prejudiced approach to aesthetics ("Frankenstein- The Theme of Appearance." 1). This stark dichotomy between the creature's internal nature and its external presentation emphasizes the societal inclination to judge without delving into the complexities of an individual's character.

The nuanced exploration of appearance versus reality extends to the broader societal implications in both works. Macbeth's unchecked rise to kingship, facilitated by the society's blindness to his true nature, results in catastrophic consequences for Scotland. The social fabric unravels as Macbeth's tyrannical rule plunges the kingdom into chaos and despair. Shakespeare thus underscores the societal peril of prioritizing appearances over moral substance.

Similarly, in Frankenstein, the creature's isolation due to its appearance reflects the societal rejection of those who do not conform to conventional standards of beauty. Shelley critiques a society that values aesthetics over empathy, leading to the creature's transformation from a benevolent being to a vengeful outcast. The societal hierarchy, built on superficial judgments, perpetuates a cycle of discrimination and suffering.

The enduring relevance of the theme of appearance versus reality is evident in its universal applicability. Shakespeare and Shelley, writing in vastly different historical contexts, tap into a fundamental aspect of human nature—the propensity to judge based on appearances. This enduring human inclination transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, emphasizing the timeless nature of the appearance versus reality dichotomy.

In conclusion, the exploration of appearance versus reality in Macbeth and Frankenstein illuminates the intricate interplay between outward presentation and internal truth. Both Shakespeare and Shelley adeptly navigate the complexities of human judgment, portraying the consequences of prioritizing appearances over genuine character. The enduring impact of societal expectations and biases on individual destinies serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to look beyond superficial impressions and recognize the inherent complexities within each individual.

Written by Noah Jones

Updated: Jan 18, 2024

Keep in mind: this is only a sample!

Updated: Jan 18, 2024