Many perceptions of the depiction of the monster in Mary Shelley’s iconic novel Frankenstein point to a seemingly obvious conclusion; he was an evil mutant, a sub-human degenerate, a killer with a sick mind and equally disgusting appearance. On the other side of that impression stands the image of something as pure and innocent as a lamb.

In William Blake’s poem entitled “The Lamb”, a child narrator marvels at the animal and asks it “Dost thou know who made thee”. The child then concludes the lamb’s maker must have been God (Jesus is known as a lamb in Christian tradition). A parallel can be seen between the monster and the lamb, because doctor Victor Frankenstein created the monster while himself playing god. Frankenstein’s discovery of electricity fueled his arrogance and made him feel god-like, possessing power far greater than any other human being, “Capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter… What had been the study and desire of the wisest men since the creation of the world was now within my grasp” (Shelley). Additionally, much like god, Frankenstein leaves his creation with free will but limited knowledge, able only to fend for itself and live lost, alone in the cruel world. At first glance, the similarities seem to end at both creatures’ makers. It appears that in any other respect the lamb and Frankenstein’s monster could not be more different; while one is described as a gentle creature with soft bright wool and a “tender voice”, the monster is ugly, repulsive and aggressive.

However, a deeper analysis reveals more parallels between the lamb and the monster, especially if one subscribes to the notion that objects are reflections of their creators. Frankenstein was motivated by his obsession with natural philosophy, delusions of grandeur, and little concern for what possible consequences might ensue. One might argue that his act of bringing the cadaver to life was cruel; it went against nature, and brought an innocent to a life of uncertainty and suffering. The creature was born not only free from guilt, he was entirely ignorant of the cruel world around him that later shaped him into becoming a monster. He was at first innocent just like a lamb, and only turned to mirror his creator’s cruel demeanor after experiencing a lot of rejection and pain.