In Mary Shelley’s iconic novel, Frankenstein, the Creature created by Victor Frankenstein is often portrayed as a monstrous and evil being. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the Creature is not the true monster in the story. In fact, it can be argued that the Creature carries out barely any of the deeds that paint him as a monster, especially after his abandonment by his creator. In this article, we will delve deeper into the actions of the Creature and how they do not align with the image of a typical monster.
First and foremost, it is important to understand the circumstances under which the Creature was created. Victor Frankenstein, a young and ambitious scientist, creates the Creature in an attempt to play God and bring life to a lifeless body. However, upon seeing the Creature come to life, Victor is horrified and abandons him, leaving the Creature to fend for himself in a world that is unfamiliar and hostile to him. This abandonment is the catalyst for the Creature’s actions, and it can be argued that he is not entirely responsible for them.
One of the most significant deeds that paint the Creature as a monster is the murder of Victor’s younger brother, William. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the Creature did not commit this act out of pure evil. In fact, the Creature had come across William in the woods and was drawn to his innocence and beauty. He had no intention of harming the child, but when William mentioned his relation to Victor, the Creature’s anger and resentment towards his creator took over, leading to the tragic event. This shows that the Creature’s actions were not driven by a desire to cause harm, but rather a deep-seated pain and longing for acceptance and love.
Furthermore, the Creature’s interactions with the De Lacey family also shed light on his true nature. Despite being rejected and attacked by society, the Creature still longs for human connection and attempts to befriend the blind father of the De Lacey family. He even goes as far as to save a young girl from drowning, showcasing his compassion and empathy. However, when his attempts at friendship are met with fear and violence, the Creature is once again reminded of his outcast status and is driven to seek revenge against his creator.
It is also important to note that the Creature’s actions are a direct result of his abandonment and lack of guidance. He is a being with no knowledge of the world or its customs, and his actions are often misguided and misunderstood. For instance, when the Creature demands that Victor create a companion for him, it is not out of a desire for destruction, but rather a longing for companionship and a sense of belonging. His request is denied, and he is once again left alone, leading to his destructive actions towards Victor’s loved ones.
Moreover, the Creature’s self-awareness and remorse for his actions also set him apart from a typical monster. He is constantly plagued by guilt and regret for the pain he has caused, and even attempts to make amends by saving a young girl from a burning house. This shows that the Creature is not a mindless monster, but rather a complex being capable of emotions and introspection.
In conclusion, it is evident that the Creature in Frankenstein is not the true monster in the story. His actions are a result of his abandonment and lack of guidance, and he is constantly driven by a longing for love and acceptance. It is only when he is rejected and mistreated by society that he turns to destructive means. Therefore, it is unfair to label the Creature as a monster solely based on his physical appearance and actions. Instead, we should look deeper into his character and understand the circumstances that led to his actions. After all, as the saying goes, “monsters are not born, they are made.”
