The Possibility Of The Monster In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Names can hold quite a bit of power. In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, if you knew someone's true name, you held complete control over them. The symbolization of the lack of control over this monster is seen in his lack of a name. The creature is free and unhindered by human needs, which means he needs no name, he is one with nature. By breaking the connection the reader has with the monster, a major point is made to avoid the issuing of names. By leaving that space blank, Mary Shelley opens up the possibility of a monster that will live on through the ages; independent of changing cultures and ideas. Another, slightly less dynamic, reason may be that by naming the monster, the reader may be less frightened. A “Jim” lurking in the shadows