Like Adam I was created apparently united by no link to any other being in existence (however,) many times I considered Satan as the fitter emblem of my condition...(pg. 93-94). This quote from the monster portrays the major concept of debate throughout Frankensteins history. This includes whether or not the monster is truly evil. Humanity seems to influence the source of the monsters identity. Though he continually searches for his place in the world, humans actions toward him shape his condition throughout the beginning, middle, and end of Frankenstein.
In the beginning of Frankenstein, the monster was created both innocently and obsessively. But with even his first breath of life, he was looked upon as a monster. A mummy again endued with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch. I had gazed on him while unfinished; he was ugly then; but when those muscles and joints were rendered capable of motion, it became a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived(47). Frankensteins own thoughts of his own creation begin the life of loneliness and abandonment for the monster. After his creation the monster confusedly flees and Frankenstein does not see him for a long time. Many years later, the monster finds Frankenstein and persuades him to let him tell his story to Frankenstein. Upon their first meeting the monster replies, All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things! Yet, you, my creator, detest and spurn me, thy creature(69). This shows the monsters sensitivity to his situation. The monster goes on to say, Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel(70). By comparing Victor to God and himself to Satan he acknowledges his evil crimes against Frankenstein. Frankenstein failed to provide anything for his creation and did quite the opposite. Frankenstein left the monster in horror of his appearance and allowed the monster to fail in an environment in which he was detested. The monster was already doomed to be evil when he was first created. Humanitys first reaction towards him shaped how he grew and what he became.
The middle of the book is complied of the monsters story of his own existence in which he starts out innocent and kind, but realization allows him to become full of hatred. He began life very innocently. He did not know or understand his resemblance to evil. He was sensitive to others and his interest and caring of the cottagers was true. A considerable period elapsed before I discovered one of the causes of uneasiness of this amiable family: it was poverty; and they suffered that evil in a very distressing degree They often, I believe, suffered the pangs of hunger very poignantly, especially the two younger cottagers; for several times they placed food before the old man when they reserved none for themselves. This kindness moved me sensibly(78-79). The monster then stops using any of the cottagers food for himself and begins helping the family. He chops substantial amounts of firewood for them in the night. The monster receives great pleasure when he sees the familys reaction towards the firewood. This shows how innocent the monster was. He was full of interest and kindness. A little while later, he catches a glimpse of his reflection in a pool of water. when I became fully convinced that I was in reality the monster that I am, I was filled with the bitterest sensations of despondence and mortification.(81). The monster had been watching the cottagers and saw their perfect forms(80) and when he finally saw his own appearance he was filled with self hatred but still did not know the fatal effects of this miserable deformity(81). Even upon seeing his appearance the monster is still not truly evil. This helps show that the monster was not always evil and humanity created his qualities.
One night, the monster finds one of Frankensteins old journals in the pocket of his jacket he took from the laboratory. He learns of the horrific manner in which he was created and how Frankenstein truly felt about him. The monster is hurt by this discovery and with hope decides to finally show himself to the cottagers. Could they turn from their door one, however monstrous, who solicited their compassion and friendship?(94). The monster still has hope inside him and hopes the cottagers will see past his appearance, unlike his own creator. The monster then shows himself to the blind cottager and begins explaining his situation. He is treated with the kindness he wished for. But soon, the other cottagers returned. He is driven away by the others who are horrified of the monsters appearance. my heart sunk within me as bitter sickness(98). Once again, the monsters shown cruelty because of his appearance. Even when he had one last hope that maybe someone would show him kindness he is once again turned away because of how he looks. from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and more, against him who formed me, and sent me forth to this insupportable misery(99). The monster swears revenge on all humans, in particular Frankenstein. This shows how he is drained from all hope of being loved or being accepted due to what humans have done to him.
The monster truly becomes evil in the end of the book. After telling Victor his story he asks for one favor: to create another monster, in female form. I am alone, and miserable; man will not associate with me; but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species, and have the same defects(105). The monster describes himself here as deformed and horrible. These are traits he learned from humans. When he was first created he thought of himself as anyone else and it was humans who cannot see past his image that changed his mind. The monster now seems to believe that they were right. But, he shows one last inkling of hope. He wants peace to live with another of his kind in happiness. Frankenstein begins to create this female and the monster is gleeful. When Frankenstein destroys the new creation, the monster truly becomes evil. The monster calls Frankenstein his tyrant and tormentor(124) and vows true revenge on Frankenstein, even threatening him. The monster has abandoned all hope and has become evil. The monster then creates pain in Frankensteins life in many ways, including killing his bride. The monster tries to bring Frankenstein closer and closer to the state hes experienced by committing these heinous acts. Frankenstein dies, after chasing the monster for revenge. Once I falsely hoped to meet with beings who, pardoning my outward form, would love me for the excellent qualities which I was capable of unfolding. I was nourished with high thought of honour and devotion. But now crime has degraded me the meanest animal(165). The monster says this while approaching Frankensteins deathbed. It also shows how his qualities were shaped by humanity. He was at one point filled with hope but these were crushed. The monster then jumps out the window into an ice-raft and was borne away by the waves and lost in darkness and distance(165).
The monster clearly begins as an innocent creature that is snapped into realization by humanity. The moment the monster became alive he was feared and hated. Every time humans encountered him he was looked upon with disgust and fright. His personality is shaped by their actions. Any hope he once had is continually crushed by how humans treat him. He eventually becomes a creature of hatred. A devil, as his own creator called him. The entire book shows how personality can reflect upon how one is treated
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