Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was published finally in 1831,There are many aspects to the novel that can be considered to be monstrous or the work of a monster. The most commonly referred to monster of the novel is Victors creation. Physically, the creature consisted of a tangled mass of dead body parts stitched together to become what nature would never have produced, hence the use of the word “monster”, meaning “unnatural”. This quality is labelled by horror philosopher Noel Carroll, as "ontological impropriety."-The perpetual taboo of blending categories between living and dead, animate and inanimate sets an absolute boundary between the dead and the living- and its considered monstrous. However,other aspects such as the novel as a whole when thinking about the traditional values of the time, and Victor Frankenstein’s part in usurping the power of god need to be analysed for their ’monstrous’ value.

Generally speaking any people would clam that Mary Shelley’s created a monster by producing the novel as a whole. When placed into context, the noel was published in 1818 anonymously, and would have been highly controversial. ‘Frankenstei

This displays the creatures sympathetic character and appears to respect and appreciate nature and the environment, almost more than any human. This is by no means the work of a monster, and it would seem that the creature does not wish to harm anyone, but desperately wants to be welcomed into society-

“Mocks the stupendous mechanism of the creator of the world”

“My own spirit let lose from the grave….forced to destroy all that is dear to me”

Shelley also tries to offload responsibility of the creation of the creature. She ascribes its creation to a dream, over which she had no conscious control. This way she feels no guilt as she would if she had thought about and fabricated the creature in great depth.

The creature can be seen as a heinous being- and may be compared to Lucifer in Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ due his brutal acts of violence. When stating that Victor and the creature are doubles we must also draw comparisons between Victor and Satan. This would focus our attention more on Victors selfishness and pride, and refusal to face up to consequences. In his attempts to usurp God he shows similar qualities to Satan who considered himself to be superior to God and took things one step too far, much like Victor. This forces us to ask whether it is actually Victor that is the monster, not his creation. Victor himself comments upon his comparison with Satan-

Shelley’s Frankenstein does however subtly imply some morals, obviously believed by Shelley. It would suggest that creation does not stop at birth and a balanced upbringing is required in order to gain a balanced individual. Too much affection can be as damaging as too little. Victor himself was-

Some topics in this essay:
Victor Frankenstein, Frankenstein Victor, Milton’s Satan, Victor Frankenstein’s, Shelley’s Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Victor Satan, Mary Shelley’s, Satan Victor, Noel Carroll, ‘paradise lost’, mary shelley, mary shelley created, victors creation, considered monster, rejected society, attempts usurp, victor satan, creature humanity, milton’s ‘paradise, victor creature doubles, satan ‘paradise lost’, 1831 edition,