Role Of Cruelty In Frankenstein

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In the novel Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley the motif of cruelty functions as a motive and mode of retaliation. Both Victor and the Creature portray the roles of the perpetrator and victim of cruelty as seen through the rejection the Creature receives from the humans, Victor’s betrayal to the Creature, and the revenge sought out by the Creature. In the novel humans serve as an ember that sparks the cruelty that envelops the Creature. When the Creature encounters humans for the first time he is greeted with screams and projectiles; thus, forcing the Creature into hiding and isolation. The rejection that the Creature suffers from provokes a feeling of hatred and despair. The Creature, however, saw hope in De Lacey-- a blind man. Unfortunately, the feeling of loathing was reignited when the family of De Lacey set eyes on his appearance. The victimization the Creature …show more content…

Victor, at first sight of the Creature, abandons and leaves him to survive on his own. This is insignificant to the creature at the time, but later causes the Creature to have bitter feelings towards Victor. After the Creature discovers Victor’s notes, he becomes enraged, and incriminates Victor for the victimization that he faces; hence accusing him as a perpetrator of cruelty. Through the accusation of Victor one can see that the Creature believes that Victor should be held responsible, and owes the Creature a favor. Additionally, Victor double-crosses the Creature after obliging to create a mate for the Creature. These actions of betrayal demonstrate how Victor is a perpetrator of cruelty and how the Creature is his victim. Victor’s unintentional cruelty reveals how he only wanted what was best for himself and human kind. Victor’s betrayal is seen as an action of cruelty by the Creature, and consequently delivers the final blow that instigates the retaliation of the

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