Monster Theory In Frankenstein

Edward was found to be guilty of being a monster by the court. I find this verdict unjust and fundamentally flawed. Although, evidence was presented that Edward fits some definitions and theories presented by Cohen and Carroll; he did not fit them all. Edward is unconsciously fitting the role of a monster without being able to defend himself. Although he fits some definitions he does not fill all, therefore, he cannot be characterized as a monster. Edward knows that he is different and vulnerable to other people's judgment which is why he disconnects from society. The fact that he is different and acts differently then everyone should not classify him as a monster. Also, the confrontation with Jim should not be viewed as evidence for his conviction but for his defense. Furthermore, the verdict against Edward should be overturned.

Edward fits all seven monster theories presented by one of our key witnesses- Cohen. The seven theses are: (1) The Monster’s body is a cultural body; (2) The Monster always escapes; (3) The Monster is the Harbinger of category crisis; (4) The Monster dwells at the gates of difference; (5) The Monster polices the borders of the possible; (6) Fear of the Monster is a really a kind of desire; (7) The Monster stands at the threshold of becoming. However, he did not fit the definitions presented

by the other key witness- Carroll. Carroll focuses on the fear that monsters can create. “The Monster may also be threatening psychologically, morally, or socially. It may destroy one’s identity, seek to destroy the moral order, or advance an alternative society. Monster may also trigger certain enduring infantile fears, such as those of being eaten or dismembered, or sexual fears, considering rape and incest.” Edward is only threatening socially he does not destroy moral order or any of the other fears that monsters can create. Therefore, he does not fill all the definitions required to be characterized a monster.
My peers found Edward guilty because they failed to look at him as a human. They saw him as a machine rather than a person with emotions. When Edward was confronted by Jim, he didn’t act as a monster but as a person confronted with values and emotion. Edward was hesitant to react even after knowing all the physical and emotional damage that Jim had caused him. He only confronted and attacked Jim when he went after Kim; she was the only true weakness that Edward had. Which brings about the question would a monster be capable of love?
Edwards creator died before he changed his scissor hands for regular hands. This was Edward's only chance to fit in a society where differences make you an outcast and give you unwanted attention. While Edward saw his creator's dead body, he touched his face for the first time it and noticed that whenever he touched someone, a bright color dripped from there flesh. He did not notice this with fear but with amazement. Edwards innocence of pain and of mortality prove that he could not be a monster.
Monsters are often created due to a lack of love or human contact. Although, Edward did not have human contact for many years he did not build aggression or pain towards people. He was solely lonely and afraid. This can be seen when Peg arrives at the abandoned mansion and finds Edward hidden in a corner. Edward did not initiate contact with Peg, she did, so if we are to classify anyone as a monster, it should be her. I support this by showing that she is one that brought Edward into the town and into her home. She also treated Edward like a son making him comfortable. My allegation of calling Peg a monster is as absurd as labeling Edward a monster.
When Jim and his friend were driving around drunk and almost hit Kevin, it was Edward who saved Kevin from getting hit.

However, the town automatically assumed Edward attacked Kevin. This was partially because he had been found in someone's house and because of the fear they had of Edwards capability. The town suddenly realized that this was a child who was born in solitude and did not know all the social norms and possibly the difference between right and wrong. However, what I find interesting is that town only noticed this after they had found him commit something out of the norm. We see the town's true emotion toward Edward at the end of the

movie.
Edward should not be labeled a monster. Through his actions, we can tell that he is a person full of compassion, honesty, and empathy. The only monster here is Jim for causing these unnecessary problems for himself and Edward. Edward should be compensated from Jim's family for emotional damage and should be acquitted of the charge of being a monster.