Frankenstein By Mary Shelley: Similarity Between Our Society
A significant theme within Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is the effects of appearances as a result of societal expectations. Our current society does not differ from the environment depicted within Frankenstein as individuals form certain prejudices of one another exclusively based on appearances. Social partiality is regularly established on looks: skin color, expressed gender preference, style of clothes or even particular mannerisms. People make momentary decisions dependent on these social constructs of what normal is, and as a result, this superficial perception guides the initial reactions demonstrated in every new interaction. Our society draws parallels with that of Frankenstein’s in that it values appearances, and such prejudices produce a silently unwelcoming world to those who may not fill the cookie-cutter mold of “normal”. Victor Frankenstein’s creature’s humanity and lack thereof brings the discussion of appearance and acceptance to light, thus provoking the question of our blind-reliance on the deceiving nature of “good” looks.
Individuals all need to be acknowledged in the public eye for their scholarly and physical capacities. Allowed a few people aren’t perceived for their capacities yet acknowledgment is fundamental. On the off chance that an individual isn’t acknowledged by society, the person turns into an untouchable like the creature in Frankenstein. The creature looks for acceptance and comfort after getting his new life, yet, Victor Frankenstein was ‘unable to endure the aspect of the being he had created, he rushed out of the room and continued a long time traversing his bedroom chamber, unable to compose his mind to sleep.’ The creature’s very own maker won’t give him a chance because his appearance is so repulsive. The creature was outcast by his own “parent”, whereas newborn children are welcomed into their loving families. When the creature watches the people in the cabin, he is motivated to learn the language just to be acknowledged, only to be dismissed again, harsher each time. Then the creature threatens Frankenstein to make a female partner, giving him someone to be within this desolate, brutal world.
The greatest similarity between Frankenstein’s and our society is the momentary judgment dependent on appearance. The maker of the beast, Victor Frankenstein, additionally passes his view dependent on appearance. This ghastly animal was thought by numerous individuals to be a shrewd, unintelligent being established upon looks. ‘I observed the lowlife the hopeless beast whom I made.’ This statement expressed by Frankenstein, remarking alone creation, accepting that this animal was immaterial. Additionally, the creature’s appearance persuades that its conduct is unethical and merciless. One of the most significant responses is from the old man in the cabin,’… perceiving me [the monster] shrieked loudly, and quitting the hut, ran across the fields with a speed of which his debilitated form hardly seemed capable.’ This judgment was out of dread of his life, right around a reflex to spare his life. The beast’s loathsome appearance resulted in the same response from all the individuals around him. For instance, locals were tossing rocks and pushing the creature away. Initial impressions are a large part of society but they’re greatly influenced by superficial and most often, inaccurate biases. There are countless instances of racial profiling whether it is associating African-Americans with danger or Muslims with terrorism. It’s all apart of the toxic yet prevalent stereotypes instilled within society from the media representation or lack of, of these minority groups.
