Effects Of Isolation In Frankenstein

In the novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelly, demonstrates the negative effects isolation can have on the individual when it is imposed by a prejudiced and antipathetic society. The theme of isolation is carried throughout the entire book. It is shown in Victor’s life, and also in the creature’s life (that Victor created) by their personal actions that they make. Victor’s obsessive personality is shown when he first begins work and he not only becomes emotionally isolated, but it causes him to become physically isolated due to illness. The creature does not outcast himself, but rather is outcasted by others due to the opinions of society based off of his hideous looks. Both Victor and the creature’s issues cause them turmoil and eventually they …show more content…
His obsession with the science of life and death overtakes his life and he soon becomes a recluse. With no contact to the outside world, Victor “worked hard for nearly two years” (56). He ignored any letters that he received from home, even after his father’s request that “we shall hear regularly from you” (54). After completing the strenuous work it took to finish the creature, Victor finds that his creation is much more horrific than he could have expected. Once he realizes that he created a “monster”, Victor tries to cope by continuing to live in his own world instead of going back home to his friends and family. He secludes himself to the extremes, so much so, that he “was oppressed by a slow fever, and and became nervous to the most painful degree” (55). He takes his seclusion past the emotional stage and is literally causing himself physical pain and …show more content…
People ran at the sight of him and refused to give anything with such “breathless horror” (56) a chance to create relationships in the world around him. The creature feels like an outcast mainly because his creator is ashamed of him. He does not understand why or “how, then must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things” (86). He is already living a lonely life and when he thinks about how “you [Victor] , my creator, detest and spurn me,” (86). it enrages him. He feels as though Victor has caused this life for him in a sense because he, himself, never gave the creature a chance. This seclusion explains the rage that is within the monster and is the main reason why he kills all of Victor’s loved ones. There was a slight moment in the book when the creature felt like he may have a chance to have a place in society when he is talking to De Lacey, but when he is scared off by the rest of the family when they return home, he realizes that he “possessed no money, no friends, no kind of property,” (148). The creature comes to the realization that he is lonely and admits it, but this submission to his thoughts causes a craving for attention, ultimately turning him into a real