Theme Of Identity In Frankenstein

Frankenstein is described as the modern-day Prometheus since 1823. In Greek mythology, Prometheus is the creator and protector of people. Frankenstein has had many adaptations since it was first published in 1818. Most have failed to stay true to the original novel. The closest adaptation that captures the essence of the novel is the 1994 Kenneth Branagh film.
The protagonist Victor, seeks a way to create life artificially. One theme of the text is that human should not meddle with creation, if they do, they will be punished. In “Frankenstein: In a Better Light” by Lisa Nocks states, “the text implies the enormous cost of the irresponsible application of knowledge for egotistical, rather than altruistic purposes” ( ). Victor lacks forethought, he does not think about how the public will react to the Creature. He wants to create life, but is not ready to offer physical and emotional needs for the Creature.
Both the novel and film show the …show more content…
Because Victor abandoned him, he does not know where he comes from and he has no identity. In both the film and novel the Creature searches for his identity. He does not understand why he has been treated so badly. The film is successful in depicting the creatures as a sympathetic character, who is a victim of an irresponsible creator and the public’s fear. In the film the creature tries to reason why he’s been treated as bad. He explains to the blind DeLacy that “it is because they are so very beautiful and I am so very ugly” ( ). The Creature knows that he is different from natural born people in some ways, but he knows that he shares the same emotions. The Creature becomes more violent after he rejected by society and after Victor does not want to create him a companion. “His eventual violent behavior is a result of the abuse he experiences, and ultimately his feeling that he does not fit in anywhere” (