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English 102
May 13, 2014
The creature created by Frankenstein
In the novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley shows the dangers of scientific experiments that
are not properly thought out or planned and not to take any shortcuts, therefore to take
responsibility for are actions and to consider the consequences of our actions. Tackling the
problem of prejudice in the novel Frankenstein, Shelley shows the reader how society judges the
creature at their first glance, without getting to know him, and casting him out of society where
he is not wanted, which evidently leads to his hatred of the human race. From the beginning of
the novel Shelley highlights the issue of over ambition through Walton. He becomes so obsessed,
he pushes his body to the extremes as he says himself; “I voluntarily endured cold, famine, thirst
and want of sleep.” (Shelley 17). Shelley also shows the reader that the expedition Walton has
embarked on is extremely dangerous this is made clear when Walton writes back to his sister to
reassure her, he is in no harm or danger.
First of all, Frankenstein is portrayed as similar to Walton; as they both appear obsessed
with their goals. Frankenstein is extremely determined; and who’s over-enthusiastic over
ambitious attitude, which is very dangerous as he is bordering on the verge of madness and
neglecting his own health “my cheek had grown pale with study, and my person had become
emaciated with confinement,” (Shelley 55) this is seen as very disturbing by the reader. It is
made clear by Shelley in the novel that over ambition leads to obsession, which is extremely
dangerous. The reader soon sees Frankenstein’s impatience because he starts taking shortcuts as
he gets closer in completing his goal “…as the minuteness of the parts formed a great hinderance
to my speed, I resolved, contrary to my first intention, to make the being of a gigantic stature,”
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(Shelley 54) this causes the reader to sense more danger as the tension builds up rapidly.
Frankenstein’s narrative shows the creature in a negative way, the reader gets very clear
descriptions of the creature from Frankenstein “Dull yellow,” and his “Shriveled complexion and
straight black lips.” These accurate descriptions cause tension for the reader; the first scope of
judgment is to be afraid of this ‘Monster’. On the other hand Shelley makes us sympathize for the
creature. The Creature was created using the body parts and brain of humans, like every other
human the creature started off as a baby. Regardless of his huge stature and gruesome looks the
creature had the mind mentality and characteristics of a new born baby, an innocent and needing
baby. According to Allen’s criticism the creature cannot be considered a baby “It is not possible
to call the creature (built so preternaturally large and athletic) a child in any uncomplicated
way. The creature disturbs the given categories of nature and logic, and so does Victor’s
