frankenstein essay isolation

Frankenstein

Mary shelley, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

In its preface, Frankenstein claims to be a novel that gives a flattering depiction of "domestic affection." That seems a strange claim in a novel full of murder, tragedy, and despair. But, in fact, all that tragedy, murder, and despair occur because of a lack of connection to either family or society. Put another way, the true evil in Frankenstein is not Victor or the monster , but isolation. When Victor becomes lost in his studies he removes himself from human society, and therefore loses sight of his responsibilities and the consequences of his actions. The monster turns vengeful not because it's evil, but because its isolation fills it with overwhelming hate and anger. And what is the monster's vengeance? To make Victor as isolated as it. Add it all up, and it becomes clear that Frankenstein sees isolation from family and society as the worst imaginable fate, and the cause of hatred, violence, and revenge.

Family, Society, Isolation ThemeTracker

Family, Society, Isolation Quotes in Frankenstein

Academic Master

• Free Essays
• Latest Essays
• Pricing Plans

Frankenstein: Theme of Isolation by Mary Shelley

• Author: arsalan
• Posted on: 24 May 2018
• Paper Type: Free Essay
• Subject: English
• Wordcount: 1378 words
• Published: 24th May 2018

This is a novel written by Mary Shelley. The novel title refers to a scientist known as Victor Frankenstein, who learns to treat life and creates a being in the image and likeness of man but more powerful and average (Fleck 250). However, the idea of depicting man as God is wrong. This novel starts with Robert Walton, who sought for a new way through Russia to the Pacific Ocean via the Arctic Ocean. Shelly defines several themes in the novel which are tied to actions performed by characters associated with them.

The themes in the Frankenstein novel are developed through the characters’ actions and personalities, which help in giving insight into the full understanding of the concepts anticipated by Shelley. The novel is full of terror and agony which has made it qualify as science fiction. The book story is written in a concise manner where Shelley allows the main characters to speak as the narrator to pass the main themes to her audience. The theme of isolation is outlined and carried on throughout the context, mainly through Victor.

In Shelley’s gothic novel, isolation is a significant theme attributed to Victor. Family bonding is essential for breaking emotional isolation, and since Victor lacks that family bond, he ends up being alone and devastated.  Victor lived in “his world” with no people to bond with; as his father stated, “once Victor accepts himself and considers them as a family, he will think about the affection of the family and hear from him regularly.” Victor excluded himself from his family while also ignoring their letters, and he rarely responded since he was only focused on his project as he once said: “ he could not tear my thought from my employment.” Victor’s mind was only concentrated on creating another being and did not focus on interactions with family or forming bonds with friends.

In the novel, the theme of isolation is developed around the main character in which victor is portrayed as isolated (Pollin and Burton 100). He has no one to tell about his inventions and creations because he has no one to express his emotions to. This is due to the loss of his lover, friends, and family. Isolation in this context is far more described by portraying characters’ loneliness and the acts that are attributed to the isolated nature of the specific character developed in the setting of the book. The inability to express emotions leads to the growth of hatred, which is channeled and expressed in inappropriate ways and results in harming society, as described in the book.

In the preface, Frankenstein is a novel that provides a clear depiction of isolation. Cases of murder, despair, and tragedy occur due to a lack of connection to society or family. In the novel, Shelley tries to define isolation as being the separation from other people, whether physically or emotionally, leading to the self-destruction of Victor and the creature he had created. This shows that the real evil in Frankenstein is not the monster nor Victor but isolation. The novel is characterized by passion and a tale of deep sorrow as well as misfortunes. Shelley explores the theme of loneliness in different ways and presents it to the readers, accompanied by its reputation. Shelley effectively describes this theme through Victor by examining his actions and how depressed he is.

Victor experiences isolation from society and his family during his studies. He, therefore, faces the worst imaginable fate, and where he views violence, revenge, and hatred as caused by isolation. According to Victor, the monster turns vengeful not because he is evil but because isolation fills it with anger and hatred. The devastation experienced by Victor leads to imprecise and poor judgment and thus ends up with unbearable decisions. As described by Victor, isolation from society leads to emotional disorder, which is implicated through social evils committed by him. The message portrayed by Shelley that isolation is considerably associated with the way people live their lives and also how people interact with each other in society of not limited only to emotional relationships and bonds.

