Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a profound exploration of human nature, and central to its enduring power is its unflinching examination of prejudice and discrimination. These forces act not only as catalysts for the tragic events of the novel but also as fundamental drivers of character development and societal critique. From the initial, visceral reaction to the Creature’s appearance to Victor Frankenstein’s own ingrained biases, the narrative demonstrates how fear and preconceived notions lead to isolation, suffering, and ultimately, destruction. The novel suggests that while the Creature’s actions are monstrous, their roots are undeniably planted in the relentless discrimination he faces from the very society that shuns him.
The most overt manifestation of prejudice in Frankenstein is the universal rejection of the Creature based solely on his appearance. When Victor brings his creation to life, he is immediately horrified not by its actions, but by its physical form. This aesthetic revulsion sets the stage for the Creature’s own experience of the world. As the Creature recounts his early days, it becomes clear that his innate capacity for benevolence is systematically crushed by humanity’s fear. His encounters are consistently met with violence and ostracism. The villagers of the Rhine country drive him away with stones, and later, the De Lacey family, whom he observes with deep affection and learns from, violently reject him when he reveals himself, despite his gentle demeanor. Felix De Lacey’s violent reaction, fueled by terror, solidifies the Creature's understanding that his grotesque visage renders him an outcast, irrespective of his intentions or developing intellect. This constant barrage of negative reinforcement breeds resentment and despair, shaping his identity from a nascent being seeking connection into a vengeful outcast.
Beyond the Creature’s experience, Victor Frankenstein himself is a victim and perpetrator of prejudice, albeit of a different kind. His self-imposed isolation, driven by a fear of judgment and a desire for scientific glory, mirrors the Creature’s ostracism. Victor’s prejudice against his own creation, the instantaneous revulsion and subsequent abandonment, is arguably the novel’s most significant ethical failing. He judges the Creature solely on his outward appearance, a prejudice that blinds him to the potential for sentience and goodness within his being. Furthermore, Victor harbors a prejudice against societal judgment, which prevents him from confessing his role in the Creature’s existence. This fear of scandal and public condemnation leads him to conceal his monstrous act, thereby allowing the Creature’s destructive path to continue unchecked. His family, particularly Elizabeth, is also subject to societal expectations and prejudices regarding marriage and social standing, which indirectly contribute to their tragic fates.
The novel also critiques the broader societal prejudices of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly concerning social class and the marginalized. The Creature, a being born without lineage or societal standing, is immediately stripped of any potential for acceptance. His attempts to integrate, such as seeking employment or simply existing in public spaces, are met with fear and hostility. This reflects a society that valued established order and conformity, and that viewed any deviation from the norm with suspicion. The very act of creation, transgressing natural boundaries, is seen as an affront, leading to the immediate condemnation of both creator and creation. The novel suggests that a society steeped in prejudice is incapable of offering genuine compassion or understanding, even to those who desperately seek it.
In conclusion, Frankenstein powerfully illustrates how prejudice, rooted in fear and superficial judgment, can have devastating consequences. The Creature’s descent into violence is a direct result of the unremitting discrimination he endures. Victor’s own prejudiced worldview, his fear of societal opinion, and his initial revulsion towards his creation perpetuate a cycle of suffering. Mary Shelley uses these themes to caution against the dangers of judging individuals based on outward appearances or social standing, advocating instead for empathy and understanding in the face of the unknown. The novel remains a potent reminder that the true monsters are often not those who appear monstrous, but those whose hearts are hardened by intolerance.