Who is the True Monster in Frankenstein? Essay Sample to Analyze

What is a monster? How can it be defined? Are there some specific characteristics that make a monster a monster? For the vast majority of people, the image of a monster is about cruelty, anger, abnormality, and inhumanity. The question is: are these features applied to appearance or traits of character?

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In modern society, there are lots of examples of monsters depicted in movies and literary works. Most of them are ugly inside out, being ugly physically and emotionally. The absence of human qualities, feelings, and traits, combined with certain inhuman qualities and deformities, are the most accurate features to describe something evil with no love, kindness, and compassion for mankind. Besides, the monster can also be someone who has done a devastating action in life that affected others. It is an outcast of the society who is not wanted or needed.

Analyzing a world-known novel by Mary Shelley, it may be hard to define the monster. Also known as the Modern Prometheus, the story was published in 1818 and has been actively discussed since then. Frankenstein is a unique classic gothic horror that incorporates the peculiarities of the allegory tale and science fiction. At the time, the novel was the reaction to the reality that took place in the 18th century, when the power of the mind was a dubious and uncertain thing. The main idea of the author working on the novel was to emphasize the worst part of human progress and prove that irrespective of continuous progress, human beings are still imperfect.

Who is the real monster in the story? Reading the novel, people may consider this question again and again, as it becomes a tough one as you reach the culmination. Because of the physical appearance, readers are usually convinced that the creature is a monster, but there is also Victor’s character, who is an outcast of society and a person who ignores any social norms and rules. Victor is the person who has this idea of creating a new creature straight from dead body parts. This way, the author strives to depict the risks and downsides of the constant search for knowledge and advancement of technology and science. The lack of inhumane treatment and the value of the creature is highlighted by the absence of a name. After generating a creature, Victor chooses to abandon it, endangering the lives of people around him.

Can we consider Victor to be a true monster in the novel? Regardless of continuous arguments, Victor Frankenstein seems to be an anomaly, as the victim of social isolation is so selfish and immature that he chooses to create someone who will struggle even more. Thus, the isolation of the creature and absolute separation from other people made it kill those close to Victor and enact revenge on many others.

Delusion

The unbeatable desire Victor cherishes in his heart to create new life by collecting parts of the dead body shows his delusion about becoming an almighty and god-like person. It is all about his desires and ambitions that make him a real monster, as at the end of the day, he does not even acknowledge that his willingness to generate life results in all those dangers to him and his family. Desire is the driver of Victor’s actions, and it helps him unveil some secrets in technology and science, making him obsessed with his crazy ideas. The inability to control his emotions leads to complete negligence of the family and people around him. Affection, love, kindness, and compassion are not typical of Victor anymore, as his longing for knowledge overshadows reality. His passion for knowledge makes him an outcast of society, a weirdo who has no human traits anymore. The only thing he is focused on is the progress of contemporary society and his chances to generate life artificially. The desire to become a real god is obsessive and illustrates the demonic force and desire inside of Victor that he cannot control anymore.

Cruelty

While a lot of people have always been convinced that Frankenstein is a story about a creature that is a real monster, the reality is not that. Victor's self-centeredness, ambitions, and desires transform him into a monster who ignores others. Through the novel you can notice how obsessed the man is with his willingness to generate life and control it. He does not care about the appearance of the creature. Neither is he concerned about its ability to survive in society. Instead, all of Victor’s aspirations are focused on his ability to create life and use his knowledge to the maximum.

The pure interest motivates Victor, who feels lost in his own life and is convinced that generating a new life can change and fulfill his own one. He believes that possessing a creature under his mercy can give him the love and compassion he missed, especially in his relations with his father. Unfortunately, Victor is not interested in the needs and preferences of his creation, so he even chooses to destroy the female monster that could have become a true friend and companion to his first creation.

However, the level of hospitality and cruelty is not shown to its fullest through the creation of the monster. After the fulfillment of the desire to generate life, Victor chooses to abandon it. The rejected and isolated creature feels lonely and distressed, struggling to find answers about who it is and what his purpose in life is. No guidance, attention, and love are the reasons why the creation becomes a monster, just like his creator.

Reality

The discussion about who is a monster in the novel, Victor or the creature he developed, remains relevant and requires profound analysis of certain aspects. At some point, Victor acknowledged the mistake he made, but he still refused to accept its outcomes. Consequently, he is not willing to take responsibility for his own actions and chooses to leave the creature alone with no love, support, or compassion. As the creature gets rejected by the creator, it starts killing everyone Victor loves. But is this the creature’s fault? In fact, Victor is the one who destroyed his own life and created another miserable creature that is frequently considered to be a monster.

Indeed, the creation’s actions are monstrous, but not by choice. The psychical deformities deprive the creature of a chance to show his inner person and human character traits. As a result, the creature is instantly rejected by society, which triggers its cruel side. However, if you ignore appearance and focus on personality, your perspective may be absolutely different. Thus, the old blind man the creature encountered in the woods did not find it dangerous or weird talking to the creature, as he could not see any of his deformities. It proves that monstrosity is not about the way you look but more about the actions you make. Yet, Victor’s family, which judges the creature only by its appearance, does not even give him a chance to explain himself. The overwhelming feeling of rejection and personal miserability forces him to become a real monster.

The novel by Mary Shelley is a great chance to think about the difference between appearance and character. In Frankenstein, the element of isolation seems to be a decisive factor that makes someone a monster. A complete absence of interaction with other people, rejection, alienation, and absence of love and compassion make both Victor and his creation monsters. Who is the bigger one? It is up to you to make your own conclusions.