How Society Created a Monster

Paper Summary:

The author of this paper surmises that there may be a deliberate intent in the popular portrayal of the Frankenstein tale as a simplistic, entertaining horror story, in order to avoid drawing people's attention to the underlying theme of the book. The author claims in his paper that, rather than Victor Frankenstein, it is actually society that was responsible for transforming this intelligent and compassionate creation into a detested, murdering monster (by abuse and rejection of those individuals who happen to be 'unconventional').

From the Paper:

"Mary Shelley s Frankenstein does indeed contain a monster, but its identity is open to debate. Victor Frankenstein s creation, who is generally considered to be the monster, is actually an individual who was born with a natural inclination towards intelligence, kindness and love but, through his abandonment by his father figure, the rejection by those he meets, and the prejudiced and inhuman treatment he receives from society, the creation grows increasingly miserable, isolated, lonely and outcast. If the creation is to be considered a monster, then it was made so by society, both directly through its own actions and indirectly through the socialized actions of Victor Frankenstein. Society, with its unhealthy emphasis on the values of beauty, normality and conformity, and in its discriminatory, prejudiced and uncaring treatment of those who are unwilling, or unable to meet these expectations, is solely responsible for the creation of Frankenstein s monster ."

More papers on How Society Created a Monster:

• Analytical Essay # 149609 : "Youth as a Disciplinary Category"
• Book Review # 118373 : "Society's Creature: Man"
• Book Review # 147871 : "Frankenstein", Family and Enlightenment"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: