Examples Of Cultural Differences In Frankenstein

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In Frankenstein, the gothic novel by Mary Shelley, the monster created by Dr. Victor Frankenstein experiences an extreme culture shock when he, the monster, encounters mankind. He strives to cope with his differences and to reduce the rift between the cultures of the humans and himself. The monster has essentially two main responses to his experiences; assimilation and retaliation.
His first response is to try and assimilate to the human culture by learning the language and habits. In the novel, the monster does this by observing a family in their hovel in the countryside. After spending several months watching this family and helping them to find food and supplies, he becomes quite fond of them and decides to try and communicate with them. …show more content…
Frankenstein. Both characters are not accepted, yet they yearn to be and will do anything to prove their worth. The monster was originally created with the purpose of looking “human” yet his creator sees and describes him as a creature inferior to himself. Despite the fact that his physical appearance is seen as hideous, he, the monster, possesses many characteristics and desires that are human-like. The monster is able to reason, a talent solely attributed to humans, to speak language, and to express strong emotion. Yet his human-like characteristics are all inside so they are disregarded by the humans, whose close-mindedness to his appearance invalidates his similarities to them. The monster desires to “fit in” and find a friend in the novel. This same motif of searching for companionship is shared by Dr. Frankenstein, who feels more secure in the presence of his childhood friend, Clerval. For this reason, the monster’s desire to be accepted and to find companionship with the humans in the village and those in the countryside is not unique. He goes to great lengths to seek out and find those he feels will be sympathetic and willing to look past his horrid outward appearance. Through both of his responses to the mistreatment he receives,
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