Isolation and Prejudice in Frankenstein

Isolation is a perilous condition that can be either self-imposed or enforced by society, leading to emotional and psychological damage. This theme is prominently explored in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," where the creature, often mistakenly referred to solely as Frankenstein's monster, experiences profound isolation. This seclusion is not only instigated by the townspeople but also by his creator, Victor Frankenstein. The prejudiced perceptions of the creature as nothing more than a hideous monster transform him into the very entity they fear. This essay explores how Shelley uses the theme of isolation to reveal the destructive power of prejudice, illustrating that alienation is the root cause of the creature's eventual malevolent behavior.

Isolation as a Catalyst

The theme of isolation is central to "Frankenstein," driving the narrative forward and highlighting the dangers of societal prejudice. While both Victor and his creation suffer from isolation, the creature endures the most intense seclusion. This solitary existence is the catalyst for the creature's destructive acts, as it is ostracized by the very beings it seeks to connect with. Victor Frankenstein, obsessed with his scientific pursuits, isolates himself from society and family. This "chosen isolation" leads to his disconnection from the world and an obsession with creating life. As Brown notes, Victor's seclusion not only results in paranoia about the creature's potential for destruction but also contributes to his downfall. Upon bringing the creature to life, Victor is immediately repulsed by its appearance, fleeing in horror and leaving his creation to face the world alone. The prejudice Victor harbors, based solely on the creature's physical appearance, underscores the theme of societal rejection.

Victor's abandonment of his creation has far-reaching consequences. Despite Victor's initial noble intentions, the creature's isolation from the outset shapes its subsequent actions. The creature's descent into madness is a direct result of the isolation it experiences, mirroring Victor's own self-imposed solitude. Victor's hasty rejection of his creation, following months of dedicated work, reveals the superficiality of his intentions and the power of prejudice. The creature's transformation into the feared "monster" is a reflection of society's cruelty rather than inherent evil. The townspeople's harsh treatment of the creature, based on its appearance, pushes it towards the very violence they anticipate.

Prejudice and Its Consequences

In its quest to overcome isolation, the creature attempts to assimilate into society. Wandering through the town, it seeks solace and understanding, only to be met with rejection. The creature's appearance incites fear, leading to prejudiced reactions from those it encounters. However, a glimmer of hope arises when the creature meets a blind doctor who, unable to judge based on looks, offers a brief respite from its isolation. This encounter underscores the theme of prejudice and its role in the creature's continued seclusion.

The creature's attempts to learn language and communicate with the villagers highlight its desperation for acceptance. Despite its efforts, the creature is consistently met with violence and rejection. The societal prejudice it faces reinforces its isolation and fuels its transformation into the very monster the townspeople fear. The creature's lamentation, "I am alone and miserable, man will not associate with me, but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny himself to me," captures its profound sense of loneliness and the impact of societal rejection.

The True Villain: Isolation

Ultimately, the true villain in "Frankenstein" is not the creature or Victor, but the pervasive isolation that shapes their actions. The social seclusion experienced by the creature leads to its eventual madness and acts of terror. The creature's violent behavior is not driven by innate evil but by the treatment it endures at the hands of society. Shelley poignantly illustrates that the creature becomes the monster it is perceived to be, a tragic victim of isolation and prejudice.

In conclusion, Shelley's "Frankenstein" masterfully intertwines the themes of isolation and prejudice to reveal the destructive consequences of societal rejection. Both Victor and his creation suffer from isolation, but it is the creature's profound seclusion that drives the narrative and ultimately leads to tragedy. Through this exploration, Shelley warns of the dangers of judging others based on appearances and the profound impact of isolation on the human psyche. By addressing the issues of isolation and prejudice, "Frankenstein" remains a timeless reflection on the human condition and the consequences of societal alienation.

Did you like this example?

1453

76