In the Frankenstein novel, the victor is described as the one who brings isolation to himself. Throughout most of his life, Victor had isolated and grounded himself in his chambers trying to solve the math and create a creature (Cole and David 69). Victor had excluded himself from society, and that resulted in implicit implications for the community since, by creating the creature, he unleashed a monster. The misfortune brought about by isolation keeps the book’s ideas alive by making the readers want to know what each action resulted in. To cope with loneliness, Victor finds a way of expressing his emotions through the creature he created. Although isolation is viewed to have negative impacts, Victor found it as an essential factor in his work since he did not experience disruption during his project. This implies that isolation can result in something good if used in the right manner since, through it, the victor was able to achieve his dream and create a powerful being as he had anticipated.

In conclusion, isolation, as portrayed by Shelley, is a dangerous factor in one’s life. Isolation is destructive and makes the affected characters suffer adverse consequences from it. As observed, Victor was aspired by isolation to create a monster whom he could not take responsibility for and whom he could not control and hence led to the self-destruction of Victor’s life. Additionally, by Victor excluding himself from everyone, he ended up losing family affection and bond, and also, the love for his work cost him a family relationship.

Cole, David. “Teaching Frankenstein and Wide Sargasso Sea Using Affective Literacy.”  English in Australia  42.2 (2007): 69.

Fleck, P. D. “Mary Shelley’s Notes to Shelley’s Poems and” Frankenstein.”  Studies in Romanticism  (1967): 226-254.

Pollin, Burton R. “Philosophical and Literary Sources of Frankenstein.”  Comparative Literature  17.2 (1965): 97-108.

• 100% custom written college papers
• Writers with Masters and PhD degrees
• Any citation style available
• Any subject, any difficulty
• 24/7 service available
• Privacy guaranteed
• Free amendments if required
• Satisfaction guarantee

Calculate Your Order

Standard price, save on your first order, you may also like, a detailed overview of surrogacy laws and regulations in ukraine.

In recent years, Ukraine has emerged as a prominent destination for individuals and couples seeking surrogacy arrangements. With its favorable legal framework and advanced medical

Malikki Pakistan’s Online Marketplace Redefining How We Buy, Sell

At Malikki, the act of buy is transformed into an effortless adventure. With a diverse array of products available—from cutting-edge electronics to daily necessities—Malikki has

The American Revolution

Living as part of the Crown for several decades, the people of America were unhappy with the British rule. As the crown was trying to

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Frankenstein — Frankenstein: An Exploration of Isolation and Guilt

Frankenstein: an Exploration of Isolation and Guilt

• Categories: Frankenstein

About this sample

Words: 490 |

Published: Mar 8, 2024

Words: 490 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Literature

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

3 pages / 1228 words

3 pages / 1465 words

1 pages / 1245 words

4 pages / 1725 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, is a work that is rich in vivid and evocative imagery, which plays a crucial role in shaping the themes and overall narrative of the story. From the icy landscapes of the Arctic to the [...]

Mary Shelley's iconic novel, Frankenstein, delves deep into the complexities of guilt and its repercussions on the human psyche. From the moment Victor Frankenstein brings his monstrous creation to life, guilt becomes a central [...]

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its rich language and vivid imagery. In this essay, we will explore the use of descriptive words in Shelley's masterpiece and how they [...]

The theme of isolation is a prevalent and significant aspect in Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein. Throughout the narrative, both Victor Frankenstein and his creation, the Monster, experience various forms of isolation, which [...]

‘It is vain to expect virtue from women till they are in some degree independent of men” (Mary Wollstonecraft). Feminism regards the role of women in a patriarchal society in which women are often subjugated and even [...]

The classic 1818 novel Frankenstein, written by author Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, is without a doubt an essential piece of literature. This critically acclaimed novel presents the monster, one of literature’s most intriguing [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Isolation and Loneliness in Shelley’s “Frankenstein”

The feeling of loneliness is one of the worst inner states. It makes people weak and helpless. Everyone tries to spend most of his time in communication and movement. The novel Frankenstein reflects the characters who got used to living in loneliness during their whole life. Their life is constant resistance to isolation and fights with abandonment and loneliness. The novel Frankenstein written by Mary Shelley combines different elements from various periods of art development; it reflects features from the Romantic Movement and Gothic period.

