The Monster Character Analysis
A lot of people who have not read the novel Frankenstein the monster, also known as Frankenstein creature know the creature as one of the most famous monsters in the history of literature. The novel’s adaptation has led to this misinterpretation by discerning the monster as a horrifying character who provokes fear. Withal, part of what makes Shelley’s novel quite impressive is her ability to portray the monster as complex and multi-dimensional. The monster is responsible for a lot of violent actions throughout the novel. He is also really frightening and whimsical for his size and composition that parts have been taken from corpses. He struggles to find a sense of community and family, but he keeps getting rejected by everyone he meets. This rejection he experiences makes it clear his violent behavior, even if it’s not being justified so that the monster can be viewed as a sympathetic figure in the book.
The monster is Victor’s creation, which he has assembled from old body parts and some strange chemicals and animated by a mysterious spark. He comes to life at eight feet tall and quite strong; however, he has the mind of a newborn. When his creator abandons him, he is confused and tries to join the society, just to be pushed away universally. When he looks in the mirror, he understands his physical monstrousness, a feature of his persona that blinds society to what he once was; gentle and kind. While seeking revenge on Victor, he kills his creator’s brother, and after Victor destroys the female monster that was meant to ease its solitude, the monster kills Victor’s best friend and his new wife.
While its creator feels great hatred for the monster, the monster shows that he is not an evil being. His eloquent narration of events, as given by Victor, shows his benevolence and outstanding sensitivity. He assists a group of poor people and saves a girl from drowning, but due to his physical appearance, he rewards beatings and disgust. In a dilemma between compassion and vengefulness, the monster ends ups tormented by remorse and loneliness. Even his creator’s death, instead of destroying him, brings bittersweet relief because he had caused him a lot of suffering and sadness, yet he was the only person with whom the monster had some kind of relationship with.
The hideous-looking creature created by Victor Frankenstein is initially kind and sensitive and only wants to be accepted and loved. Instead, it is surrounded by people who only label it evil due to its appearance. The monster becomes demonized and isolated by human society and soon becomes bitter and enraged at that treatment. It eventually turns to a killer but not from wanting to hurt from a criminal thirst but from the dire need of revenge against humanity and Victor for rejecting him. When telling his own story, the reader or audience gets to see him from a different perspective. Since the first days, he has been alone, with no one to offer him help or provide food and shelter for him. In his early days in the forest, the monster shows appreciation and sensitivity for beauty and nature when he notices the birds singing. Also, he has a compassionate and humble life by living off berries and nuts instead of hunting for meat.
The monster also becomes drawn to the loving family dynamic that he sees at the De Lacey household and tries to model his behavior in reflecting their consideration and kindness. Because the readers have been introduced to the monster from Frankenstein’s perspective, he is viewed as ugly and disgusting with watery eyes, has a shriveled complexion, and lips that are straight black making one understand why Victor recoils in horror. When the monster also encounters Felix, Safie, and Agatha, they are immediately terrified. Not only does he seem capable of kindness, but the monster is also very curious and eager to learn the language and appreciates reading. Even though he possessed all these signs, people are still scared of him, for they faint or run away from him in terror. He cannot even convince Victor, his creator, to listen to him. Realizing that no one will ever love or look past his physic, he uses violence to make them feel the pain he is going through killing people. By killing the people Victor loves a lot, the monster tries to show him how it feels to be utterly alone in the world. However, while the crimes he commits are inexcusable, the connection to his wasted potential makes him very sympathetic. The book’s ending suggests that a lack of companionship and sympathy might turn even the most humane person into a monster.