Walton's Letters and Victor's Background
Victor Frankenstein's upbringing is presented as idyllic, providing a stark contrast to the Monster's experiences. The Frankenstein family is portrayed as loving and generous, extending their care to less fortunate children like Elizabeth and Justine. This emphasis on Victor's privileged background serves to heighten the reader's criticism of his treatment towards his creation.
Quote: "No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence." (Chapter 2)
Shelley uses this portrayal to underscore the importance of family and companionship in shaping one's character and moral compass. The author also introduces the theme of loneliness through Walton's letters, where his desire for a like-minded friend is evident, foreshadowing the Monster's similar yearning for companionship.
Highlight: The contrast between Victor's loving upbringing and the Monster's immediate abandonment sets the stage for the novel's exploration of the consequences of isolation and rejection.
The Monster's Quest for Companionship
The Monster's journey is marked by constant rejection and a deep longing for acceptance and love. After observing the De Lacey family, the Monster idealizes their lifestyle and imagines them as his "friends," highlighting his desperate need for connection.
Example: The Monster's admiration of the De Lacey family illustrates how he recognizes the positive effects of close relationships, seeing their happiness as derived entirely from their mutual affection rather than external circumstances.
Shelley attributes the Monster's descent into violence to his lack of companionship and love, suggesting that human relationships are crucial for maintaining moral integrity. This theme is further emphasized when the Monster discovers the story of Adam and Eve in "Paradise Lost," leading him to view companionship as the natural state of being.
Quote: "They loved, and sympathised with one another; and their joys, depending on each other, were not interrupted by the casualties that took place around them." (Volume Two: Chapter 7)
The Monster's request for Victor to create a mate underscores the profound importance he places on companionship. Shelley uses this desire to evoke sympathy from the reader, as the Monster's ambitions are limited to basic human needs of love and acceptance.
Highlight: The Monster's plea for a companion reveals the depth of his loneliness and his belief that relationships are essential for his moral redemption and happiness.
