As the case for human versus monster, there is a distinction between the two when it comes to mental capacities. Victor Frankenstein, who’s human, is able to form cohesive and rational thought processes. When it comes to monsters, the general ideas concerning the mindframe of these “inhuman” beings are that they are unable to hold logic nor the civility to communicate in the appropriate fashion. Mary Shelley not only dispels this prototype but creates a monster of intellect, a being that shares and desires human emotions and relations. Founded in two passages in the book, the repeated mention of “reflection” has significance shedding the parallels and contrast of the two characters.

Through the narrative, readers are invited into the head space of Victor Frankenstein. In one particular passage in chapter three, Frankenstein leaves for Ingolstadt and bids his farewell to his friends and family. As he leaves he is deep in though on his journey, as quoted, “…indulged in the most melancholy reflections.” In consequence of this pensive state, Frankenstein realizes that for once he’ll be alone and away from his “amiable companions”, which he has been surrounded by all his life. In realizing that he’s been secluded in life, he acknowledges that it has brought a cynicism in meeting new people. He expresses his thirst for knowledge yet also feel he needs to participate in the social arena, to be apart of the world. In chapter thirteen, this second passage containing the mention of reflection is derived from the monster. The pain the monster feels stems from his loneliness and deformity. The more he was learning and acquiring knowledge, the more he felt “sorrow”. In observance of the cottagers, they have become a constant reminder of his empty existence, lacking love and affection, friendship and acceptance.

Mary Shelley’s choice in using the word, “indulge” in the chosen first passage implies that Victor Frankenstein’s reflections were thoroughly enjoyed. His recognition in having coming from a loving family and environment let’s him realize that he comes from a stable and solid background. He was a part of something so cherished that he found it hard to welcome and receive newcomers. As for the monster, Mary Shelley’s choice of word in connection to his reflection is “inflicted”.  To be inflicted upon something is to receive unwelcoming. When the monster “reflects” in this instant, he does not experience the same emotions as Victor Frankenstein is in recollection. Instead, it is the monster’s lack of familial ties, experiencing affection and love, that causes him “agony”. It is notable that the only love the monster know of  is from the Delaceys. The cottagers is a reminder of where he had not come from, at place of warmth and acceptance but scorn and abandonment from his creator. The employment of the words “indulge” and “inflict” adds depth to the character’s narrative. It allows readers to fully grasp the feelings of the monster and Frankenstein. The difference in the way the two reflects on their being and thoughts distinguishes their underlying attitudes towards life. In the first chosen passage, Frankenstein states that he was indeed secluded in his own world ( with his family), that his interactions were few and didn’t sought for social interactions. The similarity lies in the seclusion that they both experience but for the monster, he pines for interaction with the world. He seeks companionship an longs for affection. Unlike Frankenstein, the monster seeks for connection to the world, to have friends.

Both Frankenstein and the monster believe they’re “unfit” for companionship. The monster knows his deformity does not allow for his social acceptance. He can visually understand why he would not fit in with other people. Through his reflection, it adds to the pain of sorrow in his loneliness. For Victor Frankenstein, being social was not something he put in high importance. Because of the seclusion he was bought up in, he never felt the need to go beyond the “old familiar faces” of his family and Clerval. Yet another similarity, they both feel “unfit”.

While Victor Frankenstein spoke of his desire in  ” the acquisition of knowledge” in the first passage discussed, it brought about positivity. That cannot be said about the monster and his reflection as mentioned in his passage. “…but sorrow only increased with knowledge.” The amount of knowledge he was intaking made him aware of aspects concerning himself in which he was never exposed to. It is that he does not belong anywhere, that he is different ( and ugly), alone, and friends less. In a way, Mary Shelley could be implying that knowledge is for humans and when bestowed upon monsters, it could only be disastrous. What is a monster to naturally do with knowledge?

In the attention given to the selected passages, the monster and Frankenstein are pitted against each other. Even in their differences, the trope of reflection is evident of the similar themes that are reoccurring.