Saturday, June 20, 2020

Frankenstein

I have always thought that Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a cautionary tale about the hubris of scientism. Well, it is, but I don't think that is the central theme. In fact, I think the central theme is the destructive nature of prejudice and impact that lack of love and sympathy has on a person. If only Victor had been able to overcome his spontaneous aversion to the looks of the monster he created....If only the family in the cottage had not automatically assumed the worst and responded with violence. The monster pleaded and pleaded to be treated like a person with value, to be treated as though he had an interiority that was more and superior to his outward appearance. 

Once can see how these themes might have applicability to our current situation. In a sense, the "black man" that some white people seem to fear is a creation of their own imagination that comes from having no acquaintance with real African Americans. 

The other theme I found fascinating was the importance of a relationship with the opposite sex. There are so many connections with the theology of the body in the monster's desperate plea for a female companion. 

Finally, Victor is a slave to his emotions. All his responses--the ones that cause his downfall, are an effort to avoid an emotion he does not want. He is purely narcissistic and controlled by his passions, which are not habitually subject to reason. 

If only....