How Does Isolation Play a Big Role in the Novel Frankenstein Essay Example
The concept of isolation, an emotional or physical distancing from others, plays a significant role in Frankenstein. The story grapples with the effects of this self-imposed isolation, whereby characters attempt to annihilate one another. Clearly, the character who experiences the most severe isolation is Frankenstein's creation, who experiences a profound alienation. However, Victor, the creator himself, also endures a solitary existence. Additionally, the creature grapples with social rejection as he is ostracised and unaccepted by society. This isolation subsequently precipitates the self-destruction of both Victor and his creation. Victor inflicts this solitude upon himself and forsakes rest and health to tenaciously work for nearly two years in seclusion, meticulously crafting his creation.
Post the act of bringing the creature to life, Victor retreated into a state of emotional solitu
...de, struggling to cope with the reality of his creation. This became a state of unhealthy obsession for Victor, where his priorities blurred, and he became consumed by the idea of this creature. Living in his self-created world, Victor disregarded everything around him and even failed to respond to letters sent by his family. His family hoped that despite his obsession, he would remember them with affection and stay in touch regularly.
Please forgive me if I interpret any break in our correspondence as evidence that you are neglecting your other responsibilities too. The Victor family felt neglected by him and wanted him to comprehend how his actions impacted everyone. However, Victor disregarded his father's plea and isolated himself from his family as he was too preoccupied with his job. In contrast to Victor, the creature was compelled to live in isolation from the community. Given that people
could not tolerate the 'breathless horror' provoked by the creature's physical appearance, it was impossible for the creature to interact with any humans.
From the instant of his birth, the creature was despised and ostracized due to his grotesque physical features that essentially segregated him from the rest of society. However, Delacy, a blind man, was the sole individual who truly accepted him. He compassionately listened to the creature's poignant tale of loneliness and friendlessness. Delacy was able to assuage the monster's distress by informing him that he was truly faultless. This encounter with Delacy, therefore, marked the most joyful period in the creature's life as he no longer felt isolated or solitary.
Sadly, this relationship concluded catastrophically. Upon the return of Delacy's family, he was forced to leave. "I possessed no money, had no companions and owned nothing in my name. My physical form was grotesquely misshapen and offensive; I am unable to express the agony these realizations inflicted on me." He struggles with his sense of self-identity at this point. His comprehension of his loneliness ignited a yearning for recognition within him. As a result, he came to think that the only way to capture Victor's notice was by eliminating those who held importance in Victor's life. Given that Victor chose isolation himself, he retained the potential to reintegrate into society.
After receiving a letter from his dear Elizabeth, Victor embarked on his journey home. Despite dealing with emotional distress, he managed to reconnect with his family. This situation was very different from that of the monster who, lacking love and societal acceptance, found himself living in loneliness. His longing for acknowledgment led him to
target those closest to Victor. "I will seek revenge for my torment: if I cannot provoke love, I will instigate fear while considering you as my adversary. As you are the one who created me, I vow an everlasting hatred." The creature perceived homicide as his way of drawing Victor's attention.
In the end, by taking the lives of all those dear to Victor, the creature succeeded in securing Victor's undivided attention. This led Victor to swear to utilize all his resources to apprehend the creature. Their mutual isolation triggered both Victor and the creature to self-destruct, culminating in their respective deaths. Neither Victor nor the creature had anyone to love, but only sought retribution from each other. The creature, never having experienced love, was indefinitely ostracized from human society. Dealing with his loneliness, the creature killed everyone Victor loved, thus destroying his life by subjecting him to the torment of having no one to love.
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