Frankenstein thesis advise?

Question

im writting a research paper on frankenstein and am connecting Mary Shelley's life to the book.. here's my working thesis

Mary Shelley demonstrates her fear of abandonment with her husband, Percy, throught the characters of Frankenstein and the monster. In her life and her story the person who is the "savior," also becomes the one who does the most damage.

..remember im in the process of writting this..
so this is kind of what i randodmly came up with

thnks!

Answer 1

You may read this to tighten your thesis:

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is widely recognised as one of the most impressive gothic horror novels ever written. Inspired by one of her dreams, Shelley managed to give birth to a phenomenal creature: Frankenstein's monster.

Victor Frankenstein, who is characterised as `The Modern Prometheus' became obsessed with the idea of creating life after his mother's death, which devastated him. He worked hard for a long time until his creation was complete, but the first signs of life in the monster's corpse terrified him and he decided to destroy it. The creature, however, escaped from Frankenstein's laboratory and swore revenge and eternal war to his creator and all mankind.

In my opinion, Frankenstein's creation should not be considered as a monster, even though Shelley does not give it a name. Although the creature expresses monstrosity in many ways, its humane characteristics must not be disregarded. I also believe that the creature's monstrous behaviour wasn't entirely Frankenstein's responsibility, as inappropriate behaviour and prejudice from other characters as well as Frankenstein left it with no other choice. There are many reasons in favour of my argument, which will be presented in this essay.

Initially, great emphasis must be given to the first appearance of the creature in the novel. It has to be made clear that the narrator in this chapter is Victor Frankenstein himself. The event of the creature's genesis is, therefore, explored from Frankenstein's perspective and does not allow the reader to empathise with the creature. This technique significantly affects the reader's opinion towards the creature, as its monstrous characteristics are highlighted to a great extent. In addition, Frankenstein himself believes that he has created `a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived'. Therefore, the reader's impression of the creature is biased at this point.

Even before the creature is introduced to the reader, the choice of diction in the chapter prepares its entrance. Firstly, the fact that the corpse was brought to life on a `dreary night of November' underlines its importance in Frankenstein's life. It also implies that Frankenstein was only concerned about his creation at this stage and had ignored every other responsibility concerning him or his family. Secondly, there are numerous gothic features, such as rain pattering `dismally against the frames' and darkness, which set up an almost paranormal atmosphere. Frankenstein states that his `candle was nearly burnt out', which is highly ambiguous. It is possible that this only reinforces the already tense scene, but it is more likely that the candle is counting down to the creation of a monster. In `Frankenstein' this technique is used to indicate the commencement of a new era, in which creature and creator bring fear and devastation to mankind.

The choice of phraseology used to describe the creature is vastly significant. Primarily, the corpse did not sweetly awake, but when its `dull yellow eye' opened, `it breathed hard and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs'. Frankenstein had `selected his features as beautiful', but when the creature came to life `the beauty of the dream vanished', as luxuriances such as `lustrous black' hair and `teeth of a pearly whiteness' only formed a more `horrid contrast with his watery eyes'. At this point, the only characteristic of the creature that expresses monstrosity is its appearance, but it must not be judged solely by that.

Although it might not seem so, there is a large amount of humanity conveyed by the creature at this point. As it `stretched out' to reach Frankenstein, a `grin wrinkled its cheeks', which indicates a need for its creator. The monster is behaving like a newborn baby needing the guidance of its mother. In my opinion there are no signs of monstrosity in its actions at this stage.

After the creature's escape from Frankenstein's laboratory the reader is given the chance to empathise with it, as its own story reveals its true feelings. The narrator in these chapters is the monster itself and the events are, therefore, surveyed from its perspective. A dual narrative, such as this, gives the opportunity to explore events from different points of view and affects our opinion of the characters. Although this appears to be confusing at first, it aids the reader to a great extent and improves our understanding of the sub-text of the novel.

It is reasonably evident from the language used by the monster, that the reader is faced with an almost civilised person, who now makes its first steps towards maturity. It is confusion, rather than monstrosity, which is expressed by the creature in this early stage. This surprises the reader, as a false impression was made from Frankenstein in previous chapters. The monster experiences a `strange multiplicity of sensations' and its humane characteristics can be clearly recognised.

The monster calls itself a `poor, miserable wretch' and recognises its hideousness. The fact that it `sat down and wept' indicates its human nature. It is `overcome with joy' when it experiences warmth from a nearby fire and howls with `pain' as it `thrust (its) hands into the live embers'. It appreciates beauty in nature and tries to mimic sounds of `sweet little winged animals'. However, the `inarticulate sounds which broke from (it) frightened (it) into silence again'.

The creature's relationship with nature is incredibly similar to one of a child and its parents. It discovers life through its interaction with Mother Nature and learns to appreciate and love beauty in animals and humans. It utilizes nature to acquire new skills and regards it as benevolent towards it.

In my opinion, the most powerful expression of humanity in these chapters would be the creature's first meeting with the DeLacey family. The monster realized that `the girl possessed delicate beauty' and was impressed by the `rugged good looks of Felix'. It `longed to reach out and touch them both', but `felt fear for these strange beings'. The creature desires to communicate with human beings, but is awfully afraid of their reactions towards it because of its appearance.

Despite of the creature's innocence there are various signs of monstrosity shown in these chapters. Although without being aware of it, the monster terrified an old man who `shrieked in terror and fled' and `greedily devoured the remnants of the man's breakfast'. However, these actions do not express true monstrosity. The creature had not been taught right from wrong, as Frankenstein had abandoned it immediately after its birth. Also it is not responsible for its exterior characteristics.

I believe that wider society has an instant effect on the creature's behaviour, as prejudice and fear caused by the monster cause them to act inappropriately towards it. They disregarded its feelings, `attacked (it)' and even `unleashed several dogs' as soon as it `wandered into a nearby village'.

Nevertheless, the creature does not turn against mankind, but instead concentrates on the DeLacey family. When it realises that the people he admires the most suffer from poverty, it decides to `assist them in their labours' by placing before the door of their cottage `huge piles of logs to burn'. The monster felt contented by their happiness and `shared in their joys and sorrows'. Although it `longed to sit with them and talk', it `dared not for fear of rejection and pain'. When the monster finally meets the old man, it is polite and civil towards him. It does not seek material satisfactions, but `warmth and the company of man'. The creature speaks about the De Lacey's as it would about its parents. It calls them its educators `of great benevolence' and states that he now desires to `request their friendship'.

By having this conversation with the old man, the creature proves to the reader that although it might appear monstrous, it has a human nature. It understands that `prejudice clouds the eyes' of mankind, `and where they ought to see a feeling and a kind friend, they see only a detestable monster'. The old man De Lacey himself reinforces this point by saying that the creature seemed to be a `noble and virtuous being'. These words give satisfaction to the monster, which thanks his `best and only friend and benefactor' for his `kindness'.

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good luck

Answer 2

I would not use the term monster. His intent was to create life. I'd use the word creation.