Frankenstien: The True Monster
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In Mary Shelleys novel, Frankenstein, although the creature is physically grotesque, Victors actions and emotions are monstrous. Both Victor and the creature become isolated from society. However Victors isolation is caused by his own greed for knowledge, whereas the creature has no choice, as he is rejected from society. Victors inhumane nature is evident when he refuses to comply with his sons request for a mate. Even though both Victor and the creature commit horrible crimes, only the creature is capable of taking responsibility for his actions. Although at first glance the creature in Frankenstein is evil, the true villain is his creator, Victor.
Though both characters are isolated from society, the cause of their seclusion demonstrates the true nature of the individuals. For instance, Victor becomes isolated from the world due to his intense efforts in attempting to create life. He becomes so engaged in his studies that:
I proceeded and soon became so ardent and eager that the stars often disappeared in the light of morning whilst I engaged in my laboratoryTwo years passed in this manner, during which I paid no visit to Geneva (35).
It is evident that Victors ego conquers his humanity. Since his greed for knowledge engulfs his life, Victor destroys his relationship with his family. Therefore, Victors isolation is brought upon himself as he encompassed his life with work instead of family. In contrast to this, the creature is rejected from society. When the creature tries to reach out to Mr. DeLacy, an old blind man, his son comes: In a transport of fury, he dashed me to the ground and struck me violently with a stick(119-120). As a result of this constant rejection, the creature becomes an outsider on account of his deformities. Therefore the creature is isolated from society, without his consent. Through this comparison, it is apparent that Victor is less humane than the creature.
The true villainous nature of