I found this commentary interesting because the questions like who is the real monster and what makes monster are being asked. Though not born a monster, the creature became one after having been repeatedly rejected, first by Frankenstein, and then by the De Lacey family, which had accepted Safie, but scared at the creature’s appearance despite his admirable qualities. The De Laceys’ different responses to Safie and the creature suggest not only the limitation reflecting the time period that cannot accept “otherness,” but also the limitations of English society.
Throughout the story, the monster is learning the language himself. The creature has a self-conscious in the process of acquiring the human language. He was trying to be like a human being by learning language and communicate with people but people were afraid of him and did not respect his life at all. So he went gradually turning into a monster. Frankenstein makes us think about the significance of a language in human life and communication. I believe Mary Shelley comments on the prejudices and limitations of English society within the story of Franekenstein.
In terms of a question whether the monster is created based on the nature or nurture, I found another passage from Ch16 that’s related to this question.
“There was none among the myriads of men that existed who would pity or assist me; and should I feel kindness towards my enemies? No; from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and more than all, against him who had formed me and sent me forth to this insupportable misery.”
This passage shows why and how the creature turned into a monster. It is concluded that the creature is meant to turn into a monster because he lost love and was deprived of love forever. Based on his words and behaviors throughout the story, the monster remained in regret for his crimes, which implies that he is not ethically monstrous or vicious. Thus in conclusion, this novel shows that making a creature, as a monster is a prejudice, exclusion and a lack of engagement in our society.