The author managed to illustrate the deepest feelings and emotions reflected in the main characters. It is important to stress that the basic theme of the novel is considered to be the illustration of loneliness and desolation following the main characters’ lives during the whole story. Mary Shelley wanted to highlight the atmosphere of complete isolation from society, the pain of loneliness living in the hearts of the main characters.

The author provides the reader with the complete description of every character and allows sympathizing with them to evaluate their behavior and actions. Mary Shelly describes the inner state of every character underlining all the details of their worrying and despair. It should be stressed that the main idea of the novel was to show the theme of loneliness and the problem of a real friendship observed in the text. Walton, Victor, and the Creature wanted to make a real friendship. Walton strived to make a friend from Victor’s body while Victor wanted to create a friend from dead parts.

“Begone!… There can be no community between you and me; we are enemies” (Shelly, 1995)

This shows the isolation of the Creature from society, his loneliness, and social misunderstanding. The author wanted to underline the fact that the Monster has never felt like belonging to anyone in the whole world.

Mary Shelly managed to show the gradation from loneliness to violence; the contradiction of these two feelings inside the main characters of the novel. She illustrated how relations between Victor and the Monster resulted in destruction and violence in their mutual interrelations. The Monster’s desire to destroy everything and bring only harm to society helped the doctor to understand his mistake of creation. His desire to avoid loneliness and make a real friend resulted in a huge mistake created by Victor. It should be noted that the novel reflects the feeling of isolation throughout the whole story. Thus at the very beginning, the author showed Robert Walton who had no one in the world; only letters from his sister helped him to resist the cruelty of the world, the painful feeling of loneliness and abandonment.

Robert Walton is a typical embodiment of a lonely person who has no one in the world, whose life runs in vain, and does not belong to anyone.

“ I have no friend. Even when I am glowing with the enthusiasm

of success, there will be none to participate my joy;

if I am assailed by disappointment, no one will endeavor

to sustain to me dejection.” (Shelly, 1995)

The author illustrates that this character is not abundant by society and has a lot of people to communicate with, but his soul feels lonely. Walton realizes that he has no real friend and cannot share his troubles and happiness with anyone. He strives to see this only friend in Victor but failed… (Bennett, 2000)

Isolation is also demonstrated in the description of the Monster’s life and that of Victor. These two characters contradict each other. The Monster who was created to fight loneliness brings more troubles and misunderstandings. Victor created one more personality that was destroyed by loneliness. The author managed to stress the fact that very often people strive to belong to someone and depend on a real friend. Thus, Victor wanted to create a person for the real friendship but instead of this, he made the Monster who felt isolated as Victor did.

The analysis of the novel provides the idea that the story is completely associated with the author’s life. Three narrators who felt loneliness and lived in their small worlds are the embodiment of the writer’s heritage, personality, and future. The novel Frankenstein is based on the author’s vision of the society and interrelation between the people. She tried to depict all the life mistakes resulting in isolation, destruction, and loneliness. The author wanted to avoid such actions in her own life; she always wanted to save herself and her family from the state of being lonely whatever the cost and this novel is the reflection of her mind and fear of isolation and abandonment. (King, 1999)

The novel Frankenstein is considered to be autobiographical by many critics. The theme of loneliness was the central one not only in the novel but in the life of the author. Mary Shelly contributed to her work all the efforts, feelings, and emotions; she managed to transfer her family life episodes and sufferings in the story underlining the pain of abandonment.

The character of the Monster is very often compared with the biblical first man Adam. It should be noted that the creature made by Victor reflected the same features as one can observe in Adam. The Monster was individual, unique, and alone. One can see a certain level of biblical parallelism between these two characters though there are some differences. Adam was not created to be alone, he was provided with a companion and was supported by God, his creator, and farther. Speaking about the novel Frankenstein, the Monster was to be lonely from the very beginning and the feeling of isolation followed him from the day he was created. Attitude towards Adam and the Monster is quite different.

“ Abhorred monster! Fiend that thou art.” (Shelly, 1995)

Victor shouted at his creature developing feelings of oddness and isolation. But the Monster was not responsible for his loneliness while Adam was punished for his actions and behavior. Victor never took any responsibility for his creature and the Monster felt that he had no place in the heart of his creator. In the case of Adam, God was completely aware of the responsibility he took for his creature; he wanted to make the embodiment of love and respect in the character to avoid selfishness and unfairness of the world.

