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Examples Of Cruelty In Frankenstein

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Examples Of Cruelty In Frankenstein
"Cruelty Breeds Evil"

There is nothing worse than feeling detested and abhorred by society, especially if this hatred is caused solely by one's physical appearance. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley uses the Creature to show how people are inherently good, but compelled to become evil only when ostracized by their fellow man. Although the Creature is initially full of love and is surrounded by examples of human happiness, he finds himself excluded from this happiness, through no fault of his own. The creature turns to evil only after he is spurned by humanity. Two tragic events lead to his transformation: being rejected by his 'family' - the De Laceys, and being rejected by his creator - Victor Frankenstein.

It is only through contact with humans - the De Laceys - that the Creature realizes that he is an outcast, isolated from society. The Creature is originally only concerned with responding to his physical needs - food, water, and shelter. As his intelligence grows, however, he becomes self-conscious and realizes that he will never fit in with humanity. In comparing himself to them, the Creature feels himself to be a monster. He is shocked by his own reflection, and is nearly unable to accept it as his own: "At first I started back, unable to believe that it was indeed I who was reflecting in the mirror; and when …show more content…
He will never fit in with human beings who cannot see past his hideous exterior and into his beautiful heart and soul. Shelley correctly points out that no matter how beautiful a person might be on the inside, society refuses to accept those who are different. The Creature's inability to have personal human contact and the resulting isolation is what drives him to commit his horrific crimes. His alienation makes him feel hatred and revenge directed towards his
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