Identity In Frankenstein

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His preconceived notions are as imaginary as their storybook beginnings, and yet they pervade the human mindset. Similarly, Shelley again highlights the predatory aspect of the Creature through William’s one-track mind that the Creature can only do him harm. Peculiarly, rather than flee or remain paralyzed with fear, William lashes out on the Creature with his acerbic diction. Called a“'monster” and “ugly wretch”, William’s epithets are the only identifications the Creature has since Frankenstein denies him a true name (131). It is no surprise then, that after repeated insult the Creature begins to self-identify with this “monstrous” persona, an indirect example of a forced self-fulfilling prophecy. In taking on the identity of those labels …show more content…
The Creature laments that “‘fatal prejudice clouds their eyes, and where they ought to see a feeling and kind friend, they behold only a detestable monster’” (122). Here the reader gets a sense of how the Creature perceives himself and his temperament. “Feeling” and “kind” are in stark contrast to the typical characteristics of a “monster” believed to have no conscience. In switching the point of view between Creator and Creature, Shelley is able to juxtapose others’ impression of the Creature with his own meta-perception and self-concept. By interrupting Victor’s tale with the Creature’s chapters, the Creature can recount first-hand his experiences, gain sympathy from the reader, and showcase his intellectual abilities and capacity for growth. However, the cottagers are unable to penetrate the surface enough to see the beauty of the Creature’s mind, unknowingly shaped by their own personal interactions and model. His isolation and exclusion leave him helpless to crave this idealized surrogate family. That the Creature labels their prejudice as “fatal” further foreshadows the consequences against those who continue to discriminate against him; inevitably, William falls victim in the following chapter. Furthermore, Shelley parallels the cloudy characteristic of the Creature’s eyes with the cottagers’ eyes. Similar to …show more content…
Frankenstein narrates their interaction at Mount Montravert: “‘ Thus I relieve thee, my creator,’ he [the Creature] said, and placed his hated hands before my eyes, which I flung from me with violence; ‘thus I take from thee a sight which you abhor. Still thou canst listen to me and grant me thy compassion’” (88). That the scene takes place in this remote setting resembles both character’s positions on the outskirts of society; Frankenstein’s self-imposed isolation contrasts the Creature’s visually imposed ostracization. Shelley uses this interaction to convey the dynamics of their relationship; without a connection based on the visual, the Creature hopes to establish grounds on the pathos of his language. By relaying his autobiography, the Creature appeals to his creator’s sympathy, yet he knows that Frankenstein cannot look past his countenance. Thus, by blinding Victor momentarily, the Creature inhibits Victor’s misreading. However, Victor is at first not receptive to this, flinging the Creature’s “hated” hands, as if in doing so he can erase his existence. These strong emotions and actions contrast the typically unconditional parental affections and highlight Victor’s distress. That the Creature feels the need to “relieve” Frankenstein undercuts the presence of his emotion and understanding while at the same
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