'All things truly wicked start from an innocence.'
Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961)
The Creature was not born evil. Nor was his corruption his fault. He was born innocent, without fault or sin. The Creature was turned to a Monster after he learned of humanity, and what a cold, cruel thing it can be. He was shunned, beaten, chased, and persecuted by those who did not understand him. The Monster then turned bitter and vengeful, and hated his creator for giving him life. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, The Creature symbolizes fallen innocence, his childlike naivete stripped away by the cold, uncaring world.
The Creature was truly innocent after his creation. At first, he knew nothing but base urges and desires. He was confused buy his senses, unable to distinguish between them. He only took clothes to shelter him from the bitter cold, not because he was shameful. He did not even remember his first meeting with is creator.
Steel engraving (993 x 71mm) for frontispiece to t...
Promotional photo of Boris Karloff from The Bride ...
Ernest Hemingway in Milan, 1918All he desired were basic animal needs. He hunted for fruit and nut to stop the pangs of hunger. He slept in the forest under the stars. He sought meager shelter to keep him dry. These were all he desired before he knew of man. Only after silently observing a family for months did he learn of the ways of mankind. He became self-aware and learned common knowledge. He tediously acquired a written and oral language. Then he yearned to meet his benefactors. For years after his creation, the Creature was innocent.
Throughout his bitter life, the Creature was dealt one blow from humanity after another. After spending time in the cold, wet woods, he sought more adequate shelter. He found the small house of a shepherd, who ran in terror after beholding the so far harmless, yet hideous, Creature. The Creature was...