Jordanna Calderhead Mrs. Riordan AP Lit & Comp 26 February 2024 The Monster in the Mirror: How Mary Shelley Defines Monstrosity in Frankenstein In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, Shelley uses the novel’s two main characters to suggest that we might be more “monstrous” than we think — and that we could even be surrounded by “monsters” all the time. When Frankenstein, an eager scientist, discovers how to spark life, he decides to fashion his own living creature from dismembered body parts in hopes of new discoveries and research, yet contrary to his expectations, this creation turns out to be a hideous monster who craves vengeance for the way others have treated him, causing Frankenstein to flee while the “Monster” destroys everyone he loves. …show more content…
No male creature, it seems, should be without the option of a female counterpart, and the pain it causes him seems to at least momentarily excuse or explain any number of bad acts” (186). He goes on to say, “The creature’s planned fate both derives from and seeks to preserve his singularity, an inescapable and absolute condition of being that has given him great pain” (187). It might be the case that these unfair and unfortunate conditions that are set against the Monster provide him with a sort of excuse, because there is actually evidence for his humanity being stronger than his monstrosity. A great deal of the Monster’s treatment appears to be solely based on his appearance, which gives the illusion that he should be considered inhuman, when really it is not so. Matthew notices this unequal treatment in the case of the DeLaceys by noting that “The question [the monster] asks as he anxiously wonders how he will be received by the family is one for all of society: ‘Could they turn from their door one, however monstrous, who solicited their compassion and friendship?’”