In Mary ShelleyÆs classic novel Frankenstein there are two major characters who can be viewed as expressing the plight of the Other; both the Monster and his creator Victor Frankenstein are outsiders at odds with the larger community. The Monster is the obvious outsider not only because of his grotesque physical appearance, but because he is not a member of human society. The character of Frankenstein, however, is a much more interesting and complex Other. This paper will discuss why Frankenstein is an outsider and why he rejects the larger community in which he lives, and to which he rightfully belongs.
Because of Victor FrankensteinÆs obsessive pursuit of knowledge and ôthe secrets of heaven and earth,ö he must necessarily keep his work a secret. This in itself must keep him apart from the larger community; his monomania, coupled with his self-importance and selfishness puts him outside his society. He changes from a healthy, kind person to a sickly, self-centered person who rejects all notions of love, family and community when he turns from poetry to science. He cannot even give his Monster creation the kindness and understanding it needs to function in humanity. In addition, when he eventually rejects his Monster, and engages in a quest to destroy it before it destroys him, his new destructive obsession takes over his life completely furthering alienating him from society at large.
ShelleyÆs novel is subtitled The Modern Prometheus and Frankenstein can be compared to the Greek mythological figure who stole the god ZeusÆ power from the sun for mankind, and who created and animated his clay models with the fire of life. Just as Prometheus defied Zeus so did Frankenstein as he goes against nature and religion to create life itself. Prometheus is punished by his god, and Frankenstein is punished by his Monster creation. PrometheusÆs action was to bring a gift to mankind, to help people. But Frankenstein wants to ...