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Beyond The Surface: Unveiling The Depths Of The Creature In Frankenstein

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Beyond the Surface: Unveiling the Depths of the Creature in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the creature's transformation into a monster is not intrinsic but a consequence of societal treatment rooted in its unsettling physical appearance. Delving into instances showcasing the creature's unexpected care and benevolence reveals a stark disconnect between its true nature and society's harsh judgments. J. Halberstam's lens accentuates the creature as a mirror reflecting societal anxieties related to scientific experimentation during the enlightenment, societal rejection, and the fear of the unknown. This exploration challenges established stereotypes, urging a reconsideration of overarching themes such as monstrosity, …show more content…

This is evident through Frankenstein's reaction upon the completion of his creation as he states that “the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart" (Shelley, 37). Frankenstein's idea of beauty derives from individuals like his cousin Elizabeth and friend Henry, who he describes as “virtuous and kind”. These characters illustrate a dreamy sense of beauty, while the monster is a sharp contrast of it. This explains Frankenstein's exaggerated reaction to his creation's physical appearance and immediate belief of evil within the creature. Furthermore, due to this reaction, the monster expresses hostility to his creator as he wonders "Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust?" Shelley, 95. These quotes encapsulate the creature's anguish over its appearance and the resultant societal repudiation. Although his physicality conforms to the conventional image of a monster, the creature's monstrosity is magnified by the relentless disgust from its creator, turning the mirror of society into a cruel amplification of his perceived

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