Isolation In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

The human inclination to belong is more than a superficial urge of social standing; it is an underlying need for satisfaction and mental well-being. Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein examines the complexity of human relationships and the impact of social isolation. Throughout history, societal criticisms based on others’ external appearances have created several global injustices, such as racism and sexism. Shelley demonstrates this theme in her classic gothic horror story through the Monster. Throughout his life, humans abandoned and isolated the Monster. Irrespective of the Monster’s loving and compassionate nature, society refrains from acknowledging the Monster’s true identity and considers the Monster to be innately violent and cruel due

Their guidance shapes the future values and identity of these children. In both the novel and reality, lacking adequate care typically leads to individuals suffering and resorting to crime. The Monster, an unnatural being created in a lab by Victor Frankenstein, is abandoned due to his “demoniacal” (Shelley 57) appearance. The author utilizes an allusion to the biblical figure, Adam, to illustrate the Monster’s hate towards Frankenstein for rejecting him. He says, “I remembered Adam’s supplication to his Creator. But where was mine? He had abandoned me, and in the bitterness of my heart I cursed him” (Shelley 127). Hence, after facing an enormous amount of discrimination, the Monster furiously vows “eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind” (Shelley 137). However, he decides to torment those that Frankenstein holds dear, which demonstrates how his true issue does not lie with humankind, but with his creator, whom he considers the cause of all his misfortunes. According to research, “[n]eglected children and those who are exposed to abuse are more likely to be prosecuted for juvenile delinquency” (“Effects of bad…”), which may clarify why the Monster resorts to violence for vengeance. Furthermore, “Children who are exposed to abuse and violence are likely to become violent people” (“Effects of bad…”). Similarly, the Monster was abandoned to survive alone in the midst of a

It often greatly influences the way humans discern ideas, objects, and people. One would assume that the Monster’s nature of creation is the root cause of his malignant disposition. However, his initial thoughts and longings are the same as humans. The author uses this discrepancy to beg the question of who is actually the miscreant. In the beginning, the Monster "did not yet entirely know the fatal effects of this miserable deformity” (Shelley 110). Although, as the Monster is introduced to society, he encounters prejudice from every individual he confronts. Unable to understand this injustice, the Monster proclaims, "This was then the reward of my benevolence! I had saved a human being from destruction, and [...], I now writhed under the miserable pain of a wound […]. The feelings of kindness and gentleness, which I had entertained but a few moments before, gave place to hellish rage and gnashing of teeth” (Shelley 137). This quote correlates to the many "[s]tudies [that] have shown that a person targeted by stereotype expectations [...] may end up behaving as the stereotype" (“Consequences of Prejudice”). Furthermore, the premature judgements held against the Monster result in his eternal solitude. The endless desolation the Monster faces can be regarded as the primary cause of the Monster accepting his identity as a sinful creature. The Monster's allusion to Satan illustrates how prejudice