What Did The Creature Want Of Frankenstein

What Did the Creature Want of Frankenstein? A Deep Dive into Desire and Rejection

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is more than a gothic horror story; it's a profound exploration of creation, responsibility, and the devastating consequences of rejection. While the monster's monstrous acts are undeniable, understanding his motivations is crucial to grasping the novel's enduring power. What, ultimately, did the creature want from Victor Frankenstein, his creator? The answer isn't simple, and unraveling it requires examining the creature's evolving desires throughout the narrative.

The Initial Yearning for Connection and Acceptance

The creature's initial desires are remarkably simple, rooted in a fundamental human need: connection. Abandoned and alone, his first experiences of humanity are horrifying. He witnesses the brutal rejection of the De Lacey family, highlighting the profound impact of societal prejudice and the pain of ostracization. He yearns for companionship, for understanding, for a sense of belonging that he's tragically denied.

The De Lacey Family: A Failed Attempt at Integration

The creature's observation of the De Lacey family represents his first attempt at understanding human society and his desperate desire for acceptance. He learns language by observing them, mimicking their actions, and soaking in their interactions. He sees the potential for kindness, love, and family within their simple life. This idyllic image becomes a poignant counterpoint to his own horrifying reality. His hope for integration, however, is brutally shattered when he's violently rejected because of his appearance. This rejection is the pivotal moment that solidifies his descent into darkness.

Learning and the Desire for Knowledge

Beyond connection, the creature develops a strong desire for knowledge. He voraciously consumes books, absorbing the philosophical and literary works that shape his understanding of the world and his place within it. This intellectual hunger fuels his understanding of his own suffering and his growing resentment towards his creator. He realizes the injustice of his existence, the cruelty of being born into a world that actively rejects him. Knowledge, in this context, becomes a tool for self-awareness and a weapon against his isolation.

The Shifting Desire for Revenge

As the creature's desires for connection and understanding are repeatedly thwarted, his feelings shift toward revenge. The initial yearning transforms into a bitter resentment fueled by betrayal and abandonment. Victor's rejection becomes the catalyst for the creature's violent actions, a desperate attempt to inflict the same pain he has endured.

Victor's Irresponsibility and the Creature's Pain

Victor's abandonment of his creation is not a singular act but a continuous pattern of negligence. He fails to provide the creature with any guidance, support, or even a basic understanding of the world. This irresponsibility is a core theme of the novel, highlighting the ethical implications of scientific hubris and the profound responsibility that accompanies creation. The creature's desire for revenge is, therefore, a direct response to Victor's failings, a twisted reflection of the suffering inflicted upon him.

The Escalation of Violence: A Cry for Justice

The creature's acts of violence are not random acts of cruelty but calculated attempts to inflict suffering on Victor, the source of his misery. Each murder is a symbolic act of retribution, a desperate attempt to force Victor to acknowledge his responsibility and alleviate the creature's pain. The creature's violence is not driven by inherent malice but by a deep-seated sense of injustice and a yearning for recognition.

A Plea for Companionship and a Shared Existence

Despite his escalating acts of violence, the creature's fundamental desire for companionship remains a powerful undercurrent throughout the narrative. He pleads with Victor to create a female companion, believing that this act would finally give him the solace and acceptance he desperately craves. This plea highlights the paradoxical nature of the creature: capable of horrific violence yet still yearning for connection and love.

The Rejected Plea and the Final Descent

Victor's refusal to create a female companion is a devastating blow, solidifying the creature's belief that he will forever remain alone and rejected. This rejection marks the creature's final descent into despair and fuels his vengeful pursuit of Victor. The desire for companionship, once a hopeful yearning, transforms into a bitter reminder of his isolation and the cruelty of his existence.

The Creature's Ultimate Goal: Acceptance or Annihilation?

The creature's ultimate goal is ambiguous. It's a complex interplay between a desperate hope for acceptance and a self-destructive tendency fueled by years of rejection. His relentless pursuit of Victor can be interpreted as a final, desperate attempt to force acknowledgment and, perhaps, a grudging acceptance. Alternatively, it could be viewed as a self-fulfilling prophecy, a relentless pursuit of annihilation, mirroring the rejection he has experienced throughout his life.

The Tragic Irony of Unfulfilled Desires

The tragic irony of the narrative lies in the creature's unfulfilled desires. His yearning for connection, understanding, and acceptance remain perpetually unmet, leading to a cycle of violence and despair. The novel compels us to confront the consequences of our actions, the profound impact of societal prejudice, and the devastating effects of rejection on the human spirit.

The Enduring Relevance of the Creature's Desires

The creature's desires resonate far beyond the confines of the novel. His struggles with isolation, rejection, and the search for belonging are timeless themes that continue to captivate and disturb readers. The creature's story serves as a potent reminder of the responsibility that accompanies creation and the importance of empathy and understanding in a world often marked by prejudice and intolerance.

Beyond the Monster: A Reflection on Humanity

By exploring the creature's complex motivations, Frankenstein transcends its genre and becomes a profound commentary on humanity itself. The creature's journey highlights the devastating consequences of rejection, the power of empathy, and the enduring human need for connection. Ultimately, understanding what the creature wanted from Frankenstein helps us to understand the deeper meaning of the novel, its relevance to contemporary issues, and the lasting impact it has had on literature and culture.

This exploration of the creature's desires demonstrates the novel's depth and complexity. It's not simply a story about a monster; it's a profound exploration of human nature, responsibility, and the enduring power of hope and despair. The creature's ultimate fate is left ambiguous, leaving the reader to ponder the lasting impact of rejection and the complexities of human connection.