Elizabeth Pace Doctor Jane Hinckley IHUM 202-001 2 August 2023 Monsters Must First be Seen as Victims Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s novel Frankenstein contains several elements that comment on the unnatural formation and tragic life of Frankenstein’s monster. There are moments where the reader feels pity for the creature, followed by moments of disgust at his actions. As the reader continues, they are left to ponder if Frankenstien’s creation was constructed as a monster from the beginning or if his monstrous demeanor was developed through choices and unjust segregation from society. In the scene where Frankenstein’s monster interacts with Mr. De Lacey and his family, the reader can perceive crucial insights, allowing them to come to a conclusion on the nature of the Creature. These insights are procured from analyzing the Creature’s fixation on sight, his attempt at procuring a fatherly figure, as well as the restraint he showed in the face of persecution. These three moments testify to the transformative moment when Frankenstein’s creation truly becomes a monster, supporting the argument that monster’s are partly victims of …show more content…
Shelley chose to use the word “clung” to describe the Creature’s actions moments before Felix De Lacey began beating him. The creature attempted to unite himself with old De Lacey. This demonstrates the Creatures desire to remain on the path of goodness and belonging. He desired to fuel his innate nature within and build upon the virtues inside of him. As Felix “tore” the Creature away, he separated him from the path of goodness, leaving his soul exposed to feelings of resentment and loneliness. The circumstances of this separation created emptiness. When there is no longer good to fill the void, it is easily replaced with