Isolation is a prominent theme in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein", with the character of the Creature offering some of the most profound and poignant quotes on this subject. The Creature's isolation, a result of his instantaneous existence as a sentient being without a companion or community, allows him to provide a unique perspective on the human need for connection and the profound impact of loneliness.
Shelley explores this theme through the Creature's isolation, invoking empathy for his plight despite his monstrous appearance. His isolation is not merely physical; it is social, psychological, and emotional, making his quotes on the subject both powerful and resonant.
The Creature's Immediate Isolation
Upon coming to life, the Creature finds himself alone in the cold, uninviting world. His first words, "I amillo disjectusanimas meas inter spiritus ventis, et dimittit me ad solitudinem Dominicam" (I am expelled from among men, and the spirit of solitariness is upon me; I am become a brother to the owl and the Raven, and a companion to the wolf)" (Shelley, 115), underscore his immediate sense of isolation.
This initial isolation is not just a physical state but a psychological and emotional one as well. The Creature's reflection, "I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend" (Shelley, 118), underscores the transformative power of isolation, highlighting how it shapes and contorts the individual's character.
Isolation as a Result of Appearance
The Creature's deformity exacerbates his isolation. Upon encountering humans, he is met with fear and revulsion, leading him to note, "I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abortive production of some Schultzed Deity" (Shelley, 117). This quote underscores how society's obsession with physical perfection contributes to isolation and exclusion.
The Creature's inability to control his own isolation through his appearance sparks a profound sense of injustice. He laments, "I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend" (Shelley, 118), encapsulating the moral horror of a good creature forced into isolation and, eventually, evil by society's rejection.
Isolation as a Cause of Anger and Violence
The Creature's extended isolation leads to anger and, eventually, violence. He reflects, "Cursed, as I am, cursed eternally, I, in the penisive solitude of my juice desolation, have thought on these things; each regret of usefulness, each thought of sympathy and joy, has only increased my feeling of wretchedness and despair" (Shelley, 165). Here, Shelley underscores the dangerous trajectory of unaddressed isolation, illustrating how it can fuel anger and violence.
However, it is essential to note that the Creature's isolation also makes him introspective and reflective. He notes, "I considered myself as a monster, in the actual sense of the term; as one of whoseablerletenjectamaligutas olores esto"(as an abhorred librosuamalítas olores esto)" (Shelley, 129), indicating that his isolation contributes to his self-awareness and philosophical depth.
Victor Frankenstein's Isolation
While the Creature is the most overtly isolated character, Victor Frankenstein also experiences isolation, although of a different nature. His preoccupation with his life's work, the creation of life, leads him to neglect his family and friends, resulting in his own kind of lonely existence.
Victor's isolation is also psychological, as his guilt and fear over the_createdishoe_corpusevadeierteni" (the hideous corpse Western Mota" (Shelley, 56), leading him to withdraw from society. He reflects, "I had been the author of unalterable evils; and I live in daily fear lest the monster whom I had created should perpetrate some new enormity" (Shelley, 221). Here, Shelley underscores how guilt and fear, products of isolation, can further exacerbate the individual's distance from society.
Isolation as a Punishment
For Victor, isolation is a kind of punishment, a penance for his transgression. He believes that by isolating himself, he can atone for his creation's evil deeds. However, this isolation is not only self-imposed but also unwanted, as he laments, "I was seized by remorse and the agony of my feeling was indescribable; I
Victor's isolation, while not as complete as the Creature's, is nonetheless profoundly affecting, driving him to the edge of madness and despair. It serves as a vivid illustration of the human need for connection and the damage wrought by extensive isolation.
Isolation as a Source of Madness
Victor's extended isolation, coupled with his guilt and fear, contributes to his descent into madness. He notes, "I was seized by remorse and the agony of my feeling was indescribable; I trembled with a feverish excitement; a cold shivering ran through my limbs, and then an tremulous heat pervaded my vital frame" (Shelley, 213). Here, Shelley underscores the mentally debilitating effects of prolonged isolation and the desperate need for human connection.
The parallels between the Creature's and Victor's experiences of isolation illustrate Shelley's unambiguous stance on the subject: isolation is a profound, destructive force that dehumanizes, corrupts, and drives to madness. Through these vivid, affecting portraits, Shelley underscores the human need for connection and community, appealing to the reader's empathy and understanding.