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'Frankenstein,' penned during an era enraptured by the allure of gothic horror, found a receptive audience, particularly among women. Engaging in discussions about gothic horror was not merely a pastime; it became a societal norm where unconventional views found acceptance. Mary Shelley, the ingenious author, masterfully wove a narrative interlaced with mystery and horror, echoing the essential elements of the gothic horror genre prevalent during her time. 'Frankenstein' delves into a myriad of characters embodying monstrous, alien, and exile-like qualities, meticulously portrayed and scrutinized by the discerning eyes of society.
This prompts a compelling question: Is Victor Frankenstein a metaphor for society, embodying its twisted essence?
Shelley strategically invokes empathy for the exiles in 'Frankenstein,' with a particular focus on the creature, subjected to relentless mistreatment from its very creation. Crafted by Frankenstein, the creature, in its childlike innocence, finds itself bereft of guidance in navigating the complexities of the world. The initial encounter with humans proves harsh and jarring: "some attacked me until, grievously bruised by stones and many other kinds of missile weapons, I escaped to the open country." Even a fellow exile, Felix, exacerbates the monster's isolation by callously rejecting him.
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The family the monster had sought solace in spurns him, leading to profound loneliness and emotional distress. Shelley's vivid portrayal of the monster's innate humanity invites readers to transcend its physical deformity and understand the profound impact of societal rejection.
The poignant narrative unfolds as the monster attempts to integrate into society, only to be met with continuous rejection.
His endeavors to save a drowning girl result in being shot by her companion, an act of gratitude met with violence. Even as he endeavors to take young William, the rejection continues: "If I could seize him and educate him as my companion and friend, I should not be so desolate in this peopled earth." The monster's experiences evoke deeply human emotions that resonate with the audience, prompting them to question the society that spurns individuals based on outward appearances.
Shelley extends her critique beyond the plight of the monster, delving into the unjust treatment of other exiles within the narrative. Safie's father, referred to only as 'The Turk,' becomes a prime example as he faces persecution solely based on his wealth and religion, reflecting the prevailing racism of the time. Intriguingly, he remains nameless throughout the text, addressed only as 'The Turk' or 'Safie's father.' Perhaps this lack of a personal identity serves to distance the audience emotionally, as Shelley deems him undeserving of pity after he breaks his promise to Felix.
The De Lacey family, despite their innocence, experiences societal exile for aiding an innocent man, ultimately descending into poverty and isolation. Shelley masterfully engages readers in empathizing with these characters, underscoring the societal wrongs that lead to their undeserved suffering. The audience is compelled to question the fairness of a system that condemns individuals and entire families based on societal perceptions, a theme resonating throughout the novel.
Victor Frankenstein's perspective on beauty serves as a poignant reflection of societal values within 'Frankenstein.' If Victor is to symbolize society, his belief that physical beauty equates to inner beauty underscores prevalent societal norms. Shelley provocatively challenges this perspective, utilizing the monster's compassion and profound humanity to convey that goodness resides within everyone, irrespective of their external appearance. Victor, embodying society, commences with noble intentions but descends into selfishness as his experiments into the unknown consume him.
Victor's preoccupation with his creations and his disregard for the feelings of those around him reveal a progressively warped mindset. Even Elizabeth, the woman he vows to love, becomes an afterthought in his relentless pursuit of scientific glory. His fits of obsession render him indifferent to the consequences of his actions, and his cowardice in confronting the monstrous consequences of his experiments becomes a source of reader frustration. Victor's lack of consideration for the well-being of others culminates in tragedy as he allows his entire family to fall victim to the very being he brought into existence.
Even when presented with the opportunity to redeem his misdeeds by creating a companion for the monster, Victor opts to condemn the world rather than extend a helping hand. Remarkably, society does not shun Victor, aside from the brief period when he is a murder suspect. The societal acceptance of Victor, despite his evident culpability in the havoc unleashed by his creation, prompts readers to question who the true monster is – the creature or the creator.
'Frankenstein' stands as a profound criticism of society's judgmental attitudes towards anything deemed 'wrong.' Shelley skillfully communicates this critique through a popular medium, utilizing the gothic horror genre to reach a broad audience. Victor's transformation from a well-intentioned creator to a self-absorbed figure reveals the novel's underlying commentary on societal flaws. The reader is left to ponder whether the true monster is Victor himself, not the being he brought to life.
The narrative unfolds as a cautionary tale, urging society to reconsider its notions of monstrosity. Through a captivating exploration of human nature, Shelley prompts readers to look beyond external appearances and embrace the inherent humanity within every individual. 'Frankenstein' serves as a timeless testament to the power of literature in challenging societal norms and fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in human existence.
In conclusion, Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' transcends the boundaries of a conventional gothic horror narrative. It emerges as a powerful critique of society, unraveling the intricacies of societal judgments and the profound consequences of exile. Through the lens of various characters, Shelley prompts readers to empathize with the 'monstrous' and question societal norms. The novel challenges the very essence of beauty, morality, and societal acceptance, compelling individuals to reflect on their own preconceptions. 'Frankenstein' stands as a timeless exploration of human nature, urging society to look beyond external appearances and embrace the inherent humanity within every individual.
Reimagining Frankenstein: Critique of Society's Monstrous Perspectives. (2020, Jun 02). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/extent-frankenstein-criticism-societys-attitude-accommodate-sees-monsters-aliens-exiles-new-essay
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