Solitude And Isolation In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Solitude is a double-edged sword that not only destroys one’s self esteem, but causes destruction to those around them. Although it provides a false sense of tranquility, solitude can also unleash a dark and relentless emotional storm that leaves a person feeling lost, hopeless, and hateful. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley illustrates the destructive power solitude holds and how it can shatter even the most resilient of spirits. The theme of solitude and isolation play a significant role in the novel, leading both Victor and his monster to suffer from depression, loneliness, and a desire for love or revenge. The monster's isolation from society fuels his feelings of anger from his abandonment, ultimately leading him to seek revenge against his

This is highlighted in the quote, “These bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow beings. If the multitude of mankind knew of my existence, they would do as you do, and arm themselves for my destruction. Shall I not then hate them who abhor me? I will keep no terms with my enemies. I am miserable, and they shall share my wretchedness.” (Shelly 91). The monster's distaste for the company of humans is clearly illustrated as the creature states that he finds more comfort in “bleak skies” than when he is in the company of people; despite the fact that by referring to the skies as bleak it creates a feeling of despair for the reader. By referring to the sky in a depressing manner, the reader is better able to visualize how awful the monster's experiences have been with humans. The statement "If the multitude of mankind knew of my existence, they would do as you do, and arm themselves for my destruction” supports the idea that the monster's experiences with people have been so horrific that he expects nothing but hostility and aggression from them. Such treatment has forced him into isolation. By being forced to live a life of loneliness time and time again the monster's hatred for humans is fueled, causing him to refuse to make peace with humans. The monster's intense feelings of isolation and rejection

When working on the creation of his monster, Victor withdraws himself from all human interaction, disregarding his family's letters and plunging himself into a life of seclusion. This self-imposed isolation triggers Victor's descent into madness. “My cheek had grown pale with study, and my person had become emaciated with confinement… My limbs now tremble, and my eyes swim with the remembrance; but then a resistless, and almost frantic impulse, urged me forward. I seemed to have lost all soul or sensation but for this one pursuit.” (Shelly 42). As Victor progresses in his study to reanimate life, the reader is able to see the slow progression of madness that Victor undergoes. This madness causes Victor to disregard his needs and allow himself to be engulfed in isolation. This isolation makes him sick physically and mentally. That is what is meant when Victor states, “my cheek had grown pale with study, and my person had become emaciated with confinement”. The isolation has caused him to become fragile and regretful. Victor becomes stuck in a relentless cycle of regret and a desire for success. This idea is proven when he states “My limbs now tremble, and my eyes swim with the remembrance; but then a resistless, and almost frantic impulse, urged me forward”. His obsession of creating life torments Victor every time he considers quitting or simply resting. The danger of solitude is further emphasized in this