Luke Miller Mrs. Tiller Honors English 10 4 March 2024 The Evils of Monster and Man “Man's constitution is so peculiar that his health is purely a negative matter. No sooner is the rage of hunger appeased than it becomes difficult to comprehend the meaning of starvation. It is only when you suffer that you really understand” In all facets of life, though sometimes obscured, no man is exempt from sadness and rage. Amongst men, these traits are prevalent across all kinds of people. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, both Victor and his creation experience the horrors of humanity, each experiencing both anger and sorrow, which makes them more “human” as a result. Victor, untouched by the evils of humanity, becomes more human through his suffering. …show more content…
This event, marking the first real struggle in his life, introduces him to a key component of humanity, sorrow. After seeing the monster flee from the site of William’s murder, Victor thinks, “No one can conceive the anguish I suffered during the remainder of the night [...] my imagination was busy in scenes of evil and despair” (Shelley 65). After ascertaining the killer of his brother, Victor’s previously chaotic emotions find focus upon his creation. This vice was unknown to him and with its introduction in his life, Victor begins to truly understand humanity, of which he was before separated from. As Victor pursues the creature across Europe, Victor becomes certain, “For this purpose I will preserve my life; to execute this herbage of earth [...] Let the cursed and hellish monster drink deep of agony; let him feel the despair that now torments me” (Shelley 196). Wrought by the destruction of his life, as so many before him experienced, Victor chooses the most obvious option of all men. He forgoes himself and embraces the darkness of humanity, hatred, and finds himself fueled and pushed by it to fulfill his