Theme Of Solitude In Frankenstein

All the tragedy, murder, and despair in Frankenstein occurs because of a lack of connection to either family or people in general. The true evil in Frankenstein is not Victor or FM, but isolation and solitude. When Victor becomes lost in his studies he removes himself from human society, and therefore loses sight of his responsibilities and the consequences of his actions. FM becomes vengeful not because he’s evil, but because his isolation creates overwhelming hate and anger towards Victor. It becomes clear that both FM and Victor see isolation from family and society as a worst possible outcome, and the cause of hatred, violence, and revenge. Mary Shelley demonstrates how through the themes of solitude and friendship, solitude corrupts and friendship rejuvenates, but, ultimately, nature drives all beings into solitude.

Victor begins his life as an only child constantly being doted on by his parents. He connects this solitude to a sense of power that develops into antisocial behavior in which he indulges in by concentrating solely on his studies and consequently the
creation of FM. “My life had hitherto been remarkably secluded and domestic; and this had given me invincible repugnance to new countenances” (?). Victor’s solitude is initially deliberate but after he create and then rejects FM, his solitude morphs into self alienation.

In contrast with Victor’s chosen isolation, FM is shunned and vilified from the moment he gains consciousness. His first human interaction is with his creator. As a “newborn” it’s understandable that he has the instinctual need for contact with Victor. Instead of bringing him under his wing and protecting him, Victor rejects him by coiling away at him with horror and disgust. “ I took refuge in the courtyard… I had gazed on him while unfinished: he was ugly then; but whose those muscles and joints were rendered capable of motion, it became a thing such as Dante could not have conceived. I passed the night wretchedly” (37). The abandonment of FM translates to him developing a hatred towards humans, but, especially Victor.

FM is able to self-educate by observing different people and becomes increasingly aware of his surroundings. By doing so, comes to the realization that it is human connection and compassion that he yearns for. Had Victor been more involved with FM from his initial creation, he might have felt the responsibly to teach him those things, resulting in less violent outbursts from FM. The obvious disconnect between the two, causes FM to feel uneasy about his familial situation which leads him to persistently pry at peoples personal lives without any consideration.

As soon as Victor Frankenstein comes to the realization of what he has created, he abandons FM and spends the night in the courtyard.
The next day while wondering through the local town, he encounters his old friend Henry Clerval. “As it drew nearer I observed that it was the Swiss diligence; it stopped just where I was standing; and, on the door being opened, I perceived Henry Clerval, who, on seeing me, instantly sprung out” (37). Soon after, when the pair return to Victor’s apartment, Frankenstein falls ill, appearing thin and pale. Without hesitation, Clerval ministers to Frankenstein's aide for an extended period of time. “This was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months. During all that time Henry was my only nurse” (38). The fact that Clerval returns to take care Frankenstein and nurse him back to health, shows the rejuvenation aspect of their
friendship.