Frankenstein Response

In the book, “Frankenstein” by, Mary Shelley, the characteristics of being monstrous are not clearly defined. I believe Shelley wants to leave much of the interpretation up to the reader. Shelley illustrates the aspect of monstrosity with its many forms in the two opposing forces, Victor Frankenstein and his creature; it is however, in Frankenstein where the true monster of the story lies. Throughout the entire novel, the human Frankenstein thinks only of himself, while the supposed monster is capable of caring for others. Several times throughout the book, through Frankenstein’s self absorbed, self centered nature he works himself up into a state where he becomes so physically ill that his friends and family are forced to care for him full time. Frankensteins selfishness is also shown throughout the book each time a friend or family member’s life is taken. Had Frankenstein held himself accountable for his actions, and the creation of his creature, most, if not all of these lives could have been saved. The creature on the other hand can be seen helping out the humans that he has chosen to observe, never once asking for anything in return. The creature’s selflessness can be seen when he sneaks out in the night to gather fire wood, and clear paths, for no reason other than to help. On the surface, it could be easy to classify the creature as bad or evil. However, after taking a closer look, I believe it is easy to see that the true monster in the story is Victor Frankenstein. Frankenstein illustrates this in the beginning of the story when he refused to help Justine, the girl who was charged with the murder of his brother, William. Although the creature is the one who actually murdered the boy, it is Frankenstein who allows the innocent girl to be charged with a murder that he alone could have saved her from. How can we blame the monster for his actions when he was brought to life, and then immediately abandoned by his creator. It is Frankensteins pride and fear of what other people will think that holds him back from revealing the true murderer, costing the girl her life. After this first murder, the creature begins to observe the humans in hopes of learning their language and their ways. “The world was to me a secret which I desired to divine.” This makes it clear to the reader that he is not a evil creature. He is simply lost in a world he does not understand. The monster is looking for love and companionship, just like the humans that he longs to befriend. The monster says, “I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other.” When the monster’s efforts at finding friendship, love and companionship fail he does not immediately turn to rage, instead he turns to his creator asking the only thing he has ever asked of him. He simply wants a companion, a creature like himself, and promises after the creation of this companion to disappear into the vast wilds of South America forever. In a conversation with Frankenstein, the creature shows the reader that he is not evil or irrational. "You are in the wrong," replied the fiend; "and, instead of threatening, I am content to reason with you. I am malicious because I am miserable”. The Creature showsself restraint and respects his weaker creator. It is not until his simple wish for companionship goes ungranted that the monster becomes violent.