Clouded Perceptions

From our initial introduction to Frankenstein’s creation, we’re presented with descriptions meant to incite perceptions of disgust and lead us to empathize with Frankenstein’s disappointment in the outward appearance of the creature.  Frankenstein’s immediate regret for having “worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body” (36) leads him to subjectively criticize the creature.  In Frankenstein’s eyes, this creature failed to meet his expectations, ruining “the beauty of the dream (36).”  After having suffered “infinite pains” in the process of forming this new life, he cannot accept that his creation isn’t the beautiful creature he selected.  Shelley conveys this dissatisfaction by utilizing dehumanizing language, referring to it as a “demoniacal corpse” and “wretch,”among other terms.  Our understanding of this creature is therefore prematurely clouded by a vision of something nonhuman.  Frankenstein’s expectations were so great such that he now sees his work as a total failure, meaning he focuses solely on the negatives and sees no reason to attempt to befriend the creature and potentially find positives from his efforts.  In choosing to dehumanize his creation and abandon him from the get-go, Frankenstein sets himself up for his own dehumanization; Frankenstein’s lack of attention toward the creature leaves his creation lost in the world, and is likely responsible for the killings of those close to Frankenstein.  This brings up the debate over whether we, as humans, have a responsibility to nurture what we bring into this world to prevent our creations from becoming lost without that necessary social contact.