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Unveiling The Humanity Within The Monstrosity In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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Unveiling the Humanity Within the Monstrosity: A Deep Dive into Frankenstein's Creature Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a seminal work of Gothic literature that continues to captivate readers with its exploration of human ambition, moral responsibility, and the consequences of scientific hubris. At the heart of the novel lies the enigmatic character of Frankenstein's Creature, whose complex identity and existential struggles serve as a focal point for Shelley's thematic exploration. In this essay, we will delve into the depths of Frankenstein's Creature, unraveling the layers of humanity within his perceived monstrosity and examining the lasting impact of his narrative. The origins of Frankenstein's Creature lie in the ambitious scientific experiments …show more content…

However, his creation, initially conceived as a triumph of science, soon becomes a source of horror and revulsion. The Creature's monstrous appearance, juxtaposed with his innate humanity and longing for companionship, underscores the moral and existential dilemmas inherent in Victor's reckless pursuit of knowledge. Frankenstein's Creature emerges as a complex and multifaceted character, caught between the dualities of his existence. On one hand, he possesses a keen intellect, emotional depth, and a yearning for connection and understanding. On the other hand, his grotesque appearance and status as an artificial being condemn him to a life of isolation and loneliness. The Creature's interactions with human society reveal the depth of his existential angst and the complexities of his identity. Despite his attempts to forge meaningful relationships and integrate into human society, the Creature is met with fear, rejection, and violence at every turn. His search for belonging and acceptance serves as a poignant commentary on the human capacity for cruelty and the consequences of societal …show more content…

Moreover, the Creature's narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, the consequences of societal prejudice, and the importance of empathy and compassion in the face of difference. In conclusion, Frankenstein's Creature remains one of literature's most compelling and multifaceted characters, embodying themes of existential angst, societal alienation, and the search for identity and belonging. Through his journey of self-discovery and redemption, the Creature challenges readers to confront their own prejudices and assumptions about what it means to be human. Despite his monstrous exterior, the creature's inner humanity shines through, reminding us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and acceptance in the face of difference. As we continue to grapple with questions of ethics, technology, and the nature of humanity, the lessons of Frankenstein's Creature remain as relevant and poignant as

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In the Gothic Novel, Frankenstein, by Mary W. Shelley, the moral conscience of the two main characters, Victor Frankenstein and the Creature is a prominent theme throughout the novel. The novel explores the consequences of reckless ambition and the responsibilities that come with creating life. Victor's ambition and the subsequent abandonment of his creation lead to devastating outcomes, while the Creature's yearning for acceptance and love exposes the dark side of human nature. Through the contrasting experiences of Victor and the Creature, Mary Shelley highlights the importance of moral conscience and the consequences of failing to exercise it. Both Victor and the Creature exhibit moral conscience by acknowledging the ungodly actions they do throughout the novel.

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As the creature becomes more isolated and embittered, his view of the world becomes increasingly bleak. He sees humanity as inherently flawed and cruel, driven by fear and prejudice. This perception is reinforced by his experiences with Victor Frankenstein, who embodies the destructive potential of unchecked ambition. Despite his negative view of humanity, the creature still yearns for connection and understanding. He longs for companionship and a sense of belonging.

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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.

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Throughout the novel Frankenstein, the characters Victor and the Creature often have their conflict but readers can also sense some similarities between the two. While the audience can never distinguish which characters play “heroes” or “villains” in the novel, the readers can often distinguish the two main characters differences and similarities. The more that the novel continues the more similarities arise between the two including their feelings of isolation, wishes for a family or companionship, and capability for love and hatred. Within the first 10 chapters of the novel, the readers begin to understand the characters Victor and “The Creature’s” experiences with isolation and abandonment, but both experience neglect in their own way.

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“We’ve lost control of our relationship with technology because technology has become better at controlling us” (Bosker 58). In this quote, Tristan Harris, a former product philosopher at Google, describes how technology is advancing at a rapid rate and how it is becoming increasingly challenging to adapt to such changes. This rapid advancement of technology is taking the world by storm. Some characteristics of human reaction to these changes in technology are apparent in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein such as: ignorance, rebellion, and chaos. The Dictionary definition of monstrosity is defined as “a grossly malformed animal, plant, or person” and “something that is outrageously or offensively wrong,” but something that is monstrous can be monstrous

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Duality is shown in Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, a gothic tale of a scientist whom looks to advance the life-giving qualities of mother nature. Through this novel, Shelley proves that good and evil in human nature is not always simple to define, and that everyone has both of these qualities within them. The duality of human nature is shown through the characters of Victor Frankenstein and his monster, who are both heroes in the novel while simultaneously displaying anti-hero qualities. Shelley forces the reader to sympathize with them both but also creates gruesome ideas of the two. Frankenstein’s creature places himself in a submissive position when he begs his creator to have mercy on him and asking the creator to “create a female for [him] with whom [he] can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for [his] being.”

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In the novel Frankenstein,by Mary Shelley, the mysterious and unnatural origins of the character of Frankenstein’s monster are an important element. The Monster, having been created unethically and haphazardly, is at odds throughout the novel, resulting in his alienation from society and prolonged feelings of anger, desertion, and loneliness. Shaping his character, his relationships with other characters, and the meaning of the work as a whole, the Monster’s origins are what define him. The Monster faces rejection and violence every time he attempts to make contact with the new, foreign world he has been thrust into.

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