Empathy In Frankenstein

The creature from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein tells Mr. De Lacey Senior, “They are kind –they are the most excellent creatures in the world; but, unfortunately, they are prejudiced against me.” This quote signifies that the nature of humans is to be biased towards others’ differences. The creature is implying that humans are filled with benevolence and altruism except when it comes to him. Altogether, through the novel as a whole, Mary Shelley is portraying humanity as instinctively intolerant and inconsiderate. Furthermore, Mary Shelley’s human characters in Frankenstein do not deserve the reader’s empathy because of their self-regard, uncivil judgments, and deceitfulness.
First, the reader is shown that Mary Shelley’s characters lack redeeming qualities through Victor’s complete abandonment of his creation with no remorse. For example, after Victor’s wife is murdered by the creature he states, “no creature had ever been so miserable as I was ” (Ch. 23; 232). Victor does not take into consideration anyone else but himself; he is self-centered and abstains from taking accountability for his “son.” Although Victor lost his love on the night of the their wedding, he is suggesting that he is the only person that ever experienced such pain. His father
For instance, Felix De Lacey immediately attacks the Creature when he sees him out of fear because of his complexion. The Creature says Felix, “dashed me to the ground and struck me violently with a stick,” (Ch 15; 154). Although the father of the De Lacey’s tells the Creature, “I am blind and cannot judge of your countenance,” he is kind to the Creature but only because he cannot see how horrendous he appears (Ch 15; 153). Mary Shelley depicts her human characters in a negative light through their ability to crudely criticize others based on their