Rejection In Frankenstein

The feelings associated with rejection can lead people to feel as if they possess no value. Whereas a self inflicted kind of isolation still hurts, but is not comparable to the pain of rejection, as shown by the monster in the novel, “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley. Through observing the monsters one sided relationship with the Delacey family, the monsters unrequited love for Victor Frankenstein, as well as the instances in which Victor isolates himself, the reader comes to understand that being exiled through rejection affects people in a different way than self imposed exile. As such, being exiled through rejection is a more painful experience than self imposed exile because the sufferer feels as if they possess no value.

From witnessing
Firstly, Victors sadness is not solely based on the fact of his exile. His first instance of depression occurs when his mother dies, to which he says, “These are the reflections of the first days; but when the lapse of time proves the reality of evil, then the actual grief commences“ (29). This proves that he is not only sad during the moments when he is isolated, but that he is sad even in the company of others, and during moments of grief, so isolation does not affect him quite as much as rejection would, since he still feels valued within society. Secondly, Frankenstein always has the option to go back and reunite with his family. In fact, in Elizabeth’s letter to him while he is ill after creating the monster she shows longing for his return by saying, “Get well - and return to us. You will find a happy, cheerful home and friends who love you dearly” (51). Frankenstein has complete control of his situation, he can go back to his family whenever he chooses to, unlike the monster who finds himself without a family to return to, and without on he has no one to help him feel valued. Lastly, Victor also has a great support system and always feels loved. This can be proven when he receives another letter from Elizabeth while he is away for the second time in which she says, “I love you and that in my airy dreams of futurity you have been my constant friend and companion“ (178). Frankenstein’s loving family that constantly cheer him on and aid him during illness show that he feels valued, whereas the monster never does, since his only family is destroyed by Victor, resulting in his pain being more severe as he has no one to help him feel valued. FINISHING