In Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”, appearance and exterior beauty are used as methods for determining the superiority, acceptance, and status of an individual of society. Through her characters, Shelley emphasizes the unfortunate importance of beauty in first impressions, the superiority of good-looking individuals, and reliance on outer beauty for pleasure. It’s although inner beauty lacks importance and outer beauty is all that is significant to humanity. We are introduced to several good-looking characters, such as Elizabeth and Justine, and a much less appealing one, the creature, who serve as clear examples of the lack of regard for one’s inner-self and the dejected consequences of not being attractive. Throughout the novel, appearance
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Victor Frankenstein, in particular, relies on beauty for tranquility and pleasure. “... my eyes were insensible to the charms of nature” (Shelley 45). To Victor, the beauty of nature is mesmerizing and deemed as his escape. However, Victor’s shallow persona is later exposed through his riveting fascination with beauty. “‘I have a pretty present for my Victor--tomorrow he shall have it.’ And when, on the morrow, she presented Elizabeth to me as her promised gift, I, with childish seriousness, interpreted her words literally and looked upon Elizabeth as mine--mine to protect, love, and cherish” (Shelley 24). Victor sees beauty as a tool for pleasure and although claims to love Elizabeth for her inner-self, is clearly more infatuated with her appearance. He is vain and sees women as an implement for his own desires.
In “Frankenstein”, appearance and beauty is used to emit first impressions, develop the superiority of an individual, and relied upon for comfort and pleasure. Beauty from within is distinctly inconsequential and exterior beauty is all that matters in society. Privileges are given to those who possess appealing features and are denied to those who don’t. However, those beautiful individuals are also targeted solely for their alluring attributes and utilized as tools for satisfaction. Shelley ultimately attempts to stress the immorality
Victor Frankenstein, in particular, relies on beauty for tranquility and pleasure. “... my eyes were insensible to the charms of nature” (Shelley 45). To Victor, the beauty of nature is mesmerizing and deemed as his escape. However, Victor’s shallow persona is later exposed through his riveting fascination with beauty. “‘I have a pretty present for my Victor--tomorrow he shall have it.’ And when, on the morrow, she presented Elizabeth to me as her promised gift, I, with childish seriousness, interpreted her words literally and looked upon Elizabeth as mine--mine to protect, love, and cherish” (Shelley 24). Victor sees beauty as a tool for pleasure and although claims to love Elizabeth for her inner-self, is clearly more infatuated with her appearance. He is vain and sees women as an implement for his own desires.
In “Frankenstein”, appearance and beauty is used to emit first impressions, develop the superiority of an individual, and relied upon for comfort and pleasure. Beauty from within is distinctly inconsequential and exterior beauty is all that matters in society. Privileges are given to those who possess appealing features and are denied to those who don’t. However, those beautiful individuals are also targeted solely for their alluring attributes and utilized as tools for satisfaction. Shelley ultimately attempts to stress the immorality