Frankenstein Character Essay, Research Paper

Perceptions of character traits based upon outward appearance plays a central

theme in the novel, Frankenstein by the author Mary Shelly. However, perceptions

of people by society are not always true. In fact, what the character appears to

be on the outside, and what they actually are on the inside can be as different

as night and day. For example, the main character Victor Frankenstein is viewed

by society as a wealthy gentleman, without a flaw. He is perceived as a man of

great integrity, and considered very intelligent. However, Victor is actually a

shallow person, obsessed with death. After discovering a way to escape it, he

finds the burden of knowledge too much, and rejects his creation. He refuses to

accept the responsibilities of his actions. Outwardly, Victor’s creation appears

to be a monster. He is an abnormality of nature and society rejects those who

are ugly. Society labels Victor’s creation as half-witted, the work of the

devil, the essence of pure evil, and an abomination. In fact, he is a gentle

creature, who is very intelligent, and who because of his appearance, must carry

society’s injustices upon his shoulders. These examples prove that during the

time-period of this book, appearance and wealth weigh over justice. If justice

was more important, than wealth, Victor would of stayed in jail charged for the

murder of Clerval, but because of his social status, and the visit from his

father he was released. On the other hand if Victor’s creation was caught with

the murder of Clerval, he would have been put to death on the spot. These

examples from the novel, Frankenstein by Mary Shelly show how society’s views

influence people’s perceptions of others. When society learns how to accept

people for who they are, and not merely based upon their appearance or wealth,

the world will be a much better place to live in!