Unraveling the Monster: Exploring Societal Fears in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

In my weekly lecture on nineteenth-century literature, we were told to read Frankenstein. It wasn't a first for me but I happily bought myself a brand-new copy to dig into with markers and post-its. The professor, for my own sake I will not name him, was not too bad looking and I loved the course subject. He encompassed an in-depth analysis of poetry and paintings alike, each class session resonating with the intellectual vigour typical of art students. Our final assignment for the semester, a substantial task meant to mimic the scope of a bachelor’s thesis, required us to draft a detailed outline and develop paragraphs on chosen novels studied throughout the year. For me, the choice was simple: Frankenstein. My affection for both the novel and Mary Shelley’s prowess as an author guided my decision, fueled by my belief that gothic novels represent one of the most intriguing developments of the Romanticism movement.

I won't start yet another one of my famous rants about why a certain author is the epitome of genius. Let's just say the effortless use of themes valuable even in modern times is breathtaking.I'm getting sidetracked. The point of this intro is to tell you I failed on that essay. I worked hard and long in the university library, searching for any source that could be of use for my cause. Due to me loving that class (and that professor) so dearly I went out of my way to make it good. Rewriting and sending it to native speakers I knew, as to have them criticise me, and then rewriting it again. I failed miserably and asked for feedback and I can't quite state I agreed with his issues on my paper. I have left it aside on my laptop as some disease that could only cause me hurt. Now I want to retry and work it out into a short essay on the novel. Perhaps you'll find it less detestable than my handsome (but incorrect) professor did.

Exploring Societal Fears and Prejudices in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" Since its publication in 1818, Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" has sparked endless discussions and debates. Written in the aftermath of the French Revolution, the novel reflects the anxieties and tensions of the early 19th century. Despite the myriad of analyses on feminism, psychoanalysis, and gothic fiction, one figure stands out for deeper exploration: the monster.

The creature Victor Frankenstein creates is a powerful symbol of societal fears and prejudices. By delving into its ethical ambiguity, otherness, and lack of personal history, we can uncover the layers of societal expectations and fears that Shelley weaves into her gothic masterpiece.

Ethical Ambiguity and the Monster

Victor's creation is ethically ambiguous. It embodies the consequences of playing god and meddling with nature. This ambiguity mirrors the societal fears of the time, reflecting the anxiety about scientific advancements and their potential to disrupt the natural order. During the early 19th century, the practice of grave robbing was a prevalent and disturbing issue, heightening societal fears. The bodies stolen from graves were often used for medical research and anatomical study, leading to a widespread fear of the desecration of the dead and the possibility of reanimating the deceased.

This fear of the undead, or the reanimation of corpses, added a layer of horror to the scientific advancements of the time. The idea that one could bring the dead back to life played into deep-seated anxieties about the natural order being overturned. In "Frankenstein," these fears are embodied in the monster, a being created from the body parts of the dead, stitched together, and given life through Victor's unholy experiments. The ethical ambiguity of Victor’s actions, therefore, not only reflects his transgressions but also the broader societal anxieties about grave robbing and the unnatural disturbance of the dead.

In one poignant passage, the monster compares himself to Adam, but an Adam who has no Eve, stating, "I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed." This comparison highlights the creature’s ethical and existential plight.

Unlike Adam, who had the companionship of Eve and a place in the natural order, the monster is completely alone and abandoned. This reflects the ethical consequences of Victor's hubris and the societal fear of isolation brought about by unnatural creation. The monster's reference to himself as a "fallen angel" further underscores his moral ambiguity. He sees himself as wronged and driven to evil not by his nature but by the cruelty and neglect of his creator and society. I will speak more on that idea later.

The Otherness of the Creature

The monster's otherness is central to its character. Its grotesque appearance and abnormal origin make it an outcast, highlighting societal prejudices against those who are different. Shelley's depiction of the creature challenges readers to consider their own biases and the impact of excluding those who don't fit societal norms. Throughout the novel, Victor refers to his creation with derogatory terms, reflecting his revulsion and the broader societal rejection. He calls the creature a "wretched devil," a "filthy demon," and a "miserable monster," among other names. These labels not only dehumanize the monster but also emphasize its otherness and the extent of its alienation. In one particularly telling passage, Victor exclaims, "Begone, vile insect! or rather, stay, that I may trample you to dust!" I hardly have to tell you how horrific that is to say to someone, let alone someone who has never gotten a chance to just 'be' and prove themselves anything but a threat.

This is not the sole instance, in which we see his 'otherness' influence how others treat him. In a passage in chapter 16 of the novel the creature saves a girl from drowning, yet when he saves her and brings her to her fellow humans, he gets shot by a group of men. Even when he approaches a blind man who will not be prejudiced towards him, this opportunity gets ruined by the family of the man gathering back in the house. It is not difficult to grasp why the monster dislikes humans after all these encounters. I already dislike humans and they have not shot me in the shoulder as they did with him.

Lack of Personal History

The monster's lack of personal history further alienates it. Without a past, it struggles to find a place in the world. This absence of history emphasizes the importance of personal and cultural heritage in forming one's identity and how its absence can lead to a sense of disconnection and otherness.

The philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre addresses the significance of personal history and cultural heritage in his work "After Virtue." MacIntyre argues that individuals derive their sense of identity and moral framework from the narratives and traditions of their communities. He posits that a lack of connection to these narratives can result in a fragmented and disoriented self. According to MacIntyre, "we all approach our own circumstances as bearers of a particular social identity. I am someone's son or daughter, a citizen of this or that city, a member of this or that guild or profession; I belong to this clan, that tribe, this nation."

The monster's plight in "Frankenstein" echoes MacIntyre's philosophy. It is brought to life without any personal history or cultural ties, leaving it adrift in a world that values these connections. This lack of background exacerbates its sense of otherness and alienation. In the novel, the creature expresses its anguish over this void, stating, "I had never yet seen a being resembling me, or who claimed any intercourse with me. What was I? The question again recurred, to be answered only with groans."

Shelley uses the monster’s lack of personal history to highlight the importance of belonging and identity. Deprived of a family, cultural heritage, or any form of historical narrative, the creature cannot ground itself in the world. This absence forces it to confront its existence in a vacuum, contributing to its existential despair and further alienation from humanity. When it finds Victor and requests a companion alike itself, it gets led on for a bit before being denied this one request. Again the creature is forced to face his solitude and innate alienation.

In conclusion.. Shelley's masterpiece challenges readers to confront their own biases and consider the profound impact of isolation and rejection on individuals who do not fit societal norms. By examining the monster's plight, Shelley not only critiques the superficial judgments of society but also emphasizes the need for empathy, compassion, and ethical responsibility in the face of scientific progress and human difference. In doing so, "Frankenstein" remains a timeless and relevant exploration of the complexities of human nature and the societal fears that continue to resonate today. And I have just managed to sing Shelley's praise and precisely recount why she was a genius without my motive being clear! My apologies for the deception but you can not deny that this author has succeeded at being enticing.