Theme Of Heroism In Frankenstein

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Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a novel renowned by many as the spawn of the monster archetype in science fiction and horror literature, portraying a beast ruthlessly chasing its creator, ultimately leading to death and misery for both. However, it would be ignorant to assume that the creature is the villain in this novel. On the contrary, Shelley proves to the reader that the creature is the hero of the tale. Specifically, through his heavy usage of several literary devices in his speech to his creator on page 103, the creature demonstrates the unquestionable heroism he possesses, especially in comparison to the humans he encounters. The heavy imagery and allusions used by the creature as he explains his experiences to Victor reveal the creature’s …show more content…

While explaining his journeys to Victor, he exclaims “these bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow beings… [who] would do as you do, and arm themselves for my destruction” (Shelley 103). The creature miserably stresses that inanimate objects, especially those already somber and depressing, show the creature the only kindness he has ever experienced. He also describes humans as war-hungry beasts, who would arm themselves to destroy the creature at any opportunity. By emphasizing the parallels between ‘bleak skies’ and humans, the creature shows how humans have failed to display the most coveted aspects of humanity: affection, understanding, and support. On the contrary, somehow unforgiving environments show more compassion than humans do, revealing how desolate the creature has become. In addition, in defense of his murder of William, Victor’s younger brother, the creature correctly claims that “the guilty are allowed, by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defense before they are condemned” (Shelley 103). The creature protests that all humans tried for murder, such as Justine, framed in William’s death, always get an opportunity to defend themselves. However, not even the man who gave him life has so far not granted the creature such …show more content…

Repeatedly, the creature has proven himself to present more humanity than most humans. Nevertheless, humans continue to return no kindness, simply due to his external appearance. The creature, although a hero, has tragically discovered the most troubling aspect of humans: we barely realize the humanity of those who are

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