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Essay / The Theme of Prejudice in Frankenstein
Prejudice is a recurring theme in Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein. Through the interactions and perceptions of various characters, Shelley explores the harmful effects of prejudice on the individual and society as a whole. This essay will analyze the presence and impact of prejudice in the novel, examining the different forms they take and the consequences they bring. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay One of the most prominent examples of prejudice in Frankenstein is the mistreatment and rejection the creature faces. Created by Victor Frankenstein, the Creature immediately suffered prejudice due to his monstrous appearance. Throughout the novel, the Creature is excluded from society, based solely on his physical appearance, without any consideration for his humanity or potential for goodness. Victor Frankenstein, the creator himself, displays deep prejudices towards his own creation. Instead of accepting responsibility for his actions and offering advice and care, he recoils in horror and abandons the creature, as he is unable to see beyond the creature's outward features. This initial act of prejudice serves as a catalyst for the creature's subsequent feelings of anger and desire for revenge. The theme of prejudice is further explored through other characters' response to the Creature. The villagers he encounters react with fear, hatred, and violence, motivated only by their prejudice against his grotesque appearance. Their prejudices blind them to the Creature's inherent desire for companionship and capacity for compassion, leading to a tragic cycle of violence and isolation. In addition to the prejudice endured by the Creature, Shelley also addresses the prejudice faced by Victor Frankenstein, the novel's protagonist. . Despite his intelligence and achievements, Victor is frequently judged and ridiculed by his peers due to his unconventional scientific pursuits. His obsessive fascination with resuscitation is considered socially unacceptable and he becomes an outcast within his university community. This prejudice against Victor represents a larger theme of societal distrust and fear of the unknown. Society's disapproval of Victor's scientific experiments is rooted in prejudice and a lack of understanding. By portraying Victor as a misunderstood and marginalized character, Shelley highlights the harmful consequences of prejudice on individual identity and personal growth. The theme of prejudice in Frankenstein is not simply an exploration of its presence but also an examination of its consequences. Through the experiences of the Creature and Victor, Shelley highlights the destructive nature of prejudice and its ability to perpetuate a cycle of violence, isolation, and despair. For the Creature, the constant rejection and dehumanization she faces ultimately drives her to revenge. Deprived of any opportunity for positive human interaction, the Creature resorts to violence as a means to assert its existence and seek justice for the injustices it has suffered. This cycle of violence perpetuates other prejudices and perpetuates the mistreatment of the creature. Likewise, Victor's experiences of prejudice lead to his own downfall. The societal rejection he faces due to his scientific activities isolates him emotionally, mentally, and morally. Victor's obsession with his creation and his subsequent refusal to take responsibility for it, driven by the fear of being further marginalized, lead him to ruin. Keep in mind: this,.