Detailed Notes on the Themes and Analysis of Frankenstein

Overview of the Text:

• Proshanta Sarkar explores the profound themes of inequality, social madness, and existential despair in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

• The monster symbolizes societal alienation, embodying the physical and emotional rejection that individuals face when they do not conform to societal standards and ideals, suggesting that monstrosity lies in societal perceptions rather than in inherent qualities.

Key Themes:

• Alienation and Social Standards:

  • The monster experiences profound rejection due to its hideous appearance, which evokes public disdain and hatred, emphasizing the theme of societal beauty standards and the consequences of not fitting within those parameters.

  • Readers are encouraged to reflect on the harsh judgments by society and how it disapproves and ostracizes individuals who do not—through different attributes, such as appearance, behavior, or beliefs—match its norms, contributing to a culture of alienation.

• Racial Undertones:

  • The description of the monster includes references to its "yellow skin," suggesting racialization that hints at deeper racial issues embedded in the narrative, as well as broader implications regarding how racial biases inform perceptions of others within society.

• Victor Frankenstein's Role:

  • Victor’s obsession with creating life ultimately leads to his alienation from both the monster and society, serving as a cautionary tale about the quest for knowledge without morality.

  • His initial dreams of creation turn into a personal catastrophe when faced with the harsh reality of his actions—abandonment of his creation—and the fallout it precipitates in both their lives, leading to tragic consequences.

• The Monster’s Identity and Evolution:

  • The creature attempts to integrate into society, longing for acceptance but faces consistent rejection, prompting deep existential reflections about its identity and the nature of humanity.

  • As the creature learns from observing human interactions, it realizes its outward appearance irrevocably disqualifies it from human acceptance, aggravating its sense of isolation.

  • The monster’s journey can be outlined in various stages, including Victor's ambitious aspirations, societal reactions, encounters with a family (the De Laceys) that serve as a stark contrast to its rejection, and its ultimate tragedy stemming from societal neglect and hostility.

The Nature of the Monster:

• The monster is discussed as a product of various body parts, symbolizing the chaos of identity and the rejection of traditional narratives of humanity.

• The narrative sheds light that monstrosity is not an inherent trait of the creature but rather a social construct, shaped through interactions, experiences, and education.

Relationship to French Revolution:

• The creature serves as an emblem of the French Revolution, embodying both its radical ideals and tragic outcomes, reflecting the consequences of neglecting the populace's needs and aspirations.

• The failure of the revolution to nurture its citizens echoes Victor and the monster's relationship, illustrating the neglect of their mutual needs and yearning for understanding, thereby reinforcing the parallels between personal and collective struggles against oppression and alienation.

Critique of Society:

• The narrative prompts reflections on how societal ideals of beauty and order create a structure that shuns and marginalizes the monster for its inherent differences, suggesting a critique of social norms and the dangers of conformity.

• The critique extends to the role of historical and social contexts on individual identities and societal acceptance, questioning what it means to be human in a flawed society that prizes superficiality over authenticity.

The Role of Knowledge and Language:

• The acquisition of language by the creature elevates its understanding of human emotions and social contexts but also magnifies its isolation and alienation, highlighting a tragic irony in the pursuit of knowledge.

• The evolution of its knowledge parallels the creature's moral decline as it contemplates its place in the world and seeks revenge on society for its injustices, reflecting a deep conflict between intellect and emotional understanding.

Existential Questions Raised:

• The monster grapples with fundamental questions about existence, identity, and belonging, often reflecting a profound yearning for acceptance and understanding that it is denied by society.

• The theme of loneliness emerges as critical to understanding both Victor's and the monster's motivations, indicating that isolation can lead to destructive behaviors.

Final Reflections:

• The narrative concludes with a meditation on violence and empathy, pondering whether the monster's vengeful behavior is a product of its societal treatment and the validity of reclaiming power through revenge.

• The connections between Victor's ambition and his monstrous creation highlight the duality of creator and creation in an increasingly alienating society, showcasing the repercussions of unchecked ambition and the search for meaning in a world that often overlooks the marginalized.