The Cycle of Oppression in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, tells of a manmade monster’s journey through 18th century Europe and his struggle against humanity. Throughout his life, he is constantly attacked and isolated based upon his appearance. Although he at first attempts to fit in, it is to no avail — society continues to discriminate and assault him, labeling him an “other.” Specifically in Frankenstein, an “other” is an individual completely isolated from, and attacked by, society in which every action is deemed unacceptable. They are abandoned and forced into a war against the majority, most often society itself, with no way out. This vicious Cycle of Oppression begins with escalating aggression, leading towards expected treatment and segregation, finally resulting in complete external oppression. Continued external aggression soon engrains the idea of self-oppression within the “other.” Individuals and groups create an “other” through the Cycle of Oppression, first by isolating an individual from society and then installing a sense of internal oppression. Shelley gives us Justine and the monster to guide us through the Cycle of Oppression and fathom what it means to be an “other.”

The Cycle of Oppression is evident in Justine’s, a minor character’s, trial in which she is forsaken by her people and “othered” based on crimes she did not commit. Immediately after she is suspected of murder, society begins to rise up against her, expressing their deep hatred. During her first appearance in trial, Justine “appeared confident in innocence, and did not tremble, although gazed on and execrated by thousands” (54). Shelley utilizes powerful language such as “execrated” to illustrate how the public — the “thousands” — all despised her. Although society a...

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...Both Frankenstein and Justine were “othered” through the Cycle of Oppression, instilling in them a sense of internal and external oppression. Although they were “othered” for different reasons, the latter experienced overwhelming aggression and isolation. Such cruel treatment imbued a feeling of hopelessness and depression — while the Cycle of Oppression ensured they could not escape from society’s ruthless attacks. Shelley explores this idea of “othering,” examining what happens to an “other.” By the end of their lives, both characters felt misery and sorrow. With the whole world against them, they felt they had lost their purpose in life. This ultimately resulted in their deaths with Justine resigning to her execution. Abandoned by society and his creator, the monster commits suicide — eager to end his miserable existence and escape the vicious Cycle of Oppression.