Frankenstein: The True Monster

In Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, although the creature is physically grotesque, Victor’s actions and emotions are monstrous. Both Victor and the creature become isolated from society. However Victor’s isolation is caused by his own greed for knowledge, whereas the creature has no choice, as he is rejected from society. Victor’s inhumane nature is evident when he refuses to comply with his son’s request for a mate. Even though both Victor and the creature commit horrible crimes, only the creature is capable of taking responsibility for his actions. Although at first glance the creature in Frankenstein is evil, the true villain is his creator, Victor.

Though both characters are isolated from society, the cause of their seclusion demonstrates the true nature of the individuals. For instance, Victor becomes isolated from the world due to his intense efforts in attempting to create life. He becomes so engaged in his studies that:

I proceeded and soon became so ardent and eager that the stars often disappeared in the light of morning whilst I engaged in my laboratory…Two years passed in this manner, during which I paid no visit to Geneva (35).

It is evident that Victor’s ego conquers his humanity. Since his greed for knowledge engulfs his life, Victor destroys his relationship with his family. Therefore, Victor’s isolation is brought upon himself as he encompassed his life with work instead of family. In contrast to this, the creature is rejected from society. When the creature tries to reach out to Mr. DeLacy, an old blind man, his son comes: “In a transport of fury, he dashed me to the ground and struck me violently with a stick”(119-120). As a result of this constant rejection, the creature becomes an outsider on account of his deformities. Therefore the creature is isolated from society, without his consent. Through this comparison, it is apparent that Victor is less humane than the creature.

The true villainous nature of Victor is exposed when he refuses the creature’s one request. After being rejected from society and his creator, the creature still seeks acceptance. He believes that a female creature could fulfill this feeling. Therefore, he asks Victor to create a mate for him. Although Victor initially complies with this request, he shatters the creature’s hopes when: “I thought with a sensation of madness on my promise of creating another like to him, and trembling with passion, tore to pieces the thing on which I was engaged. The wretch saw me destroy the creature on whose future existence he depended for happiness.” (151) Since Victor did not realize the consequences of creating a son he has a certain responsibility towards the creature. One of these duties is to ensure the happiness of his son. Yet by refusing to create a mate, Victor is not fulfilling his obligation as a father. After multiple rejections, the creature only wants to feel happiness and acceptance by someone. However, Victor is going to refuse this opportunity. Consequently, Victor’s inhumane nature is apparent after denying his son happiness.

Throughout this novel, both Victor and the creature commit horrible crimes. However only the creature is capable of taking responsibility for his