Frankenstein: A Discussion On Morals, And Societal Rejection

Julia Michalski Mr. Shartner British Literature Honors 31 May 2024 Frankenstein: A Discussion on Morals, Ambition, and Societal Rejection Contrary to popular belief, the original Frankenstein, created by Mary Shelley, is the person who created the decayed monster, not the monster himself. Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, is considered a British classic because of its discussion of ambition and societal rejection and how those things may affect people. Mary Shelley was born in London, England in 1797. Her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was an early feminist and the author of A Vindication of the Rights of Women. In addition to being a novelist, Mary Shelley’s father, William Godwin, was also a political philosopher. Mary Shelley’s early life

After returning to his apartment, Victor falls into a deep depression during which his close childhood friend, Henry Clerval, nurses him back to health. Once healthy, both Henry and Victor return to Geneva where Victor learns of the murder of his younger brother, William. Justine is accused of the murder, since the locket William was wearing was found in her pocket. She is executed for her crime, but Victor knows she is innocent and believes that his monster murdered William. While wandering in the mountains surrounding his home, Victor encounters the monster. The monster then admits to the murder and tells Victor what happened after his creation. The creature was like a newborn and did not know how to see, let alone communicate. So, he ran off into the woods where he learned how to use his senses. The creature then traveled into a village, seeking help. However, everyone called him a monster and ran away from him because of his hideous appearance. In hopes of finding his creator, the monster started traveling to

In his distress, the creature burns the house and then continues his travels to Geneva promising revenge on his creator. When he arrives in Geneva, he first sees William and approaches him, believing an innocent child may be more generous, as he was not yet scarred by life’s experiences. However, William becomes scared and calls him a monster, leading the creature to strangle young William. After telling Victor his story, the creature argues that since humanity or his own creator would not accept him, he should at least be entitled to a female companion. If Victor creates a female companion, then the creature will flee to South America and never be heard from again. Victor agrees with this reasonable argument. Shortly after Henry and Victor depart from Geneva for a long tour of Britain. This will allow Victor to consult other scientists and give him the solitude to create the creature’s companion. However, while on a small island off the coast of Scotland, Victor starts to question his decision. His creation had already murdered his brother and framed Justine, and there is no way of telling if the monster will keep his