In her novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley explores a wide range of themes. The most obvious theme in the novel was the persecution of the monster because of his physical appearance. Throughout the book, the monster is just looking for acceptance from anyone. He has been turned down and ridiculed by many because of the way he looks. Even through the kindness of his heart that yearns for love, he cannot make any friends. He was brought into the world very abruptly by his creator, Victor Frankenstein. Even Victor was disgusted at what he saw when the monster came to life and could not look past physical appearance. He explains, "the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart." (page 42) Frankenstein's monster is left with an unfulfilled desire for a companion to share his miserable life with. Society is cruel, and the monster seeks revenge upon his creator by killing all of Frankenstein's loved ones.
The theme I have described is most definitely relevant to other readers my age. Many people in the world judge people by the way they look on the outside. Teenage minds are corrupted and appearance means everything. Like the monster, those who are good of heart and yearn for friends are not accepted by many if they are not found beautiful. "I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abortion, to be spurned at, and kicked, and trampled on." (page 204) In some cases, these unaccepted people may seek revenge on society, just as the monster does. If more people followed by the old saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover," life would be much easier. More people would find acceptance, and perhaps the monster wouldn't have spent his years seeking revenge on humankind.
In my opinion, the most important word in the book would have to be "monster. " The word is used very often, and is also abused by Victor Frankenstein. Indeed, his creation is a "monster," but this title is given to him because of the way he looks on the outside.