The creation of the “monster” can be compared with the image of Eve who was aware of the consequences of her actions as well as Victor did. Knowledge of the dangerous events that resulted from the committed actions was underlined in the description of both characters, Eve and Victor. They were the creator of their fate and of those who surrounded them suffering the consequences. (Davidson, 2007)

The author illustrated the cruelty of the world in which her characters lived. She demonstrated that all the three narrators made the atmosphere of loneliness by themselves and only they were responsible for their isolation. The characters of Mary Shelly never gave love and care to each other; they lived in their morality but strived to get usual friendship and somebody’s attention and understanding. The theme of loneliness is closely associated with human moral values in society.

The author wanted to underline the fact that interrelations within any social group should be regarded as something important, as a kind of treasure. Mary Shelly managed to show how ignorance can influence our life and what it can lead to. Three different fates were interwoven by one common problem – the problem of being lonely and abandoned.

It is important to underline the fact that the novel Frankenstein sponged a lot of ideas from different biblical literature works and real acts of life; it can explain why the story is so involving and quite close to life. It allows examining the life of the author and feel her emotions reflected in the story. The narrators strive for happiness during the whole story and are eager to find this happiness in each other. But they only alienate each other by their attitude and moral make-up.

Thus, as it was shown from the analysis of the novel Frankenstein written by Mary Shelly the central problem of her narrators’ lives was the problem of loneliness. Robert Walton, Victor, and the Monster were considered to be strong characters but having a weak inner state. All the three males wanted to reach the only thing in the world – they strived not to be lonely, isolated from the whole world. Mary Shelly drew a line between biblical images of Adam and Eve and her characters underlining vivid similarities between them. The author managed to show that moral values of the society should be concentrated on mutual respect and friendship; otherwise it can lead to violence and cruelty among people.

Bennett, Betty T. and Stuart Curran, eds. Marry Shelly in Her Times. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000.

Davidson, Chris. Frankenstein’s Monster and Milton’s Satan. Frankenstein. 2007.

King, Linda. Mary Shelly’s Career Decision in Frankenstein. University of British Columbia. 1999.

Shelly, Mary. Frankenstein. Norton Critical Edition. pp. 352. 1995.

Cite this paper

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2021, October 8). Isolation and Loneliness in Shelley’s “Frankenstein”. https://studycorgi.com/isolation-and-loneliness-in-shelleys-frankenstein/

"Isolation and Loneliness in Shelley’s “Frankenstein”." StudyCorgi , 8 Oct. 2021, studycorgi.com/isolation-and-loneliness-in-shelleys-frankenstein/.

StudyCorgi . (2021) 'Isolation and Loneliness in Shelley’s “Frankenstein”'. 8 October.

1. StudyCorgi . "Isolation and Loneliness in Shelley’s “Frankenstein”." October 8, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/isolation-and-loneliness-in-shelleys-frankenstein/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "Isolation and Loneliness in Shelley’s “Frankenstein”." October 8, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/isolation-and-loneliness-in-shelleys-frankenstein/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "Isolation and Loneliness in Shelley’s “Frankenstein”." October 8, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/isolation-and-loneliness-in-shelleys-frankenstein/.

This paper, “Isolation and Loneliness in Shelley’s “Frankenstein””, was written and voluntary submitted to our free essay database by a straight-A student. Please ensure you properly reference the paper if you're using it to write your assignment.

Before publication, the StudyCorgi editorial team proofread and checked the paper to make sure it meets the highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, fact accuracy, copyright issues, and inclusive language. Last updated: October 8, 2021 .

If you are the author of this paper and no longer wish to have it published on StudyCorgi, request the removal . Please use the “ Donate your paper ” form to submit an essay.

Frankenstein Isolation

This essay will explore the theme of isolation in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” It will discuss how both Victor Frankenstein and the monster experience physical and emotional isolation, and the impact this has on their actions and psyche. The piece will examine the novel’s commentary on the consequences of isolation and societal rejection. At PapersOwl, you’ll also come across free essay samples that pertain to Frankenstein.

