In 1818, Mary Shelley personified the shortcomings of society’s morality in the form of a destructive, ruthless, yet nearly human monster. During an era in which the Industrial Revolution saw the prosperity of the upper class directly lead to the death and poverty of the working class, Shelley wrote Frankenstein to challenge the presence of cultural inhumanity. Shelley’s novel chronicles the life of scientist Victor Frankenstein, whose studies and ambition lead to the creation of a living being out of the remains of humans and animals. Immediately after giving life to this new creature, Victor shuns it as monstrous and flees, leaving the monster on his own in a society that fears him due to his outward appearance. Therefore, while the monster
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After being condemned to death in Paris for “his religion and wealth,” Safie’s father is shown compassion by Felix, who agrees to deliver the prisoner to his native country in exchange for marriage to Safie (Shelley 138). However, the father “formed far other plans,” which was to abandon Felix once he and his daughter were guaranteed the safety of his own country (Shelley 139). The fact that the father planned to return the compassion of Felix with evil due to their religious differences, which was the cause of his own unjust condemnation, highlights the fact that humans are far more focused on their personal comforts than on whether or not their actions are …show more content…
After being implored by the monster to create a second being, who would act as the original monster’s mate, Victor decides that there is “justice in his argument” and agrees to the monster’s request, which is the first time that the monster has experienced compassion (Shelley 157). However, Victor retracts his kindness when he considers that the new creature may become evil and enjoy “murder and wretchedness,” showing that he is incapable of acting humanely, even to his own creation (Shelley 174). Even though the monster was eloquent in his speech and displayed the capability to act benevolently, Victor refuses to show him compassion because of his hideous appearance. The fact that Victor refuses to provide the monster with a companion because he hates his form emulates mankind’s focus on outward appearances rather than one’s character, which is crucially
After being condemned to death in Paris for “his religion and wealth,” Safie’s father is shown compassion by Felix, who agrees to deliver the prisoner to his native country in exchange for marriage to Safie (Shelley 138). However, the father “formed far other plans,” which was to abandon Felix once he and his daughter were guaranteed the safety of his own country (Shelley 139). The fact that the father planned to return the compassion of Felix with evil due to their religious differences, which was the cause of his own unjust condemnation, highlights the fact that humans are far more focused on their personal comforts than on whether or not their actions are …show more content…
After being implored by the monster to create a second being, who would act as the original monster’s mate, Victor decides that there is “justice in his argument” and agrees to the monster’s request, which is the first time that the monster has experienced compassion (Shelley 157). However, Victor retracts his kindness when he considers that the new creature may become evil and enjoy “murder and wretchedness,” showing that he is incapable of acting humanely, even to his own creation (Shelley 174). Even though the monster was eloquent in his speech and displayed the capability to act benevolently, Victor refuses to show him compassion because of his hideous appearance. The fact that Victor refuses to provide the monster with a companion because he hates his form emulates mankind’s focus on outward appearances rather than one’s character, which is crucially