What Does Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Teach Us Today? An Incomplete Review of Frankenstein
Many readers miss the central message of the novel—whether deliberately or unconsciously, we can only speculate. Regardless, the fact remains that some people approach literary works uncritically and shallow. So, what can we learn from Frankenstein’s Monster?
Frankenstein or, The Modern Prometheus was first published on January 1, 1818, in London by Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones. This first edition was published anonymously, largely because of the prevailing belief that women were incapable of writing serious literature. For this reason, Mary Shelley’s name appeared only later, in the revised 1831 edition.
What do we know about modern misinterpretations of Frankenstein? Firstly, many people are unaware that Frankenstein is not the Monster, but his creator. This misconception was largely shaped by film adaptations in which Frankenstein is often portrayed as the Monster himself. Secondly, it seems that many readers miss the central message of the novel, whether deliberately or unconsciously, we can only speculate. Regardless, the fact remains that some people approach literary works uncritically and shallowly. So, what can we learn from Frankenstein’s Monster?
Primarily, what is this story really about? This is a rhetorical question, you do not need to answer it. Frankenstein or, The Modern Prometheus is, at its core, a story about the quest for love. This theme appears most clearly in two crucial moments of the novel: the conversation between the Monster and Victor Frankenstein on the snowy Swiss mountains, and the final conversation between the Monster and Robert Walton aboard the ship trapped in ice.
In the first of these scenes, the Monster describes the months he spent observing the De Lacey family. He explains that he learned about virtue, love, and society from them, but also about fear, rejection, and the consequences of misunderstanding:
“Such was the history of my beloved cottagers. It impressed me deeply. I learned, from the views of social life which it developed, to admire their virtues and to deprecate the vices of mankind.”
The Monster claims that the De Laceys cannot see beyond prejudice, that they either cannot or will not look past his appearance. The only exception is the blind De Lacey, who perceives the Monster’s sincerity without the interference of sight. Here, Wollstonecraft Shelley suggests that we are all De Laceys, guided by our prejudices.
Furthermore, the Monster tells the blind De Lacey that he expects to be rejected by humanity, a fear that ultimately becomes reality:
“I am an unfortunate and deserted creature; I look around and I have no relation or friend upon earth. These amiable people to whom I go have never seen me and know little of me. I am full of fears, for if I fail there, I am an outcast in the world forever.”
This rejection makes the Monster bitter and fills him with resentment toward mankind. He wasn’t created as a monster, he became one. When he confronts Victor, he explains, and in many ways justifies, his violent behavior directly accuses his creator:
“I am malicious because I am miserable. Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind? You, my creator, would tear me to pieces and triumph; remember that, and tell me why I should pity man more than he pities me? … Shall I respect man when he condemns me? Let him live with me in the interchange of kindness, and instead of injury I would bestow every benefit upon him with tears of gratitude at his acceptance. But that cannot be; the human senses are insurmountable barriers to our union. I will revenge my injuries; if I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear, and chiefly towards you, my archenemy, because my creator, do I swear inextinguishable hatred.”
In addition, the Monster expresses similar thoughts in his final conversation with Walton. We will not quote that passage here, it is up to you to search for the dialogue in question. Let us know in the comments whether you found it. Hint: it appears at the very end of the novel.
Conclusion
So, what does Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley teach us today? She teaches us to love and accept the people close to us and, beyond that, people in general. She teaches us to take responsibility for our actions. Through the examples of the Monster’s revenge and Victor’s revenge, Mary shows us how poisonous it can be when one cultivates so much resentment and bitterness. This is something all of us can learn from.
P.S. We will write about Frankenstein again, stay tuned!
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Source:
Shelley, M., Frankenstein, London: Vintage Classics Library, Penguin Random House, 2016