Frankenstein Themes

through obedience and righteous decisions. The feeling of comfort and acceptance stipulated by our guardians is a result of our experiential rejection given to us through society. Within Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, we learn of the tragic journey involving isolation and insufficient mentoring that the creature endures from start to finish, leading him to agony and absolute revulsion against his creator. Victor's lack of parental guidance from the moment of the creature's birth leads to the bias and fixed character of the creature.

Although brief, the moment of the creature's birth is critical to its perception of humanity and the world. Though the creature is born a fully grown adult, he is still comparable to his birth with the standard beginning of human life. Upon exiting the womb, babies are placed into their mothers' arms. Love plays an important role in the development of perspective on this new life presented before them. Similarly, the creature is brought into this world to which, instead, he receives no love. Rather, Victor observes his creation with antipathy: "How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavored to form?" (Shelley 39). Instead of embracing the creature, Victor abandons him: "Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room, and continued a long time traversing my bed chamber…" (Shelley 39). The feeling of abandonment leaves the creature looking for answers. Who other than his creator is more qualified to accept the role of guardian? Seeking answers to new mysteries, the creature locates Victor hiding within his bedroom. His approach seems comparable to that of a toddler: "His jaws opened, and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grin wrinkled his cheeks." (Shelley 40). Although not knowing words, the creature expresses happiness at the sight of Victor, anticipating a similar reaction. However, Victor is frightened, once again abandoning his creation indefinitely: "…one hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped, and rushed down the stairs" (Shelley 40). The creature is yearning for recognition, but is denied with full rejection.

The two meet later, and the creature speaks words of intelligence and reason. Victor misses the creature's journey of learning and understanding of the world. The creature begins his story by confirming his agony of confusion from the start: "I remember the original area of my being: all the events of that period appear confused and indistinct" (Shelley 79). He acknowledges the fact that he was left with no meaning for being alive, unable to create communication or extend his emotions: "I was a poor, helpless, miserable wretch; I knew…nothing…No distinct ideas occupied my mind; all was confused" (Shelley 80). Confusion and inability of communication