Justin Wickett
5/25/2004
How Society's Judgment at First Sight Contributed to the Monster
Unfortunately, throughout the course of history, society has judged individuals at first sight based on their physical appearances. In the beginning of Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelly, Dr. Frankenstein amasses his knowledge from different fields of study to create a human being. Although "the materials at present within [his] command hardly appeared adequate to so arduous an undertaking," (31) Dr. Frankenstein continued his plan and constructed a monster hideous in appearance. Since Frankenstein's monster lacked an appealing physical appearance, he was judged by society that chose to neglect him. This led to feelings of abandonment and compelled him to seek revenge against society in general and his creator, Dr. Frankenstein.
As soon as it came to life, Frankenstein recognized the Monster's physical grotesqueness, and abandoned it proclaiming, "how can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form" (34).
Steel engraving (993 x 71mm) for frontispiece to t...
Promotional photo of Boris Karloff from The Bride ...
http://www.exophagy.com Frankenstein (1910 film)Although the Monster displayed a child-like innocence when he attempted to befriend Frankenstein by grinning at him in bed, Frankenstein fled in fear because he viewed the Monster as horrifying. When the Monster realized that his creator will not be returning and that he is feared by society, he departs and lives in isolation. However, when Frankenstein encounters the monster on the top of the mountain, he judges it without hearing what it has to say. When the Monster says, "I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend" (66), Frankenstein starts to understand that it was his and society's doings that made the Monster angry and want to seek revenge.
The Monster continued to blame society for shunning him by telling Frankenstein about his experience trying to save a drowning...