Isolation In Frankenstein

Isolation is a theme commonly explored in written works as a way to further both characters and story development. The epic Beowulf, the dramatic Hamlet by William Shakespeare, and the classic Frankenstein by Mary Shelley are no exceptions to these themes. Characters in these tales are twisted and changed by the loneliness they endure, whether it be self-inflicted or caused by others. They all demonstrate the irreversible effects of solitude on the psyche; the most notable being a descent into madness. Before looking into how isolation is used in these works, one needs to understand how it can affect the human mind. An article from Harvard Medical School states, “Isolation is also associated with elevated risks for heart attack, stroke, chronic

One of these treacherous beings is Grendel, who brutally murders many, and is very similar to the Creation. He and the creatures like him are all isolated from humanity, and when the two species do interact, the monsters are met with hatred and disgust. The introduction of Grendel’s character even states, “The Almighty drove Those demons out, and their exile was bitter, Shut away from men; they split Into a thousand forms of evil…” (1.1.23-26). This statement makes it clear that these “demons” being shut away cause them to fall into their evil ways. Had this bitter shunning never occurred, Grendel and his species never would have been so

In Frankenstein, the Creation suffers immensely because of the alienation he has endured. Prejudice due to his appearance causes him to lose any humanity he may have accrued. While exhausting these feelings to his creator, he says, “There was none among the myriads of men that existed who would pity or assist me; and should I feel kindness towards my enemies? No; from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species…” (Shelley 163). The creature himself makes it clear that mankind’s treatment of him has caused him to turn to murder. Isolation and abuse had caused the deaths of innocents. While the creation is very similar to Grendel, the creator, Victor Frankenstein, is very similar to Hamlet. Victor isolates himself by attempting to hide his emotions and creation. This causes him to experience extreme feelings of anxiety as he attempts to protect the people he loves from the murderer he made. His downfall leads to everyone he cares about dying, including himself, just like