The Making of a Monster

A detailed Summary of The Making of a Monster

In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley illustrates how society plays a large role in shaping

an individual's personality and behavior. Victor Frankenstein's creation is continually

regarded by society as a monster because of his appearance. Though the being has the

physical characteristics of a monster, he has a tender attitude towards humanity in the

beginning of the tragic tale. It is only after he is repeatedly rejected by society that he

takes on the personality and behavior of a monster. Percy Bysshe Shelley remarks that

"his mind was...affectionate and full of moral stability, yet the circumstances of his

existence are so monstrous and uncommon, that,...his original goodness was gradually

turned into inextinguishable misanthropy and revenge" (14:248). Because society expects

him to be a monster, they treat him as such; thus, they create a monster out of Victor's

The being is considered unnatural from the very beginning--his creation. He is a

construction of corpses' body parts sewn together. Because of this, his appearance is

repulsive. Though all of his features are of man, they are at a level of deformity. He has a

gigantic stature that furthers his unnatural appea

Frankenstein's creation becomes what he is expected to be because of his

live with what he has become. As the creature says, "I was benevolent and good; misery

appearance--monstrous. Because he was originally a compassionate being, he is unable to

turn against the being that they once praised for doing some of the chores. Because the

portion" (Shelley 121). Thus, the being truly becomes the monster that society has feared

that even you turned from me in disgust?" (Shelley 105). With the Victor's response to

arms and he is shot by a man who assumes that the being is trying to kill the girl. Again

Felix ruthlessly attacks the being, yet the being, not Felix, is the one who is regarded as a

love and humanity" (Shelley 78). He helps the cottagers with their daily chores, such as

he can participate is to indulge in evil. He says to Victor, "if I cannot inspire love, I will

made me a fiend" (Shelley 78). Society created his misery by rejecting him. His repeated

creature, some may think that it is easier to give in to these expectations rather than rise

became a monster because he was expected to be. He was not seen as the being that he

Approximate Word count = 982
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.