How it works

One theme presented in Marry Shelley’s book Frankenstein is the theme of isolation. Right from the beginning, someone has felt isolated from someone else. The three characters consistently developed the theme of isolation are Victor, the Creature, and Elizabeth. Though the three experience isolation, their isolation experience differs. Unlike the Creature and Elizabeth, Victor chose to isolate himself from people. This is evidenced from right when he was working on his research and when he tries to create a life.

Victor separates himself and loses contact with his friends and even family.

Elizabeth also suffers isolation, her isolation begins when Victor starts to develop the creature, Elizabeth does not experience isolation out of her will, she is willing to visit victor, but she is unable to do so since victor does not reply to her letters. The creature Character suffers isolation throughout the book, with just a look at his appearance; he makes every individual he encounters run away. The behavior makes him shunned and exiled by society and even by victor who created him.

The author through the theme of isolation tries to bring out the idea of how people are isolated and lonely in real life. Through this theme, the author induces some questions that we can ask ourselves, is Isolation a choice that people make or is it an inherent fault? Is isolation imposed on those who are innocent? The author tries to show us that when people are rejected by society, they tend to withdraw themselves and end up suffering isolation.

• 1.1 Embedded Narrative Structure
• 1.2 Structure and content connection
• 3 The process
• 4 Work Cited

The salient formal aspect of the novel

Embedded narrative structure.

Shelley uses embedded narratives in her book. Through this structure, Shelley manages to integrate the main stories within the framing narrative. This is seen right from the beginning where Shelly starts with the framing narrative. These are Walton letter to his sister before she moves to the main story, i.e., Victor’s story, then in Victor’s story, there is the story of the monster, how he survives and how he comes to learn from the De Lacey family.

In the above context, there are three different narrators, as readers, we directly learn more about Walton’s expeditions presented in his own words. Walton after that meets victor. Victor’s narration has been well highlighted through the letter that Walton had written to his sister. The narration points out of the monster’s development through Victor. The development theme is in turn explained by Walton to us the readers and her sister through the letters. This is a complicated but effective narrative structure.

In chapter 24, Shelley breaks off Victor’s direct narration and presents a letter that Walton writes to her sister, the letter turns on Walton’s narration. From the letter, Walton tells Margaret that he sometimes feels curdled and his blood congealed with horror when he reads the story. As it reads,” You have read this strange and terrific story, Margaret; and do you not feel your blood congeal with horror, like that which even now curdles mine? Sometimes, seized with sudden agony, he could not continue his tale; at others, his voice broken, yet piercing, uttered with difficulty ….” (Shelley,360).

There is a reason that Shelley embedded narration, by using this structure, she can lead the readers gradually to the central ideas of the book. If these ideas were presented directly or suddenly right from the beginning, the whole concept presented in the novel might be shown as being beyond the brief. Introducing readers gradually to the concepts makes the reader know and believe everything about the monster such that by the time to the Monster narrates the story in its own words, the reader already believes that the monster can speak and argue logically.

Structure and content connection

The frames narration is neither linear nor complete, though this is the case, as readers, we are not taken directly from the start of the narrative to its end, and then to the beginning of the next narrator’s story. The embedded description acts as a source through which readers can judge the validity of the individual narratives and develop a link to the isolation themes expressed in the book. When judging from victor’s story alone, the lines between fiction and reality tend to be blurred. However, when Victor’s body and Walton, mentioned in the as the creature, are embedded and physically presented in the story’s mainframe, it is finally easy to see the real story of Victor in reality as well as the prejudice that makes it. Thus, we get to learn about the isolation experienced by the creature.

One would argue that embedding or nesting frames when discussing or presenting a multilevel novel in, this case, the Frankenstein, is odd enough to propose that reading is a linear process of discovery. It would then appear that the ability of a narrative to make sense and be understood by readers was just a matter of reaching the earlier covered context. This can be countered in a simple statement, depending on the complexity of the ideas presented in a narrative and more in circumstances where the connection between the reality and what is displayed in the context is wide such that the concept presented seem unreal. The author can use the embedded narration structure to introduce users to the ideas presented gradually.

The process

The first task was to read the book; multiple drafts followed this; each draft had its ideas as there are many themes and styles presented in the book. I then analyzed in the drafts that could be combined depending on whether the ideas presented could be were related. It was difficult and time consuming merging the selections as the connection was not obvious. Besides, associating how the salient formal aspect connects to the content was not an easy task. However, this was solved through research and brainstorming. It would be great if we can lean on how to develop mind maps and come up with a flat outline indicating what needs to be covered in a regular college paper.

