The Role Of Humanity In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Throughout much of Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, the “monster” created is presented in his utter inhumanity. Even his creator looks on him as a wretch; a fiend. His horrid appearance and hideous voice are thought to set him apart from society. Recognizing his rejection, the creation hides away from the world into which he was brought, and lives in solitary. One could argue, though, that Frankenstein represents many of the most basic and carnal instincts of the human person. Deep within each blossoms a need to know who they are and be accepted by others. Frankenstein brings his creature into the world and leaves him to find his own way. The “monster,” forging out his own path, knows nothing of his origins or creator. The creature often ponders, “Who am I? What am I? Whence did I come? What is my destination?” (109). These are the same questions for which humanity has been searching answers since the origins of the …show more content…
The “monster” begs Frankenstein for a female made like himself to live his days out with. Though hardship and unhappiness are both guaranteed for the creation, he still wants somebody to share it with. Loneliness is perhaps the worst curse. During good and bad, both the creature and humanity yearn for another who relates to themselves and loves them despite their flaws. The want for acceptance and love is what wrenches every human heart. This need is a longing which is hopefully filled with friendship, family, and life partners. Frankenstein’s creation, having none of these, goes mad with destruction. It is simple and easy to see Frankenstein in humanity, as well as the humanity in Frankenstein. Just as many often do, when left unaccepted and abandoned, the “monster” becomes a source of hatred and annihilation of all things lovely and innocent, which remind him of his inability to be loved and