Is Frankentein Really a Monster?: By Nick Matkiwsky

When one hears the word "monster" they immediately associate the word with something scary and abnormal. A giant figure, claws, and a hideous face are all characteristics of a typical monster. In Mary Shelley's, Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein's creation matches the description of a "monster" accurately and from the moment Victor lays eyes on him, he is perceived as a horrible wretch. The poor thing was unable to prove itself to be harmless and was automatically presumed evil by its hideous appearance. In fact, Victor was so disgusted that all his handwork went to waste that he abandoned the creature and left him alone to suffer. The creature didn't make an attempt to hurt Victor, all he did was come to life but what Victor saw was what ultimately what made him leave.

Throughout the story the monster tried to make human contact, but was instantly rejected and even attacked. His own creator left him to rot and nobody was willing to give him a chance. That was until the creature came upon a shack where he lived next to a family. During this time he would steal their food to survive and eavesdrop on them constantly for he was very lonely. When the family began to suffer, the creature realized it was because he was taking their food and decided he would begin to help the family by doing little things here and there. Then one day, the creature wanted to meet the family, but decided it would be best if he was unseen. In an attempt to talk to someone he began to communicate with a blind member of the household. The two actually talked for sometime and during this period it showed that under all of his ugliness, the monster was really a good person. Unfortunately the monster was seen by the others and chased away, again not given the chance because of the way he looked. Another reason the creature is so dehumanized is because he is never given a name. A name gives something an identity and without a name the monster is just referred to as the "creature" and "wretch" which will eventually drive the creature into committing the many murders he does in an attempt to seek revenge on his neglecting creator.
 The monster was never given a shot to show he is innocent and good, however he does begin to play the part associated with him. In an attempt to get revenge on Victor, the creature begins to murder his family members. In a sense he becomes the monster everybody see's him as and in reality you cant really blame him. He tried very hard to be seen as a normal, decent person but because of his massive build and ugly features he was instantly pushed away and rejected by society. This is analogous to the  saying, "dont judge a book by its cover", where the creature is the book and the people judge him and find him revolting without ever even trying to get to know him.