Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share feelings of another. In literature, empathy is constructed between the reader and the characters through precise word choice and character interactions. Shelley crafted her story within the standards of the Gothic Romantic movement, including several common themes of the time, including empathy and emotions. Emotions are the inspiration of most actions. Shelley’s novel is driven by feelings of loneliness, rage, hatred, disgust, and fear. Different perspectives bring forth different emotions for the same events. Without different points of view, the characters gain a reputation that may not necessarily be true.
Readers only have Frankenstein’s perspective to draw conclusions from, therefore …show more content…
As the Creature learned language and morals from the cottagers, he realized he “required kindness and sympathy; but [he] did not believe [himself] utterly unworthy of it,” (119). This brings forward the appearance of an intelligent creature who longs only for acceptance and nurturing which was never provided for him. “At this point in the novel, the reader's sympathies have shifted away from the horrified Frankenstein and toward the speaking creature, whose language is at least as powerful as the words earlier spoken about him,” (Mellor). Through his internal monologue, he gains sympathy from the readers for his tortured and lonely existence. As the Creature verbally relates his tale to his creator, Frankenstein “compassionated him and sometimes felt a wish to console him,” …show more content…
Each encounter he had with humans pushed him farther from humanity. He was “miserable from the barbarity of man,” (94). After being rejected by De Lacey, the Creature was driven by spite and hosted a deep hatred for all mankind in his heart. Beyond this dedication of malice, readers learn the motives behind the Creature’s killings and malicious actions: revenge. Frankenstein brought the Creature into the world, but neglected him any companionship, nurturing, or general sympathy. When he confronts his creator, the Creature asks, “why I should pity man more than he pities me?” displaying his belief in the ‘eye for an eye’
Readers only have Frankenstein’s perspective to draw conclusions from, therefore …show more content…
As the Creature learned language and morals from the cottagers, he realized he “required kindness and sympathy; but [he] did not believe [himself] utterly unworthy of it,” (119). This brings forward the appearance of an intelligent creature who longs only for acceptance and nurturing which was never provided for him. “At this point in the novel, the reader's sympathies have shifted away from the horrified Frankenstein and toward the speaking creature, whose language is at least as powerful as the words earlier spoken about him,” (Mellor). Through his internal monologue, he gains sympathy from the readers for his tortured and lonely existence. As the Creature verbally relates his tale to his creator, Frankenstein “compassionated him and sometimes felt a wish to console him,” …show more content…
Each encounter he had with humans pushed him farther from humanity. He was “miserable from the barbarity of man,” (94). After being rejected by De Lacey, the Creature was driven by spite and hosted a deep hatred for all mankind in his heart. Beyond this dedication of malice, readers learn the motives behind the Creature’s killings and malicious actions: revenge. Frankenstein brought the Creature into the world, but neglected him any companionship, nurturing, or general sympathy. When he confronts his creator, the Creature asks, “why I should pity man more than he pities me?” displaying his belief in the ‘eye for an eye’