Solitude

Solitude is a reoccurring state of being throughout the novel. It is also a state that Frankenstein and his monster both share. Frankenstein’s monster often depicts his loneliness and specifically expresses it to Frankenstein while requesting a female companion so that he may not be lonely anymore. He describes himself as a “poor, helpless, miserable wretch” (Shelly 70), and a “monster, a blot upon the earth, from which all men fled, and whom all men disowned” (83). The monster’s loneliness is visible through every action in his life, as Frankenstein’s loneliness is only slightly less subtle.

Frankenstein first expresses his feelings of loneliness following the completion of his monster. He had isolated himself from society in order to focus on his creation; however, after the result did not live up to his expectations, he realized how isolated his state of being was. This isolation continued throughout the following chapters; however it began to exist mentally for Frankenstein. He describes his feeling alone even when surrounded by others: “I saw an insurmountable barrier placed between me and my fellow-men…” (113). This distance felt is due to the guilt and anguish Frankenstein feels because of the events that has occurred at the hands of the monster. Frankenstein continued, “…this barrier was sealed with the blood of William and Justine” (113).

I find it interesting that the monster wishes to make his creator feel equally as lonely and miserable as himself; however, has this been accomplished prior to the death of Elizabeth and Frankenstein’s father?