Humanity During Covid-19 Lockdown

Grace Zimmerman Mrs. Tiller Honors English 10 7 March 2024 Humanity During Covid-19 lockdown, the lack of social stimulation was very isolating and dehumanizing. Every bit of time was dedicated to school Zoom calls and simply getting through the global pandemic. Many suffered from the lack of communication, and social skills became majorly impaired. Social stimulation is vital to mental health. In Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, Victor isolates himself in his studies, but the creature is the opposite, desperate to be included and accepted. The creature becomes more human while Victor’s humanity weakens, demonstrating how desires change the course of life. Over time, the creature becomes more human as he desires to connect with those around him, resulting in a

To become more like the villagers, he mimics their behavior and language. Refused by the village family, the creature recognizes his urge to hurt them, “But my heart sunk within me as with bitter sickness, and I refrained” (Shelley 127). Rather than retaliating in a monstrous way, the creature retires in sadness. His desire for connection makes him sensitive to rejection. While mourning the death of Victor, the creature calls out: “Polluted by crimes, and torn by the bitterest remorse, where can I find rest but in death?” (Shelley 215). The creature feels a regret that no true monster is capable of. He recalls his harshness and expresses remorse. Unlike Frankenstein, who dies pursuing his goal of destroying the monster, the monster dies because he cannot live with what he has done. No inhumane creature would feel as strong of regret as the creature feels now. Victor loses his humanity during his pursuit of knowledge and revenge, leaving him with a life consumed by grief and an inability to right his wrongs. While talking to Robert about his venture, Victor urges: “I have lost everything, and cannot begin life anew” (Shelley