Similarities And Differences Between Frankenstein And The Tempest

Caliban and Frankenstein’s Creature are both considered to be monsters due to their physically abhorring appearance. Caliban is said to be “A strange fish.” and the Creature is called a “…vile insect.” by his creator, as well as a “Devil” on multiple occasions. These descriptions imply that these characters are less than human, which introduces the concept of the “other.” Otherness is an idea that is used to analyse the way in which majority and minority groups are constructed, a person or character will become the other when they are categorised into a minority. This categorisation of human beings strips them of their humanity as they are no longer viewed as individuals, but as a representation of a group. It is clear that both Caliban and …show more content…
These aspects of humanity have become accepted and practiced to the point that people now believe them to be innate as opposed to learned behaviours. Both Frankenstein and The Tempest support this statement. This is the ultimate commentary on the human condition that can be made, as it questions whether the human condition is natural, or a human construction created to establish rules that allow a society to prosper. Frankenstein suggests that the human condition is one created by society, this can be seen in the early years of the Creatures life. The Creature, in his early days, only recognises the feelings of hunger and cold, he found himself happiest when warmed by the fire and sheltered from the elements. These are basic human needs as they are imperative for survival, and the Creature spent the first few months of his life only wanting for these necessities. It was not until he learned language from the De Lacey’s and read books on human morality that he started to think less of himself, stating that “My person was hideous and my stature gigantic.” The Creature did not develop a sense of morality, or of justice, until he discovered humanity, and learnt through observation. The Creature’s learned sense of morality is what led to him seeking revenge for the wrongs he had suffered at the hands of Frankenstein, and it also made him feel remorse for those who he killed. Caliban, in this respect, is almost a polar opposite to the Creature. Caliban was taught the difference between right and wrong, as well as how to speak, and he took these teachings and turned them against the people who taught him, “You taught me language, and my profit on’t is, I know how to curse.” Acting out in a way that society deems morally reprehensible, despite knowing that these actions are inherently evil, suggests that humans have the ability to act in ways that make them comparable to