“When I looked around, I saw and heard of none like me. Was I then a monster, a blot on the earth from which all men fled, and whom all men disowned? I cannot describe to you the agony that these reflections inflicted upon me; I tried to dispel them, but the sorrow only increased with knowledge. Oh that I had forever remained in my native wood, nor known nor felt beyond the sensations of hunger, thirst, and heat!” (Shelley 80-81) These are the despairing words of the monster from Mary Shelly’s classic novel Frankenstein. He tells of his desperation, of feeling alone, of relationships. This is really what Frankenstein is all about. It is about relationships and their importance to all of mankind. Shelly illustrates this very well by creating someone who will be entirely devoid of friends or companions, in this case a monster of hideous form. He attempts to make friends, but no one will look past the mask that hides a noble heart. Thus he utters the quote above, wishing he had never known of love or of community. This gives way to despair and revenge, and ultimately in the monster’s own suicide when he realizes that death, the ultimate separator, does not bring him peace nor happiness. The point of the story, the real meaning, is that we are called to look beyond the outside external appearances. What if someone had loved the monster? Would he have become the monster on the inside that he appeared on the outside? I believe that this passage holds the key to that question and it resounds with a clear “No!” It is true that we can shape our own destiny, but it is equally true that everything we do helps to shape the destiny of others. Will our indifference lead someone very real to echo the monster and wished they had never “ known nor felt beyond the sensations of hunger, thirst, and heat!” (Shelley 81)
Works Cited
Shelly, M. (1996). Frankenstein (Norton Critical ed.). (J. P. Hunter, Ed.) New York, New York, United States of America: W. W. Norton and Company.
15% of those who are clinically depressed die by suicide. (A fact from the link listed below.)
Joseph I absolutely agree that this quote represents one of the bigger meanings of this novel. While in my post, I reiterated the dangers this monster creates for Frankenstein and his family, he is also a compassionate being. He wants to be loved and understood by another. He literally says that with love, he will not inflict horror in the lives around him. Yet at the same time I do not feel for the monster. His temper tantrums about killing everyone Frankenstein knows if he doesn't get his way are no different than my 3 year old saying he wont eat dinner unless I make him something different...um, I don't think so pal =)
ReplyDeleteHi Joseph,
ReplyDeleteI really liked everything about your post, from the picture to the quote you chose to talk about. This story is based off of the relationship between people and loneliness. The picture defines this purpose with showing a man standing alone in a forest. The quote you used was actually a passage that I myself thought about using. I love how he talks about finally realizing he would never feel anything more than neutral feelings you get from existing. The first reaction Victor had on his homemade creature stuck with the creature in every emotional way possible. Not being accepted by the only person whose opinion matters to you would be very hard to come to terms with. Which in turn is the heart of all relationships; how you hold yourself and how you are seen by others. Great Job Joseph
I liked how you related the passage through the theme that runs throughout Frankenstein, about human nature and relationships. I particularly liked how you broke down what the monster was saying and how he wished he had never known of things that basically make us human. Love and loneliness and everything in between and the anguish that the monster now has to go through. I agree with you that his fate would have been far different if he had been shown some of the more redeeming qualities that humankind possesses.
ReplyDeleteI really like the way you described the meaning behind the passage. It is very true that people need to look beyond what is seen on the outside and engage in what is behind the mask and love for who someone is not for what they look like, and this is a serious problem with the monster in Frankenstein. He is seeking acceptance and love., and wondering where he came from and why. I think you did a great job on your post and the passage you chose as well.
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