Paradise Lost And Frankenstein Comparison Essay

In order to educate Frankenstein's monster, Mary Shelly chose certain novels for him to find and read. Novels that let him reflect on himself, his goals, and teach him about human nature. Sorrows of a Young Werther by Johanne Wolfgang teaches the monster of suicide and infatuation, this allows him to understand his feelings towards the people living near the hovel. Paradise Lost and Frankenstein's personal journal allow the monster to see how he was created and what his place is within society. Finally, Lives unfortunately gives him an unrealistic hope for his future. If the monster had read To Kill a Mockingbird, then he would have understood how to go about the cruelty of society. Each book that the monster read shapes who he becomes at the
end of the novel.
Johanne Wolfgang's novel Sorrows of a Young Werther is a tale of infatuation. The main character, Werther, finds himself captivated by an engaged woman named Lotte. However, Dissatisfied with his permanent position of friendship with Lotte, Werther comes to a conclusion of suicide. Just like Werther, the monster found himself intrigued and in love with the family living near his hovel. The monster questioned his existence and understood that he was different than what's deemed normal. Through this book, and his understanding of his relation to Werther, the creature comes to the same conclusion. To the monster, suicide seems to be the only appropriate answer in his struggle for acceptance.
Victor Frankenstein's personal journal and John Milton's Paradise Lost work together in shaping how the monster views himself.
Paradise Lost is a story of how Adam and Eve lost their place within the garden of Eden. While Frankenstein's personal journal and notes give the monster insight on how he was created. The monster could also relate to this novel, as he and Adam were one of a kind. However, Paradise Lost explains that Adam came from God and the monster learns through Frankenstein's notes that his creator had defied God. This makes the monster feel similar to Satan and demand a mate from Frankenstein; but he was unfortunately not able to fully convince his creator, which leads to the murder of
Elizabeth.
Plutarch's Lives is a book of history and teaches the monster about idealistic men. This novel taught him about the world around him and the rise and downfall of ancient “heroes.” However, the leaders he reads about became heroes through vicious acts, which gives the monster the idea that violence and revenge will help him find peace. Instead, if the monster had read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, then he would have learned that revenge is not a good answer to his problems. Throughout the novel, Scout learns about responsibility and how to deal with mean individuals. To Kill a Mockingbird would have helped the monster learn about consequences and how to deal with the harsh rules of society.
While reading the other novels, the monster found himself relating to the characters, which helped him figure out who he was among others. In Harper Lee's novel, there are two characters that the monster would find himself relating to, Boo Radely and Bob Ewell. The monster understands that he would not be accepted by society, which is why he could relate to both characters. However, each character takes a different route in dealing with the problem. While Boo Radely was pushed away from society, he overcame his sorrow and decided to do good acts despite never being credited. Bob Ewell, on the other hand, blamed others and killed for revenge, which led to his downfall. Relating to both characters shows the monster the consequences of responding through revenge and murder. If the monster had read this novel, then he would have taken a different approach towards the old blind man and would not have murdered William and Elizabeth. To Kill a Mockingbird would have taught the monster about consequences, which would have helped him make better choices.
The novels that the monster reads shapes his personality and overall look on his surroundings and himself.
Altering which novels the monster reads would also alter his decision making skills, as well as his perspective on violence. While Sorrows of a Young Werther and Paradise Lost both let him reflect on himself, Lives lets him reflect on humanity and how he wants to be apart of it; Unfortunately, without introducing the consequences of acting without thinking. To Kill a Mockingbird teaches the monster about humanity and society, as well as responsibility. Each of these books help him make his final decisions at the end of the
novel.