Isolation In Frankenstein

13 January 2023

Isolation Leading To Revenge

In the book, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, many themes are portrayed throughout the novel. Two of these themes that had a strong presence and impact on the story were isolation and revenge. What makes these themes interesting throughout the book is they are somehow related to each other, meaning the characters having feelings of isolation and loneliness lead to the same characters wanting to seek revenge. The actions of others causing these lonely feelings eventually create such misery and anger they have no other way to express than harming or hurting the ones who caused their separation or their surroundings. Mary Shelley demonstrates the feelings of isolation and revenge throughout Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein creates a monster that starts out as a normal spirited soul. After living for a while, Dr. Frankenstein eventually starts to ignore the monster. He abandons him due to his scary appearance to the outside world since no one knew or understood him. “I expected this reception,” said the daemon. “All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things!” (Shelley) Victor takes the monster and secludes or hides him from the world so he would not frighten others. Due to his abandonment, the monster feels alone and he will never be good enough to be accepted by others into society.

After feeling this way for an extended period of time, feelings of anger and revenge develop in the monster. He feels let down and there is more to life than living in the unknown and by himself with no one around. “I am an unfortunate and deserted creature, I look around and I have no relation or friend upon earth. These amiable people to whom I go have never seen me and know little of me. I am full of fears, for if I fail there, I am an outcast in the world forever.” (Shelley) This changes his heart and views on the outside world and his intentions completely

“What chiefly struck me was the gentle manners of these people; and I longed to join them, but dared not.” (Shelley) After a while of observations, the monster is able to pick up on the language they use and some of the ideas from the real world. He realizes he wants to be a part of society and learn, practice, or maybe come up with the ideas that take place everyday. The monster at this point of the story starts feeling more aggressive and starts to think negatively towards Victor and others who he feels abandoned him or despise him based on his appearance alone and do not allow themselves to get to know him or let him be a citizen in