How Is Monstrosity Represented In Mary ShelleyS Novel Frankenstein

Jan 9, 2024 mary shelley monstrosity represented Visual Arts & Film Studies Law

Monstrosity is a central theme in Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein,” and it is represented in various ways throughout the text. Here are some key aspects of monstrosity in the novel that you can explore in an essay:

The Physical Monstrosity of the Creature: One of the most obvious representations of monstrosity in the novel is the physical appearance of the creature created by Victor Frankenstein. The creature is described as grotesque, with yellow eyes, translucent skin, and stitched-together body parts. His physical appearance is a reflection of Victor’s unethical scientific experimentation and pursuit of forbidden knowledge.

The Emotional and Psychological Monstrosity: Beyond the physical appearance, the creature experiences emotional and psychological suffering, which contributes to his sense of monstrosity. He is abandoned by his creator, rejected by society, and forced to confront his loneliness and isolation. This emotional and psychological torment is a significant aspect of monstrosity in the novel.

Victor Frankenstein’s Monstrous Ambition: Victor’s relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge and his ambition to “play God” by creating life are seen as monstrous. His actions lead to disastrous consequences and destruction, not only for himself but for those around him. His unethical use of science is a representation of the dangers of unchecked ambition.

The Monstrosity of Society: The novel also explores how society treats and marginalizes individuals who are perceived as different. The creature’s experiences of rejection, violence, and isolation at the hands of society highlight the theme of societal monstrosity. It raises questions about the role of society in creating and perpetuating monsters.

The Moral and Ethical Implications: The novel invites readers to consider the moral and ethical dimensions of creating life and tampering with the natural order. The act of creating the creature is portrayed as morally monstrous, and the consequences of Victor’s actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific hubris.

The Duality of Monstrosity: “Frankenstein” also suggests that monstrosity is not confined to the creature alone. Victor himself can be seen as morally monstrous for creating and abandoning the creature. This duality of monstrosity in both creator and creation adds depth to the exploration of the theme.

The Tragic Nature of Monstrosity: The novel elicits sympathy for the creature despite his monstrous appearance and actions. His desire for companionship and acceptance humanizes him and underscores the tragedy of his existence, highlighting the idea that monstrosity can be a result of circumstance rather than inherent evil.

In your essay, you can delve into these various aspects of monstrosity in “Frankenstein” and analyze how Mary Shelley uses them to comment on scientific ethics, societal prejudices, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Additionally, consider how these representations of monstrosity contribute to the overall themes and messages of the novel.