Why Does The Monster See Himself Like The Biblical Adam

Why Does the Monster See Himself Like the Biblical Adam?

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a gothic masterpiece that transcends its time, resonating with readers centuries later. One of the novel's most compelling aspects is the creature's self-perception, mirroring the biblical Adam in profound and multifaceted ways. This essay will delve into the intricate parallels between the creature and Adam, exploring themes of creation, innocence, isolation, the acquisition of knowledge, and the consequences of rejection. Understanding this parallel deepens our appreciation of the novel's complex exploration of humanity, responsibility, and the very nature of good and evil.

The Creation and Initial Innocence: A Shared Beginning

Both Adam and the monster are brought into existence through a divine-like act of creation. God, in the biblical account, forms Adam from dust, breathing life into him. Victor Frankenstein, through his relentless ambition and scientific hubris, animates lifeless matter, creating a being far exceeding his capabilities to nurture or comprehend. This parallel immediately establishes a fundamental connection – both are created beings, not born naturally, thus placing them outside the traditional societal and familial structures.

Crucially, both begin their existence in a state of blissful innocence. Adam, in the Garden of Eden, is unaware of sin or suffering. Similarly, the creature's initial experience of the world is marked by a naive wonder, a capacity for profound joy, and an innate desire for connection. He observes the natural world with an intense curiosity, learning through direct experience and observation. His initial attempts at communication, though clumsy, stem from a desire for understanding and companionship, reflecting Adam's initial communion with God and the natural world.

The Acquisition of Knowledge and the Fall from Innocence

However, this initial innocence is fleeting for both. Adam's fall from grace comes with the consumption of the forbidden fruit, an act that brings knowledge of good and evil and expulsion from paradise. The monster's parallel "fall" is more gradual, fueled by rejection and the brutal realities of the world he inhabits.

His discovery of the cottagers and his subsequent learning of language represents his acquisition of knowledge, mirroring Adam's learning through interaction with God and the environment. But unlike Adam's idyllic learning experience, the monster's exposure to human society is fraught with violence, prejudice, and cruelty. The rejection he faces shatters his initial innocence, transforming his innate desire for connection into a burning resentment and a thirst for revenge. He learns not the abstract concepts of good and evil, but the harsh realities of human depravity, forcing him to question the very nature of his existence and his creator's responsibility. The idyllic "Garden of Eden" he initially experiences is replaced by a harsh, unforgiving world, mirroring Adam's expulsion from paradise.

Isolation and the Burden of Existence

Both Adam and the monster experience profound isolation. Adam, though initially alone, had the presence of God and eventually Eve. The monster, however, is utterly alone, a unique being ostracized by humanity for his terrifying appearance. This solitude breeds a deep sense of alienation and fuels his growing despair. He cries out for companionship, for understanding, yet his pleas fall on deaf ears, exacerbating his pain and fueling his rage. This fundamental loneliness emphasizes the inherent human need for connection and belonging, and highlights the devastating consequences of its absence.

The monster's isolation is further amplified by his physical difference from humanity. His monstrous appearance makes him an object of revulsion and fear, preventing him from forming meaningful relationships. He recognizes this difference, acutely aware of his physical deformity and the way it separates him from the rest of humanity. This physical difference mirrors Adam's unique position as the first man, a unique being in his world, though Adam's uniqueness was initially a source of connection to his creator, rather than rejection.

The Question of Responsibility and the Creator's Role

The narrative powerfully explores the responsibility of the creator. God, in the biblical account, is often interpreted as responsible for Adam's actions, even after the fall. Similarly, Victor Frankenstein bears the responsibility for the monster's actions. He created the being, yet abandoned it, leaving it vulnerable to the harsh realities of the world and ultimately contributing to its descent into darkness. The monster's repeated pleas for his creator's understanding and compassion highlight this profound responsibility. He asks Victor to create a female companion for him; a request that reveals his desperate need for connection and love, but also emphasizes the responsibility his creator has towards his creation. Victor's refusal, a decision based on his own fear and a sense of moral responsibility, further highlights the tragic consequences of abandoning a creation.

The Search for Identity and Purpose

Both Adam and the monster grapple with their identity and purpose. Adam, in the Garden of Eden, was initially given a purpose: to cultivate the garden. However, his purpose and identity evolve as he gains knowledge, experiences loss, and learns the consequences of his actions. The monster, similarly, struggles to find his place in the world. Initially, he seeks purpose in mimicking human behaviour, learning language and imitating human relationships. However, his encounters with human cruelty continuously undermine his attempts to find his place, leaving him confused and angry.

The monster's search for identity is intrinsically linked to his relationship with his creator. He craves recognition, understanding, and acceptance from the very person who brought him into existence. He seeks a definition of self from Victor, desperately attempting to understand his own nature and purpose in relation to his creator. This mirrors Adam's initial connection with God, who provided him with purpose and understanding. The difference lies in the nature of the relationship – Adam's relationship was one of initial acceptance and guidance, while the monster's relationship is characterized by rejection and abandonment.

The Monster as a Reflection of Humanity

Ultimately, the monster's story is a powerful critique of humanity. His actions, though horrific, are largely a direct consequence of the rejection and cruelty he experiences. He becomes a reflection of humanity's capacity for both good and evil, demonstrating that evil is not inherently present, but rather a consequence of nurture and societal influences. This is a powerful parallel to Adam's story, where Adam's actions are not only a result of his own choices, but also the presence of temptation and the lack of consistent guidance and support.

The creature's desire for empathy and understanding highlights the human capacity for compassion and love. Despite his suffering and rage, he retains a glimmer of hope and a longing for connection, even after years of brutal rejection. This makes his transformation into a vengeful being all the more tragic, highlighting the devastating effects of isolation and the responsibility of society in shaping an individual's character.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Parallelism

The parallel between the monster and Adam in Frankenstein is not merely a superficial comparison, but a profound exploration of creation, responsibility, and the complexities of human nature. By mirroring the biblical narrative, Shelley creates a powerful allegory that continues to resonate with readers today. The monster's journey – his initial innocence, his acquisition of knowledge, his profound isolation, and his desperate search for identity – serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition, the importance of compassion, and the enduring need for human connection. His story remains a potent reminder of humanity's capacity for both great cruelty and unexpected redemption, solidifying his enduring relevance as a timeless and deeply compelling character. The enduring power of the monster’s story lies in its ability to continuously question our understanding of morality, responsibility, and the very definition of what it means to be human.