Discrimination and Prejudice in Frankenstein

Prejudice and discrimination have been persistent and corrosive forces throughout human history. Prejudice refers to irrational and inflexible attitudes that individuals or groups harbor toward others, often based on limited or erroneous perceptions (Sibley and Duckitt 248). These attitudes can manifest as either harmful or positive biases. Regardless of their nature, prejudices are typically preconceived and resistant to change (Stephan et al. 33). When prejudice assumes a negative form, it often culminates in discrimination, which entails unjust behaviors directed at the victims of such biases (Sibley and Duckitt 251).

From the perspectives of psychology and sociology, prejudice often stems from subconscious attitudes. Such attitudes are typically defense mechanisms that allow individuals to project their feelings of inadequacy onto a target group, thereby alleviating their own insecurities (Sibley and Duckitt 252). This theory links prejudice to low self-esteem: individuals with diminished self-worth frequently elevate themselves by directing hostility toward certain groups. This dynamic forms the foundation of discriminatory behaviors that continue to shape societal norms and relations.

Social Prejudice in Frankenstein

Social science identifies several key factors contributing to prejudice. Socialization plays a crucial role: prejudices are often transmitted from one generation to the next through cultural norms and traditions (Pettigrew and Tropp 922). Another contributing factor is conformity, wherein individuals adopt prejudices to gain approval or align with the values of influential figures in their lives (Stangor 22). Lastly, ethnocentrism, the tendency to evaluate other cultures through the lens of one's own, reinforces prejudices by advancing stereotypical and exclusionary thinking (Oskamp 27).

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, these social dynamics are vividly illustrated through the rejection and ostracization of the Creature. The hostility shown by Frankenstein and society mirrors real-world prejudices, where deviations from social norms incite fear and rejection. The Creature’s rejection symbolizes the societal instinct to marginalize those who challenge established norms, reflecting a broader commentary on how fear of difference perpetuates prejudice.

In Frankenstein, the Creature represents an "othered" figure, whose physical and existential differences evoke fear and hostility. In psychological terms, such "otherness" refers to any deviation from societal norms, often perceived as a threat to the social fabric (Wright and Lubensky 291). Societies typically respond to such perceived threats in one of two ways: by rejecting and attempting to eradicate the abnormality, or by assimilating and neutralizing it within the mainstream culture (Navarrete et al. 933). Both approaches rely heavily on distancing the "other" through language, labeling, and pejorative descriptions.

This distancing is evident in Frankenstein’s derogatory language toward the Creature. For instance, Frankenstein exclaims:

"Abhorred monster! Fiend that thou art! The tortures of hell are too mild a vengeance for thy crimes. Wretched devil! You reproach me with your creation; come on, then, that I may extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed" (Shelley 113).

In this passage, Frankenstein uses dehumanizing language to reject the Creature and absolve himself of responsibility for its existence. This act of distancing reflects society’s tendency to demonize the unfamiliar, reinforcing prejudice and exclusion.

Catalysts for Prejudice

The Creature’s rejection stems not only from its grotesque appearance but also from its unconventional origins. In many societies, physical beauty is equated with moral virtue, while ugliness is vilified. The Creature’s hideous appearance becomes a visual marker of its deviation from the norm, amplifying the prejudice against it. Furthermore, its atypical creation through scientific experimentation exacerbates this rejection.

Alternative methods of reproduction, whether scientific or otherwise, have historically been met with fear and suspicion. This prejudice persists in contemporary debates surrounding cloning, where concerns about "unnatural" processes provoke ethical and moral anxieties. In the context of Frankenstein, the Creature’s unnatural origin intensifies societal rejection, as people associate its creation with danger and immorality.

Shelley captures this tension through the Creature’s lamentation:

"But where were my friends and relations? No father had watched my infant days, no mother had blessed me with smiles and caresses" (Shelley 142).

This absence of familial connections underscores the Creature’s alienation. Unlike human beings, who are nurtured within familial and social frameworks, the Creature’s existence is isolated and unsupported. Its difference from humanity is further emphasized by its physical prowess and intellect, which evoke both awe and fear.

Frankenstein describes the Creature’s superhuman abilities in another passage:

"I suddenly beheld the figure of a man, at some distance, advancing towards me with superhuman speed. He bounded over the crevices in the ice, among which I had walked with caution" (Shelley 112).

Here, the Creature’s extraordinary capabilities symbolize the fear of science surpassing nature. This fear manifests as prejudice, with Frankenstein perceiving the Creature as a threat to human superiority.

The Psychological Toll of Prejudice

The rejection and dehumanization faced by the Creature have profound psychological consequences. Shelley explores the internalization of prejudice through the Creature’s growing sense of inferiority. Despite its intellectual and physical advantages, the Creature begins to view itself as inherently flawed. This internal struggle is captured in its despairing question:

"I had never yet seen a being resembling me, or who claimed any intercourse with me, what was I?" (Shelley 143).

This moment reflects the devastating impact of societal rejection. The Creature’s self-perception becomes shaped by the negative judgments of others, leading it to question its worth and existence. Shelley uses this dynamic to highlight how prejudice not only isolates its victims but also erodes their self-esteem and humanity.

Lessons from Frankenstein

Through the Creature’s tragic story, Shelley critiques the destructive nature of prejudice. The novel reveals how societal fear of difference perpetuates exclusion and dehumanization, often targeting those who challenge established norms. The rejection of the Creature underscores the irrationality of prejudice, as judgments are based on superficial differences rather than meaningful attributes.

Moreover, Shelley’s exploration of prejudice serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked societal biases. The Creature’s descent into despair and violence illustrates how rejection and marginalization can transform victims into threats. By emphasizing the psychological toll of prejudice, Shelley invites readers to reflect on their own biases and the importance of embracing diversity.

In conclusion, Frankenstein offers a powerful commentary on the origins, manifestations, and consequences of prejudice. By portraying the Creature’s struggle against societal rejection, Shelley exposes the fear and ignorance that underpin prejudice, while urging readers to reconsider their own attitudes toward difference. Ultimately, the novel serves as a timeless reminder of the need for empathy and inclusivity in overcoming the divisions that prejudice creates.

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