The Theme of Fitting in With Society in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelly started Frankenstein because of a contest with her friends, but continued and finished the book, probably not knowing it would receive such fame and recognition. Frankenstein is still read and still famous because of the universal themes displayed within the story. A very important theme is that society is not acceptant of the different and that an attractive physical appearance is essential to become liked by others. The creature was judged on his physical appearance, and because he was so gruesome-looking, he made no friends or companions and turned to violence.

Society places a heavy emphasis on being normal and fitting in. Those who don t fit in and don t follow the crowd are usually though of as outcasts, and are ostracized by the majority of society. Frankenstein s creation was immediately labeled as an outcast. When the creature first wandered into a town, the children shrieked, and one of the women fainted. The whole village was roused (93). The villagers were not acceptant of the creature, and reacted with violence and hatred toward him. When the creature was helpful and saved the young girl from drowning, he was repaid by a gunshot to his leg. Even while he was helpful at times, and extremely intelligent and well spoken, Frankenstein s creation was ostracized by society because of his frightening looks, and the fact that he was different from all other humans.

Society greatly stresses the fact that an attractive physical appearance can mean everything. This is proven many times, when Frankenstein s creation encounters humans, who become frightened of him because of his gruesome looks. For example, the creature tried to gain acceptance with De Lacey, knowing that De Lacey was blind and would not be able to judge him on his appearance. The creature hoped to gain friendship from De Lacey and eventually his children. The creature stated, your present humanity assures me of success with those friends whom I am on the point of meeting (122). Unfortunately, he