In Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, Doctor Victor Frankenstein constructs a monster in his quest to create life. After the monster is abandoned by his creator, he stumbles upon a cottage, which is home to the De Lacey family. This family of French exiles includes a blind father and his two children, Felix and Agatha. Felix De Lacey is essential in contributing to the development of Frankenstein’s monster, as he shows the monster both the sympathetic aspects of human nature which the monster envies, as well as the cynical side of humanity that the creature loathes.*
As an exile, Felix and his family are poor, yet he demonstrates a characteristic of selflessness that inspires the monster. Even though they have little food, Felix often gives his share to his father. He values his father’s health and happiness over his own. The monster observes this, noting “They often, I believe, suffered the pangs of hunger very poignantly, especially the two younger cottagers; for several times they placed food before the old man when they reserved none for themselves” (Shelley, 99). The kindness Felix demonstrates moves …show more content…
Once Safie arrives at the cottage, Felix’s mood is instantly elevated and the sorrowful mood of the cottage vanishes. He now has a lover to make him happy and distract him from his life in exile. “They did not appear rich, but they were contented and happy; their feelings were serene and peaceful, while mine became every day more tumultuous” (Shelley, 118). Frankenstein’s monster observes the happiness that Safie brings Felix and consequently discovers his own loneliness. He longs for a companion like Felix has and his lack of such companion leaves him with feelings of unworthiness. He reflects that he is “unseen and unknown” (Shelley, 108) and is a “miserable, unhappy wretch” (Shelley, 108). This loneliness increases throughout the novel and is the source of the monster’s
As an exile, Felix and his family are poor, yet he demonstrates a characteristic of selflessness that inspires the monster. Even though they have little food, Felix often gives his share to his father. He values his father’s health and happiness over his own. The monster observes this, noting “They often, I believe, suffered the pangs of hunger very poignantly, especially the two younger cottagers; for several times they placed food before the old man when they reserved none for themselves” (Shelley, 99). The kindness Felix demonstrates moves …show more content…
Once Safie arrives at the cottage, Felix’s mood is instantly elevated and the sorrowful mood of the cottage vanishes. He now has a lover to make him happy and distract him from his life in exile. “They did not appear rich, but they were contented and happy; their feelings were serene and peaceful, while mine became every day more tumultuous” (Shelley, 118). Frankenstein’s monster observes the happiness that Safie brings Felix and consequently discovers his own loneliness. He longs for a companion like Felix has and his lack of such companion leaves him with feelings of unworthiness. He reflects that he is “unseen and unknown” (Shelley, 108) and is a “miserable, unhappy wretch” (Shelley, 108). This loneliness increases throughout the novel and is the source of the monster’s