The Uncany and Frankenstein Essay

Essay: Frankenstein by Mary Shelly based on The Uncanny

It is a strange, but yet stimulating phenomenon to justify and compare the inanimate and animate object by suggesting the impression of unconscious work behind the ordinary appearance of mental activity. Throughout the novel, Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, Victor Frankensteins character possesses knowledge, feelings and experience in common with the self-named monster he has created. The monster is presented as both a human being and automaton, while Frankenstein is deliberated according to his appearance of sanity versus insanity. Why is it so difficult for Frankenstein to dissemble himself from the creatures wrath? Perhaps it is true and applies to this double situation when they say you are who you marry. This brings meaning and relates to Frankenstein in the sense that unconsciously, Frankenstein creates a creature that possesses and resembles Frankensteins most deep and inner thoughts and desires. He is able to mimic himself through his own creation and therefore cannot grasp to lose the connection he shares with the monster. Subtly and indefinitely, Frankenstein is depicted to share a bond with the monster by exhibiting the uncanny, raw and, monster-like characteristics, while the creature shares both the emotional and unrefined aspect of his creator.

Throughout the novel, there are constant references to elements of the non-living and/or the re-creation of man and/or human form. Victor Frankenstein proves to posses an uncanny passion for the dark and paranormal. He describes his curiosity through observations of nature and his surroundings, such as the darkness had no effect upon my fancy; and a church-yard was to me merely the receptacle of bodies deprived of life and a supernatural enthusiasm (Shelly, 79). Frankensteins interest in such matters sparks his curiosity in more advanced and unsettling subject matters. He mentions one of his desires after he is introduced to the art of science and the possibilities, what glory would attend the discovery, if I could banish disease from the human frame, and render man invulnerable to any but a violent death!...the raising of ghosts or devils were my only visions (Shelly, 69). Frankensteins passion for creating a life form takes shape, after he is familiarized with the feeling of the supernatural, after so many years of repression. This is what creates the bond to the monster that he creates, being the hideous phantasm of a man (Shelly, 85). The relationship between Frankenstein and the monster is portrayed physically by Frankenstein kneeling beside the thing he had put together (Shelly, 84). This action demonstrates the monsters unnaturalness and Frankensteins awareness of what he has created. As a result, Frankenstein creates a creature of hideous form due to his curiosity and infatuation with the unearthly and inhuman.

It is due to Frankensteins creation and awareness of the monstrosity that he himself propels into the world that generates his self-condemnation. Such knowledge of his own actions causes guilt within himself that drives him to act in certain manners, which ultimately questions his sanity. The continuous references to madness and/or Frankensteins mental capability cause a certain supernatural mood. One of Frankensteins first confessions of his fear of appearing mad emerges at Justines trial, I was absent when it was committed, and such a declaration would have been considered as the ravings of a madman, and would not have exculpated her who suffered through me (Shelly, 108). This reference demonstrates Frankensteins guilt for the murder of Justine, but more so depicts and foreshadows the battle between Frankensteins mental coherence and capability to understand reality from illusion and right from wrong.

Due to Frankensteins guilt and consequently mental instability after finding out what he has bestowed upon society, he chooses to abandon and neglect that which he himself created, the monster. Accordingly, society fears and therefore rejects the monster from further communication, which pursues the monster to seek vengeance on the human form. The monster believes Frankenstein and society to be unworthy of my condescension (Shelly, 192) and therefore swears revenge on Frankenstein, for not following through with his promise of creating a female companion. The monster proves to show no remorse for his actions and only pledges to implement more pain and tragedy, I may die; but first you, my tyrant and tormentorman, you shall repent of the injuries you inflict (Shelly, 192-193). The monsters retaliation proves to create a bond between Frankenstein and himself, for Frankenstein is no less monster than he for he is the creator of such an object. The monsters vengeance is to only impart the pain that Frankenstein beheld him to.

An additional surrealistic element of the novel includes the continual suggestions of the unknown and/ or elements of secrecy. Frankensteins entire outlook of his dream contains the notion of not knowing what his future will bring. He dreams and hopes about progression, without realizing how far his vision can actually take him. Moreover the secrecy and mystery behind his future possibilities and those co-existing around him provide an abnormal aura. Frankenstein proves his curiosity in surroundings that cannot be explained by his inquisitiveness and obsession for such rare occurrences. He demonstrates such secrecy when he expresses his obsession with science, it means to examine the causes of life, which we must first have recourse to death (Shelly, 79). This obsession is routed within Frankenstein himself, which he does not choose to communicate about, but rather amplifies his life of secrecy as his guilt grows of knowing he is the creator of the monster that murdered those he loves. To add to the mood of seclusion, the monster describes the tale of which he overhears of Felixs escape and disguise. His isolation adds to the secrecy and moreover heightens the mood of the uncanny. Furthermore, the monster also demonstrates his forced isolation from society. He walks during night and lives out of sight throughout the duration of the day, when humans are wakeful and aware.

Finally, all the above uncanny elements are somehow tied and correlate to the surrounding scenery of the dark and gothic-like mood of the novel. The mood of the novel is portrayed through descriptions of nature, such as the thunderstorm at the beginning of the novel, the thunder burst at once with frightful loudnessI beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oak (Shelly, 69). Both characters moods are also related to the weather and/or season. For example, the monster describes himself happier and more at ease when spring arrives, as he is able to observe nature bloom and blossom. The weather creates a bond between Frankenstein and the monster more evidently towards the end of the novel, where Frankenstein chases the monster, into the desert, which in itself depicts the constant struggle between the monster and Frankenstein─ just like it is a struggle to survive in the extreme conditions, etc.

Altogether, Frankenstein and the monster are created to demonstrate the uncanny bond that exists between one-another which elevates the mood to a higher degree of eeriness. Each character exhibits elements of the others personality which is able to relate them together, but more so create an indefinite bond that provides somewhat of a compassion for the other character. Furthermore, this bond also raises the question who the monster truly is, the monster himself due to his hideous demeanor or Frankenstein for his selfishness and hatred. Nonetheless, presenting both characters with knowledge, feelings and experiences that are common elevates the supernatural mood of the novel and emphasizes the bond that is shared between creator and creation.