A Tale of Two Tragedies
A tragic hero is a character with a great flaw; this flaw, once realized, will be the downfall of the character and the eventual destruction of themselves. Poisonwood Bible, by Barbra Kingslover and Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley both have perfect examples of tragic heroes. Nathan and the monster both are considered tragic figures in these novels. Each of them has given up their life to continue with one reason to live. The monster has realized that he cannot be accepted into the world because of his looks and Nathan believes that God despises him for being a coward. Nathan gives up his life for redemption and the monster for revenge. Each one is looking for something in their life that will change how they feel
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Each character was willing to commit their life to one thing; each causing sorrow to them and their loved ones. The monster committed his entire life to getting revenge on Frankenstein. The monster caused so much pain for Victor that his action greatly contributed to the novels entire tragedy. When the monster was first created, he was abandoned and disowned by his creator. He wandered off into forest and learned how to survive on his own. When he tries to connect with other people be is also rejected by them. He stumbles upon a peasant family and hides in a shed learning how to read, write, and speak. After months of learning he finally decides to confront the family and see of they will accept him. When he does, it is a complete disaster and he runs away in anguish: “My heart sunk within me as with bitter sickness, and I refrained. I saw him on the point of repeating his blow, when, overcome by pain and anguish, I quitted the cottage, and in the general tumult escaped unperceived to my hovel” (137). The monster has felt the pain of rejection from human society. He understands what it is like to be hated because of his appearance. This is the start of the monsters downfall, he lets the rage he feels consumes him: “Cursed, cursed, creator! Why did I live?” (138). This is the point at which the monster lets his rage take over him. He needs to revenge his creator for giving him