Similarities Between Frankenstein And Edward Scissorhands

As Halloween is coming around the corner, ghosts, monsters, and witches come to mind. Watching classic scary movies and reading books like, Frankenstein and Edward Scissorhands, is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. These two stories have different plots, but their themes and meanings parallel each other and have connections to modern society. Although, Frankenstein’s creature and Edward Scissorhands have vastly different lives, they both experience a struggle for acceptance that is also shared by contemporary homosexuals due to societal influences that attempt to apply a predetermined characterization towards these individuals. This is evidenced by how the characters and gay people are outcasts and want to be loved.

Edward’s hands and the creature’s monstrous figure are frightening sights. The creature’s cottage “friends” fainted, ran away, and attacked it when he tried to gain their friendship after months of observing their lives. The creature recalls the encounter by saying, “who can describe the horror and consternation on beholding me?” (Frankenstein, 135) The incident left the creature enraged because it has felt neglected upon every human

encounter, even by his creator. This causes it to leave society, live in the wilderness, and vow “eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind” (Frankenstein, 141), though all he wanted was compassion and understanding from others. Even an unbiased child like William scorned the creature for its grotesque figure when all it wanted was to “educate him as my companion and friend” (Frankenstein, 142).

Like the creature’s experiences, the differences in Edward’s hands made him feel left out despite the many talents he possessed.

Multiple people claimed they “know a doctor that might be able to help” fix his situation (Edward Scissorhands). At one point, Edward said, “I’d like to meet him” (Edward Scissorhands), knowing if he received prosthetic surgery, he would be accepted as normal and not special. Edward accidently cut Kim and Kevin with his scissorhands, though his intentions were to help them. The incidence leaves the neighbors with an evil impression causing them to chase Edward, though he only wanted Kim’s love. The physical features of Edward and the creature led others to conclude that they were malicious and therefore deemed outcasts, though their intentions were only to find

acceptance.
Homosexuals in modern society face the same yearn for acceptance that creature and Edward experienced. Until recently, gay marriage was illegal in many states. Although the supreme court legalized it, some still frown upon gay marriage. Further, homosexuals must deal with discrimination in hiring and equal pay in the workforce, as well as limitations on military benefits. Though, like anyone of any sexual orientation, homosexuals want to be accepted as equal and be able to experience love in the way they find fitting.
Edward and the creature from Frankenstein both find themselves in a struggle for acceptance through being outcasts based upon their physical features. In the same way, gay people today also have trouble finding acceptance and often feel like outcasts due to the discrimination society puts on them. All in all, both the characters and homosexuals ultimately want love and compassion. When celebrating Halloween by watching and reading these stories, keep in mind Edward’s and the creature’s true intentions and it won’t seem so scary.