The Theme Of Social Isolation In Frankenstein
The Theme of Isolation in “Frankenstein” Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” discusses numerous themes, however, one of the most prevalent is the theme of Isolation. Shelley relays this theme through the characters of Robert Walton, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, as well as Frankenstein’s monster in their letters, thoughts and actions, respectively. Each character will experience the multiple facets of this theme countless times throughout the novel, and all will make critical decisions regarding their place in society.
Isolation can change the way someone thinks about themselves which in turn will cause self esteem to go down. Also, in an article by William Walling, “Frankenstein.” Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism”, different examples of isolations effects are revealed. Walling talks about how the monster longs for someone to love him so that he will no longer feel isolated. Walling writes, “ his deepest need the desire for a human relationship.
Emotional and physical isolation in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein are the most pertinent and prevailing themes throughout the novel. These themes are so important because everything the monster, Victor, and Robert Walton do or feel directly relates to their poignant seclusion. The effects of this terrible burden have progressively damaging results upon the three.
In her novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley uses the characters of Victor and the monster in order to support the idea that humanity needs other people to define themselves in today’s world. Without having connections and relationships the idea of being able to define oneself, or even another person, is harder. Today’s society is based on the fact that humanity survives because of these important connections and relationships. Without other people living near each other in this world, people have trouble making positive connections. The monster needs other people for him to define himself.
Mary Shelley's 1831 gothic novel Frankenstein demonstrates the negative impact of isolation through her depiction of its protaganist/antagonist Victor Frankenstein and The Creature, whose isolation is a byproduct of their nature. For Victor, his isolation is self-inflicted because he is unable to share his secrets with even his loved ones. For The Creature, his isolation is caused by who/what he is and his inability to ever be accepted by society. Victor's isolation is, more or less, self-inflicted. In the beginning of the plot, Victor spirits himself away from his loved ones in pursuit of his ambition: conquering nature and creating a new lifeform.
Selam Teshome G. Bryan Pre-AP English 10 27 January 2023 Frankenstein: The Real Monster Isolation can cause the deaths of those closest to you. Isolation plays a significant part in the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. There are many important themes within Frankenstein, such as ambition, isolation, and vengeance. The author applies loneliness and isolation as well as the lack of a parental figure to convey the various feelings the Creature and Frankenstein both have throughout the story because of how similar their experiences are. The Creature faces isolation because of Victor's irresponsibility, inevitably making Victor the monster.
It is quite telling that the most severe punishment in our society other than the death penalty or torture is solitary confinement. Although, isolation is in itself a form of torture, it can drive someone to the brink of insanity. Although published nearly 200 years ago, Mary Shelley clearly understood the potential detrimental effects of isolation, as demonstrated in her famous novel, Frankenstein, where both main characters, Victor Frankenstein and his creation, suffer from and cause isolation for the other. Mary Shelley directs the reader to believe that isolation is the true evil, not the monster, Victor or any emotion inside of them. At the beginning of the novel, Victor is isolated from other people, causing to forget his scientific
Mary Shelley, in her book, Frankenstein, has a reoccurring theme of isolation, in which she isolates the main character, Victor Frankenstein, from the rest of society in order to create a creature. Likewise, the creature that is created is also isolated from the rest of society as he is rejected from his creator as to his appearance. The theme is present throughout the novel as it reinforces Victor’s downfall from a normal boy to a grown man intrigued with creating life as he slowly becomes a madman that everyone soon fears. Isolation causes a loss of humanity as it affects the mind and body. Isolation from society does not teach social interaction, causes regret about oneself, provides one with negative feelings, and causes regretful actions.
One of the most obvious tensions in Frankenstein is the creature's isolation. Even though he made efforts to find a companion, he had lived alone since the day he was created. His predicament is primarily a result of being shunned by society due to his appearance. Victor Frankenstein, who created him, said he was repulsive and “his yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath." (Shelly, Ch 5)
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."
By denying both main characters the sensation of domestic affection, or any other kind of social belonging, Mary Shelley highlights the importance thereof. The resulting isolation became the driving force behind both Frankenstein and his creation’s abominable actions which, in turn, shows that trying to avoid isolation and seeking the feeling of social belonging is the primary message of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and of
19). The monster does not want anyone to see him, because of the hatred towards him. He only wants to have a friend to express himself. He wants someone to listen to him to help him coupe all of his problems. The monster believes that everyone needs a companion, and everyone needs someone to go to when they feel sad and depressed.
Victor Frankenstein fabricates a creature into the world out of the ambition to create a new species that will serve the purpose of being a new species. Victor immediately shuns his piece and flees after he had realized what he has created. “I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created , I rushed out if the room…”(Shelley 45). Placing the creature in a position to fend for itself right after birth knowing absolutely nothing.
Although he comes with friendly intentions, the Monster is treated violently and with contempt, essentially being forced into his alienation to survive and becoming the “monster” he is already thought of as a result. The Monster’s actions are a response to the treatment he has received from others, everyday villagers and Victor alike. With little known about his origins and no way to explain himself, there is no hope for the Monster to assimilate himself. This is present in other characters of the novel as well, for example, Richard Walton, who has self-alienated in order to gain distinction and knowledge. The Monsters origins and appearance develop these themes of alienation throughout the novel, themes that are further developed by other characters and play an important role in delivering the message of
They ways in which they are affected by this abandonment proves that isolation has grave effects on human interaction and social development. One way that the theme of isolation negatively affecting social development is presented in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is through the character’s separation from their creators. The creature is abandoned by Victor, his creator, as soon as he awakes.
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