Frankenstein Quotes About Friendship

Friendship and Social Connection in Frankenstein and Stranger Things
There have been many stories told under the genre of speculative fiction, with some gaining more fame than others. Amongst these most famous over the last two centuries include Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and in more modern days, the Duffer Brothers critically acclaimed horror series Stranger Things. Frankenstein (1818) follows the story of the book’s namesake, Victor Frankenstein; The young medical student, who stumbles upon the secrets of reincarnation, becomes obsessed with the idea. His resulting creature becomes lonely and unhappy, seeking murderous revenge against his creator. The story of Stranger Things (2016) takes place in 1980s Indiana, when a young group of teenagers

(The Health Benefits of Good Friends, 2022). Without a sense of purpose, and social connections, disastrous consequences can occur. One of the biggest conveyors of purpose is a child’s name. Without a name, there is no way to address someone, and thus, further isolation easily occurs. In Frankenstein, Shelley has made distinct social commentary on the importance of friendship and purpose, and the consequences that the lack of purpose can have. A sense of purpose, in many relationships, is given in a name. In the case of Victor’s creation, however, there is no name given. Victor rejects his creation, and casts it out. The monster had “ought to be [Victor’s] Adam; but [he is] rather the fallen angel…” This allusion to the bible, reflecting the viewpoints of the time, shows the monsters sadness at his rejection, how he wishes to be revered like God did Adam. Yet he compares himself to Lucifer, the fallen angel, cast out without purpose. This is in stark comparison to Eleven in Stranger Things. Eleven, although reduced only to a number for most of her life, is eventually fortunate enough to gain the friendship of a young group of teenagers. These teenagers give Eleven the nickname El. This then creates a sense of purpose for El and shapes her social connections. This positive change is highlighted in the increased lighting in the scenes El is present in with her friends. This helps set the tone of the story after she receives a name and allows modern audiences to respond in an increased emotional way to the gaining of