Fear In Frankenstein

“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change” (206). Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, is a gothic thriller that sends readers spiraling into a compelling, yet emotionally unstable story where our deepest and darkest emotions are exposed. Shelley illustrates gothic friction by exploring how one can gradually wither to their worst forms under traumatic fear. Shelley uses gothic elements such as intense emotions; exploration of the fear of the unknown; and suspense and mystery in great detail to present readers this twisted ideology.
Under long-term isolation, intense emotions such as misery, envy, and madness can devour an individual. In the opening of Frankenstein’s story, Victor presents the readers with heart-warming

Victor admits his gratitude to have been brought up in a comfortable and fortunate household. In contrast, Victor’s abandonment of the Creature forces the Creature to survive on his own without any parental guidance, leaving him, “a poor, helpless, miserable wretch” (100). As the Creature seeks food and refuge, he receives violence from others because they fear his ugly appearance and monstrous stature. The Creature becomes unsuccessful in finding companions, causing him to fear loneliness, which then leads to his loathing of his appearance. Upon finding the book, Paradise Lost, the Creature shares empathy with Adam because they were the first of their kind created and had no connection to other beings. However, the Creature finds himself sharing more similarities with Satan, who was cast aside and judged by his looks, than with

When the Creature first laid eyes on the De Lacey family and their cottage, he hesitated and feared to approach the family because he did not want to receive anymore rejection and violence. He eventually learns about human society and history from Felix and how to read and write. During his stay, the Creature’s yearnings for companionship and affection grows after observing the various exchanges of love and kindness between the De Lacey trio. The Creature seeks to be a part of the family, so he approaches the old, blind De Lacey. His actions backfires. The Creature is devastated and afraid because he lost his only link with the human world. He utilizes his new-found knowledge on mischief, and uses the ideology of causing fear when unable to inspire love to obliviate his Creator’s happiness in revenge. This once innocent creature, who wishes to talk and share affections with someone, evolves into a killer sick with hatred because he wishes to be a part of something he is