Loneliness in Frankenstein

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In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, loneliness is a key theme. There comes a point in the novel where Dr. Frankenstein has to make a decision: to either make his creature an equal woman companion or to refuse his protégé and face the dire consequences. At this point, Frankenstein is knowledgeable that his creation is the murderer of his brother (and indirectly caused the execution of his family friend Justine). He sees just exactly the problems that his creation has caused and how much pain his family is in from suffering these losses. On the other hand, the monster offers peace and a ceasefire on Frankenstein’s family if he obtains what he most desires. This could potentially make his creature less miserably alone, which ultimately could benefit Frankenstein and those who are dearest to him, as well the rest of mankind because the monster would in theory not be harming humans anymore. I personally take the stance that there are too many variables in the creation of life for Frankenstein to be messing with them not once, but twice in one lifetime. Frankenstein should not create a second creature because of the original creation's inadequacies, and the inability to predict the reaction of the second creature to being birthed. How can a creature that has only been treated with hate and fear truly share love with another? Perhaps the creature may even fly into a rage and abuse its new partner for not fulfilling the ideal of love and companionship it observed in the house of De Lacey where the creature states that "nothing could exceed the love and respect which the younger cottagers exhibited [there]” (Shelley 109). The creature has never experienced an actual relationship with another being and has no idea if the com... ... middle of paper ... ... to warrant action from Frankenstein. Instead, he must focus on his duty towards mankind to stop any further destruction caused by the hands of his creations. This can only be done in part by not creating a second monster for the world to deal with. I think that the creation certainly deserves some sort of love and companion, especially some acknowledgement from his creator, other than Frankenstein running in fear. However, I do not believe that making him a "creature of the opposite sex, that is hideous as [the creature's self]” will solve his inferiority complex and feelings of abandonment from his creator and mankind (145). Maybe Frankenstein needs to work on his own personal relationship with his creation before that possibility is lost forever. Works Cited Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Johanna M. Smith. 2nd Ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s. 2000. Print.

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