As Frankenstein focused on the attractive nature of his creature’s appearance when he was forming him, the creature adopted the ideal of perfection in physical appearance when he noticed that others were repulsed by his physical being. Frankenstein’s own vanity and pride were damaged by primarily the outward appearance of his creation, which speaks to human nature as a whole. In general, individuals pay attention to physical appearance; everyone passes some type of judgment on another person without listening to him or her speak. The creature himself became very eloquent in speech during his time in the hovel, and was able to carry a conversation with Delacey before his children lashed out at him. The creature relents to Victor about his grotesque appearance “…I became fully convinced that I was in reality the monster that I am…” (Shelley 1o8), and later demands that Victor make him a companion that would not only stay with him, but appreciate him for who and what he is. Frankenstein, however, feared that the creature would not be accepted by the companion, leading to his destroying her.
The creature stands as a symbol for the dark side of human vanity, and the results that spurn from a persons overzealous attitude towards outward appearance. Victor’s concentration on forming a perfect being ultimately backfired, leading the subsequent chain of events simply because of his own vanity.
Shelley, Mary W. Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. Public Domain. Kindle file.
I really like the idea that Victor’s creation stands as a symbol for the “dark side of human vanity” because we see exactly how this focus on physical appearance is so damaging. Mary W. Shelley endeavors to make it clear to the reader that Victor’s creation is a sensitive individual, who speaks with intelligence. His descent into murder, rage, and loneliness is a direct product of his original encounter with the concept of physical appeal, Victor’s appalled abandonment. Thus, this “dark side of human vanity” reveals itself in the cruel abandonment of a creation by its direct creator.