In Volume II, we are we are given the opportunity to listen to the monster, Frankenstein’s, story on his adaptation to survival on his own after being created. This part in the novel is significant because it truly affects our perspective on him. From Victor’s point of view, he was a cold hearted murderer and a demon. But, from the monster’s point of view, he was struggling like a young child trying to adapt to society. When Frankenstein was first created, he did not receive any paternal love, but instead, was faced with disgust and cruelty. He was abandoned by Victor and was forced to survive on his own in the wild. The new senses he was experiencing, sound, from music from birds, and adaptation to sight, from night and day, was all new to him. The feeling of hunger and experimenting with what is edible and what is not makes me as a reader pity him. While he may stand over eight feet tall, he acts like that of a young child. The example when he had first experienced pain and warmth from a fire was something a parent would teach their child at a young age. The struggles he faced was unimaginable and makes us as a reader question what we truly feel about him.
The turning point for Frankenstein’s behavior would be when he was accused several times for crimes he did not commit. When he was learning to act more humane like, his intentions were true and had really cared for the old man’s family. But, because of his appearance, he was misunderstood as a monster and as a demon. The kind actions he did was immediately thought of as a sign of harm because of his features. After his attempt at kindness had failed every single time, he had finally given up on attempting to receive love from mankind and threatens Victor for a companion of his own.
If we were put in Victor’s point of view, would we as readers want to create a companion for Frankenstein? If we did, would the monsters really leave mankind and live in isolation or would they go back on their words and harm even more people? The struggle Victor has on this decision can impact both his personal life and the world. This struggle is difficult because he could create the monster to satisfy the creature and live in peace with his family but at the same time create even more harm on society.
Questions:
1. What is your opinion on the monster Frankenstein? Do you abhor him as like Victor’s family for murdering William, and the victim Justine, or do you pity him after hearing his story on survival and adaptation?
2. If you were in Victor’s position, would you or would you not have created a female version of Frankenstein?