Why Does Frankenstein’s Monster Turn Evil?
The transformation of Frankenstein’s monster from a being of initial innocence to a vengeful killer is a central and compelling tragedy in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The short answer is: the monster turns evil due to consistent rejection, profound isolation, and a desperate yearning for connection that is repeatedly denied. He is not born evil; rather, his malevolence is a direct consequence of the cruelty and fear he encounters. The narrative makes it clear that the monster’s evil is a learned response, fueled by the despair of being abandoned by his creator and the hostile reactions of the human world. He articulates his feelings plainly to Victor, saying, “I am malicious because I am miserable.” This statement encapsulates the root cause of his descent into violence. The monster’s initial desire was for companionship and understanding, a desire that was met with fear and disgust, pushing him down a path of destruction and revenge.
The Seeds of Despair: Initial Rejection
Abandonment by His Creator
The monster’s journey toward evil begins the moment he comes to life. Instead of feeling pride or responsibility, Victor Frankenstein is immediately repulsed by his creation’s appearance. He abandons the monster, leaving him alone and confused in a world he doesn’t understand. This initial rejection is devastating, setting the stage for the monster’s subsequent experiences. This abandonment is not just a physical departure but an emotional betrayal that deeply wounds the newly awakened being. The monster’s inherent need for a paternal figure, a guiding hand, is shattered from the outset.
The Rejection of Society
As the monster wanders, he encounters further rejection and fear from every human being he meets. People react to his grotesque appearance with horror and violence, failing to see beyond his exterior to the being beneath. These encounters fuel the growing bitterness within the monster. Instead of understanding and empathy, he only finds hostility and prejudice. Each instance of societal rejection reinforces his sense of isolation and alienates him further from humanity. This constant discrimination contributes to the monster feeling like an outsider, which reinforces his descent into violence.
A Desperate Search for Connection
The Failed Attempt at Family
The monster observes the De Lacey family and sees their kindness as an opportunity for love and acceptance. He learns to speak and read by watching them, dreaming of becoming a part of their family. However, his eventual approach is met with more fear and rejection. This rejection, from the family he hoped to find solace with, is a pivotal moment in his emotional breakdown. This failed attempt solidifies his belief that he will never find love and acceptance and pushes him closer to the dark path of revenge.
The Broken Promise of a Mate
Driven to desperation, the monster demands Victor create a female companion for him, arguing that this would alleviate his loneliness and evil. Initially, Victor agrees, but fear overtakes him as he contemplates the possibility of them procreating, leading to a race of monsters. He ultimately destroys the female creation, a decision that represents the final betrayal of any hope the monster held for companionship. This is the ultimate act of betrayal that solidifies the monster’s resolve to seek vengeance against Victor.
The Descent into Vengeance
Fueled by Misery
The monster’s actions, from the murder of William to the killings of Clerval and Elizabeth, are not motivated by a desire for inherent evil but rather by an insatiable need for retribution against Victor and the human race for the pain and isolation they have inflicted upon him. He clearly states, “I am malicious because I am miserable,” showing his actions are a direct result of his deep suffering. He seeks to inflict the same pain and suffering he has experienced onto his creator.
A Path of Destruction
The monster’s path is one of pain and vengeance as he seeks to make his creator feel the same loneliness, pain, and loss that he has endured. He becomes a symbol of what happens when society fails to embrace the different, the marginalized, and the misunderstood. His destructive rampage highlights the tragic consequences of neglecting empathy and kindness. The cycle of violence he perpetuates underscores the novel’s broader message about the importance of understanding and acceptance.
In summary, the monster’s turn to evil is not innate but is the result of being repeatedly rejected, abandoned, and mistreated by his creator and the human world. He is a tragic figure whose evil is a direct consequence of his profound and unaddressed suffering, making him one of the most complex and thought-provoking “villains” in literature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions relating to Frankenstein’s monster and his descent into “evil”:
1. Was Frankenstein’s Monster Actually Born Evil?
No, the monster was not born evil. He is depicted as initially innocent, curious, and eager to learn. His monstrous behavior is a learned response to the constant rejection and hostility he faces.
2. What Was the Monster’s Initial Desire?
The monster initially craved acceptance, understanding, and connection. He longed to be part of a family and find companionship, but these desires were repeatedly denied.
3. How Did Frankenstein Betray the Monster?
Frankenstein betrayed the monster by abandoning him immediately after his creation, by failing to take responsibility for him, and by breaking his promise to create a female companion.
4. Why Did Victor Frankenstein Abandon His Creation?
Victor Frankenstein abandoned his creation due to disgust and terror at his monstrous appearance, rather than any inherent evil of the monster.
5. What Did the Monster Learn From the De Lacey Family?
The monster learned language, reading, and basic social skills from observing the De Lacey family. He also developed a longing for connection, family, and love.
6. What Triggered the Monster’s Desire for Revenge?
The monster’s desire for revenge was triggered by the constant rejection, isolation, and the breaking of Frankenstein’s promise to create a female companion. This despair turned into rage.
7. How Does the Monster Justify His Evil Actions?
The monster justifies his evil actions by stating, “I am malicious because I am miserable.” He views his actions as a response to the pain inflicted upon him by society and his creator.
8. Does Frankenstein’s Monster Regret His Actions?
Yes, the monster does express regret for the murders he committed. He acknowledges the evil of his actions and expresses remorse in his final conversation with Walton.
9. What Does Frankenstein’s Monster Symbolize?
Frankenstein’s monster symbolizes the consequences of unchecked ambition, the dangers of isolation, and the importance of empathy and understanding. He also represents the “other” in society and the fear of the unknown.
10. Who is the Real Villain in Frankenstein?
While the monster commits terrible acts, Victor Frankenstein is often considered the overarching villain due to his irresponsible creation, neglect, and moral failings. He is ultimately responsible for creating a being he refuses to take responsibility for.
11. What Is the Moral Lesson of Frankenstein?
Frankenstein teaches many lessons, including the dangers of playing God, the need for ethical considerations in science, the importance of empathy, and the consequences of neglect and prejudice. It also speaks to the power of societal influence.
12. Why Did Victor Refuse to Create a Female Monster?
Victor refused to create a female monster because he feared the potential consequences of their procreation and the possibility of a race of monsters. He also recoiled at the very idea of creating another creature like the first.
13. What Drove the Monster to Kill Victor’s Loved Ones?
The monster killed Victor’s loved ones as an act of revenge for his suffering and abandonment. He wanted Victor to experience the same isolation and loss he felt.
14. How Is Frankenstein’s Monster a Tragic Figure?
Frankenstein’s monster is a tragic figure because his evil is a direct result of the actions of others and the way he is treated. He is a victim of circumstance, rejected and feared from the moment of his creation. He is both a terrifying creature and one to be pitied.
15. Does the Monster Ever Find Peace?
The monster seeks peace in the end, by taking his own life and expressing regret for his actions. His planned suicide suggests that he does not find ultimate peace, but does find some resolution in ending his suffering.