In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the author explores a trio of topics: knowledge, nature, and isolation, utilized in sequence to expand the meaning of the story to reflect the contrast of man's mental health. Man’s self-knowledge creates his nature, or in this situation, the nature of his surroundings. When the monster realizes his inadequacy in the perception of others, the result is isolation through his fight to avoid his understanding of how he is truly viewed by the village. Similarly, knowledge of his appearance is dangerous, “...and when I became fully convinced that I was, in reality, the monster that I am, I was filled with the bitterest sensations of despondence and mortification.” (Shelley, 80) Frankenstein’s monster tried to fit into the village with the desire of acceptance but received only hate and fear from the humans, because of this he swore revenge …show more content…
Frankenstein escaped from all of his fears and problems by seeking the silence and restoration of nature. He contrasts the beauty of nature with the horridness of the monster. While the monster is unpleasant and ugly, nature remains idyllic and peaceful. Finally, isolation leads to destructive decisions, "God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him, but I am solitary and abhorred." (Shelley, 93) As the monster further explores himself through the lens of others, he fulfills what he fears. The disdain from society left the monster alone. His desire for societal acceptance prompts inadequacy that gives way to his true monster and murders Frankenstein's family and friends. As can be seen, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a tragic novel that explores the creation of man and his self-knowledge that spirals into an abyss of discovery and death. Nature, knowledge, and isolation define the milestones that spiral out of