The True Horror of Frankenstein: It's Not the Monster, It's the Loneliness
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is often seen as a tale of a grotesque monster and the horrific acts it commits. Yet, beneath the surface of murder, tragedy, and despair lies a more profound and chilling truth: the ultimate evil in Frankenstein isn't a creature of flesh and blood, but the insidious decay caused by isolation. It's a powerful message that resonates deeply, even today, about the human need for connection and the devastating consequences when it's denied.
Two Sides of Solitude: Victor and the Creature
Shelley masterfully presents two contrasting yet equally destructive forms of isolation through her central characters: Victor Frankenstein and his creation.
On one hand, we witness Victor Frankenstein's self-imposed seclusion. Driven by ambition and a desire to unlock the secrets of life, he withdraws from society, family, and friends. This deliberate isolation, initially a means to an end, slowly morphs into a crippling depression. His singular focus on his scientific creation blinds him to the ethical implications of his actions and ultimately leads to the abandonment of his creation.
His isolation isn't forced; it's a choice that unravels his sanity and sets in motion a tragic chain of events.
In contrast, the Creature experiences a profound and brutal ostracization. He is not born evil, but rather "an unfortunate and deserted creature." From the moment of his awakening, he is met with fear and revulsion purely because of his appearance.
He didn't choose to be monstrous; he was created that way, and society's immediate and loud rejection leaves him with no "relation or friend upon earth." His desperate longing for connection, a basic human need, is repeatedly denied, pushing him further into despair and ultimately, vengeance.
As the Creature states, "I was born in this world to be abandoned and irrevocably alone."
The Purity of Heart Versus the Harshness of the World
It's a cruel irony that despite possessing a greater capacity for empathy and humanity than many of the characters in the novel, the Creature is still rejected. This forces us to confront an uncomfortable question: if not humanity, then what do humans truly value? The Creature's pure heart and profound need for connection are met with disgust, highlighting society's tendency to judge based on appearances and to ostracize those who are different, regardless of their moral character.
This struggle for acceptance, for a place to call home with people who offer unconditional love, is a powerful theme that continues to resonate with many, including those who feel their deep need for connection will never truly be met.
Frankenstein's Enduring Moral Compass
Shelley's novel serves as a timeless moral compass, offering critical advice to the world about the paramount importance of companionship and the dire consequences of its absence. It also serves as a stark warning about the harsh judgments society can impose on innocent individuals.
The novel offers a poignant lesson, deeply applicable to our contemporary world:
appearances can be deceiving. We often ostracize those who are different, without bothering to look beyond the surface to discern their true character. This prejudice, whether conscious or unconscious, can inflict profound wounds and push individuals to desperate measures. Consider the chilling parallel to someone who, despite years ofsobriety and a desire to rebuild their life, has a child removed from their care simply because of a past addiction.
This echoes the Creature's plight: judged and condemned not for who he is in the present, but for a perceived inherent flaw or past circumstance.
Key Takeaways and Lessons
* Isolation is a destructive force: Both self-imposed and externally enforced isolation lead to profound suffering and can fuel destructive behaviors.
* Connection is fundamental: The human need for belonging and unconditional love is essential for well-being. Its absence can lead to despair and resentment.
* Appearances are misleading: Judging individuals solely on their outward appearance or perceived differences can lead to unjust ostracization and tragic outcomes.
* Society's role in creating "monsters": Frankenstein challenges us to consider how societal prejudice and rejection can contribute to the very "monstrosity" it fears.
* Empathy over judgment: The novel encourages us to cultivate empathy and understanding, looking beyond superficial differences to recognize the shared humanity within all individuals.
What do you think is the most impactful lesson Frankenstein has for us today?
Leave your comment below!
until next time,
Stephanie Kay
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