Creature or Monster? How does Shelleys presentation of the Creature Es

Creature or Monster? How does Shelley's presentation of the Creature and Frankenstein create sympathy or horror at different stages of the novel? Who is the real monster? The novel "Frankenstein" was written by Mary Shelley as a teenager during the 19th century. It was set in Germany in the 18th century, as this was a time of exploration and discovery with scientists and astrologists challenging the accepted order of things and breaking through new boundaries with their discoveries. Many were beginning to question the existence of God, the creator of life and the universe, too. This was in keeping with Shelley's novel because it is a story about a young man who discovered the secret of life, which is the equivalent of doing what only God can do, how to create it and the problems his discovery led to. This man was called Viktor Frankenstein. He came from a wealthy family who were both loving and supportive. He falls in love with Elizabeth, his adopted sister, and all is well until his mother dies of Scarlet Fever. This tears him apart as they were very close and influences him and his future greatly. He determines to become a doctor to find the secret of life so no one need ever die again. This leads him to Ingolstadt University where he is further influenced when he finds out that one of the professors there has also experimented with creating life. He uncovers the truth and ignoring all warnings, begins making his creature from the parts of dead bodies. His unhealthy obsession leads him to neglect his family, friends and studies while he works day and night in a hidden attic. It is this unnatural obsession that gives the novel its first spark of horror. Frankenstein is shocked, horrified and disgus... ...r, he was kind and caring and compassionate just like any other human being, and due to his loneliness and grief he became something that he deeply despises. It is this tremendous guilt that leads him to die with his creator. As he says, "Polluted by crimes and torn by the bitterest remorse, where can I find rest but in death?" He knows that Frankenstein should never have created him and decides it would be best for everybody, including himself if he no longer lives. I don't think either Frankenstein or his creature were monsters. I just think that Frankenstein was a misguided man who made a tragic mistake, albeit a large one to which he had to accept the consequences. The creature was also misguided, his treatment from others led to him becoming a monster but he realized this and did the right thing in the end, showing that he was just misunderstood.