Representation of some characters in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein".

Essay by bunny_09 July 2003

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The creature in the tale of Frankenstein, the Modern Prometheus, is an intriguing character who possesses both human and monster traits. He is loving and gentle at the beginning of his life, but after several nasty encounters with humans, he becomes bitter and seeks revenge on Frankenstein. Frankenstein, his creator, comes across as the protagonist of the story at first. The reader learns of his heroic quest to find and understand the secret of life. But when his most prized possession, a huge human being created from dead body parts, comes to life, he is repulsed by its hideousness and disowns it. Throughout the novel, we see the true nature of the creature caring and innocent, but Frankenstein's negligence makes the creature bitter and angry and he retaliates by murdering his close friends and relatives.

In the beginning of his life, the creature is represented as a newborn being who is as innocent and confused as a baby is.

He experiences strange senses, which he could not distinguish at first, but gradually is able to separate and act upon them. Childlike in his curiosity and experiences, he gradually comes to understand and appreciate the beauty of the world. He is an intelligent being and is always seeking to learn new things. From the De Lacey family, the creature learns to speak and he teaches himself to read from three novels. This education gives the creature the chance to fit into society. However, when he does try to make contact with humans, he is abused for his terrifying form. This causes a bitter reaction from the monster and he seeks Frankenstein to confront him.

Frankenstein is represented as a 'mad scientist' whose obsession causes his demise. He starts out as a passionate, young science student who is...