The Theme of Loneliness in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein...

Mary Shelleys Frankenstein examines two phenomena of human nature, scientific curiosity and loneliness; the latter will serve as the focus of this essay. The very manner in which Frankenstein begins, that of the correspondence of an unattached explorer who longs for a companion on his voyage, with no one to write to but his sister, establishes the theme of loneliness immediately. Frankensteins creation is a complex character whose true motives cannot be determined easily. Although one cannot excuse his actions, they should certainly not be viewed out of context. The creature is exposed to the painful reality of loneliness from the moment of his creation. I had worked hard for nearly two years, Victor states, for the sole†¦show more content†¦The creature explains his plight to the old man: They are kind--they are the most excellent creatures in the world; but, unfortunately, they are prejudiced against me. I have a good disposition...but a fatal prejudice clouds their eyes, and where they ought to see a feeling and kind friend, they behold a detestable monster. Unfortunately, the old man misunderstands the creatures meaning of monster, and offers him advice instead of understanding. Furthermore, before the creature has time to explain that the DeLaceys are the companions he seeks, the family members return home and, unfortunately, react in the manner the creature had feared. As the creature himself realized, I could have torn [them] limb from limb...But my heart sunk within me as with bitter sickness, and I refrained. Up to this point, the creature has taken abuse from every human being he has come into contact with. The DeLacey family offered probably the only opportunity for an alternative. But another misunderstanding destroyed his chances once again. The creature retreats to the woods, and decides that he will take this abuse no longer. The creature encounters Victors young brother in the woods and,realizing he belongs to the Frankenstein family, strangles him and then pins the crime upon a friend. Although no one can deny this as a mal icious and brutal act, it can be somewhat explained. For one, the creature is overcome with grief in a state of despair. When heShow MoreRelated Walton’s Letters in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Essays827 Words   |  4 PagesWalton’s Letters in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein ‘Frankenstein’ is a gothic, science fiction novel written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. It was written in Switzerland in 1816 and London in 1816-1817. The novel begins with a series of letters from the explorer Robert Walton to his sister, Margaret Saville. The entirety of ‘Frankenstein’ is contained within Robert Walton’s letters, which record the narratives of both Frankenstein and the monster. 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