Examples Of Characterization In Frankenstein

The Development and Characterization of Chloe Bethke
Victor Frankenstein’s Creation Reader Response

Throughout Mary Shelley's novel, Victor Frankenstein’s Creation is portrayed through his relationship with Victor, view of the world, and actions to discover himself. Mary Shelley's theme of the creature is his reflection of society’s corruption.

Despite the fact that this creature is different than any human being it still desires the same as man, to love and be loved. When confronted in the mirror he discovers himself and observes, “At first I stared back, unable to believe that it was indeed
I who was reflected in the mirror; and 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” (101-102) This impact embeds the visualization of himself through society’s negative perspective and furthers his realization that he is disconnected from the humans he admires.

Subsequently when Mary Shelley introduces the creature in first person she approaches sympathy of a gentle and compassionate being who ponders the meaning of life while suffering his miserable existence abandoned and alone.
His established character is almost innocent in his curiosity and experiences, especially when he first observed the family he acknowledges, “This trait of kindness moved me sensibly. I had been accustomed, during the night, to steal a part of their store for my own consumption; but when I found that in doing this I inflicted pain on the cottagers, I abstained, and satisfied myself with berries, nuts, and roots, which I gathered from a neighbouring wood.”
(99)

However, when he is in contact with society his appearances have only brought judgment, humiliation, and loneliness with belittling names like “wretch”, “ogre”, “demon”, and “monster”. This inability of personal contact and betrayal from his creator causes isolation that drives the creature to his murders. As darkness inside him evolves society’s expectations are conformed when he becomes the victim of his own characterization. He declares, “The feelings of kindness and gentleness which I had entertained but a few moments before gave place to hellish rage and gnashing of teeth. Inflamed by pain, I vowed eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind”. (130)

Although Victor’s creation is lost in despair and fury, he still persists of hope and acceptance.
The creature gathered the strength to confront the blind man, De Lacey, in suspense that his true colors can be shown without actually having to be seen. This indicates if only everyone was blind, the world would be such a better place. Unfortunately the creature is once again rejected and breaks down. As the family terrorizes him to leave he describes, “With supernatural force tore me from his father, to whose knees I clung; in a transport of fury, he dashed me to the ground and struck me violently with a stick.” (123-124) This signifies that no matter how hard the he tried to make friends, everyone was petrified of his grotesque
appearance.

Therefore cornered with no other options there was one more solution he dreaded for. He needed a companion that truly understood him; otherwise the worst was to come. He explains this to Victor by begging, “Oh! my creator, make me happy; let me feel gratitude towards you for one benefit! Let me see that I excite the sympathy of some existing thing; do not deny me my request!" (135) Victor disregarding the creatures plead results to several murders of victors family and friends casted by the creatures revenge. Mary Shelley's intention of this expresses the creature’s relationship with trust, and how man can easily turn their back on the weak.

Inclusively, Victors Creation has stirred many of Mary Shelley's themes, but best portrayed the characters significance, and who he evolved to become. Without a resolution for the creature or Victor, a message of no happy endings is shaped.