Comparing Frankenstein ‘And the Goonies’
This essay about the thematic similarities between Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein* and the 1985 film *The Goonies* focuses on the characters Frankenstein’s Monster and Sloth. Both are initially perceived as monstrous due to their physical appearances but reveal themselves as misunderstood figures with deep capacities for kindness and heroism. The narrative arcs of both characters challenge societal prejudices against physical deformity and prompt a reevaluation of what defines a monster. The essay explores how societal rejection influences their behaviors and how they are shaped by their environments, ultimately leading them to acts of heroism that defy their monstrous labels. Through these comparisons, the essay argues that true monstrosity is determined by actions rather than appearances, promoting a message of compassion and acceptance for the ‘other.’
How it works
Mary Shelley's *Frankenstein* and the 1985 adventure film *The Goonies* may initially seem to occupy vastly different spaces within the cultural landscape. However, a closer examination reveals some intriguing thematic parallels, particularly when comparing the figure of Frankenstein's Monster with the character of Sloth from *The Goonies*. Both characters are misunderstood outcasts who eventually reveal a deeper capacity for kindness and heroism, challenging the initial perceptions of monstrosity imposed upon them by others.
*Frankenstein*, written in 1818, introduces us to a creature brought to life by Victor Frankenstein.
This creature is not inherently evil but becomes embittered and violent after being rejected by society and his creator. His monstrous exterior belies a sensitive and articulate interior, capable of feeling deep emotions and suffering. Frankenstein's Monster is a tragic figure, caught between his grotesque form and his all-too-human feelings, embodying themes of isolation, rejection, and the craving for companionship and acceptance.
In a similar vein, *The Goonies*, directed by Richard Donner, presents Sloth, a character who initially appears as a terrifying figure. Chained in a dark room, his disfigured face and imposing size make him the quintessential "monster" in the eyes of the young protagonists. However, as the narrative unfolds, Sloth's true nature is revealed. He is not only gentle and friendly but also becomes a protector to the kids, particularly Chunk, who first discovers him. Sloth, much like Frankenstein's Monster, shows that physical appearance can be misleading and that kindness and heroism can reside within those whom society deems monstrous.
Both characters' narratives explore themes of societal rejection based on appearances and the inherent prejudice that often accompanies physical deformity. Frankenstein's Monster and Sloth challenge the viewer or reader to reconsider what constitutes a monster. Is it appearance, or is it action? Both are feared and shunned because of how they look, yet their stories reveal a depth of character and a capacity for love that many "normal" characters lack.
Furthermore, both *Frankenstein* and *The Goonies* suggest that monsters are not born but made; they are the products of their environments. Frankenstein's Monster becomes vengeful and violent after being consistently mistreated and rejected by every human he encounters, including his creator. Similarly, Sloth's monstrous demeanor is the result of being hidden away and mistreated by his own family. Their transformation into heroes—Frankenstein’s Monster through his eloquent self-defense and poignant expressions of desire for companionship, and Sloth in his brave and compassionate actions—illustrates a shared narrative trajectory toward redemption and acceptance.
In conclusion, the comparison between *Frankenstein* and *The Goonies*, especially between Frankenstein’s Monster and Sloth, provides a fascinating reflection on themes of monstrosity, acceptance, and the superficial judgments based on physical appearance. Both characters force us to question societal norms about beauty and brutality, suggesting that true monstrosity lies in how individuals are treated and how they respond to that treatment, rather than in their inherent nature. Through their journeys from monstrous outcasts to sympathetic, heroic figures, both stories advocate for a deeper understanding and acceptance of the 'other,' reminding audiences and readers alike that compassion should not be contingent upon appearances.
Comparing Frankenstein 'And The Goonies'. (2024, Apr 29). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/comparing-frankenstein-and-the-goonies/