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. City: Broadview Press, 2012.Print.

Cite this page

Frankenstein Isolation. (2021, Jan 15). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/frankenstein-isolation/

"Frankenstein Isolation." PapersOwl.com , 15 Jan 2021, https://papersowl.com/examples/frankenstein-isolation/

PapersOwl.com. (2021). Frankenstein Isolation . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/frankenstein-isolation/ [Accessed: 19 May. 2024]

"Frankenstein Isolation." PapersOwl.com, Jan 15, 2021. Accessed May 19, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/frankenstein-isolation/

"Frankenstein Isolation," PapersOwl.com , 15-Jan-2021. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/frankenstein-isolation/. [Accessed: 19-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2021). Frankenstein Isolation . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/frankenstein-isolation/ [Accessed: 19-May-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Frankenstein: Essay Samples

Welcome to Frankenstein Essay Samples page prepared by our editorial team! Here you’ll find a number of great ideas for your Frankenstein essay! Absolutely free essays & research papers on Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Examples of all topics and paper genres.

📝 Frankenstein: Essay Samples List

Frankenstein , by Mary Shelley , is famous all over the world. School and college students are often asked to write about the novel. On this page, you can find a collection of free sample essays and research papers that focus on Frankenstein . Literary analysis , compare & contrast essays, papers devoted to Frankenstein ’s characters & themes, and much more. You are welcome to use these texts for inspiration while you work on your own Frankenstein essay.

• Feminism in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Critical Analysis Essay Words: 2280 Focused on: Frankenstein ’s Themes Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Elizabeth Lavenza , Justine Moritz
• Frankenstein’s Historical Context: Review of “In Frankenstein’s Shadow” by Chris Baldrick Genre: Critical Writing Words: 1114 Focused on: Historical Context of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: the Monster
• Science & Nature in Frankenstein & Blade Runner Genre: Essay Words: Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein , Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Romanticism in Frankenstein: the Use of Poetry in the Novel’s Narrative Genre: Essay Words: 1655 Focused on: Literary analysis of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, Henry Clerval
• The Dangers of Science in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Essay Words: 1098 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as a Tragedy Genre: Essay Words: 540 Focused on: Literary analysis of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Frankenstein: a Deconstructive Reading Genre: Essay Words: 2445 Focused on: Literary analysis of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Ethics as a Theme in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Essay Words: 901 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’: Chapter 18 Analysis Genre: Essay Words: 567 Focused on: Literary analysis of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Elisabeth Lavenza
• The Role of Women in Frankenstein Genre: Essay Words: 883 Focused on: Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Caroline Beaufort, Elizabeth Lavenza, Justine Moritz
• On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer vs. Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus: Compare & Contrast Genre: Essay Words: 739 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: the Monster
• Macbeth & Frankenstein: Compare & Contrast Genre: Essay Words: 2327 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Dr. Frankenstein & His Monster: Compare & Contrast Genre: Research Paper Words: 1365 Focused on: Compare & Contrast, Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Education vs. Family in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Essay Words: 1652 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Victor Frankenstein vs. the Creature: Compare & Contrast Genre: Research Paper Words: 1104 Focused on: Compare & Contrast, Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Frankenstein: Monster’s Appearance & Visual Interpretations Genre: Essay Words: 812 Focused on: Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: the Monster
• Doctor Frankenstein: Hero, Villain, or Something in Between? Genre: Essay Words: 897 Focused on: Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: 1994 Movie Analysis Genre: Essay Words: 1084 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Elizabeth Lavenza
• Frankenstein vs. Great Expectations: Compare & Contrast Genre: Essay Words: 2540 Focused on: Compare & Contrast, Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Robert Walton
• Innocence of Frankenstein’s Monster Genre: Term Paper Words: 2777 Focused on: Frankenstein Characters Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Robert Walton
• Knowledge as the Main Theme in Frankenstein Genre: Term Paper Words: 2934 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Robert Walton, Henry Clerval, Elisabeth Lavenza, Willian Frankenstein
• Responsibility as a Theme in Frankenstein Genre: Essay Words: 619 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Homosexuality in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Genre: Research Paper Words: 2340 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Henry Clerval
• Frankenstein & the Context of Enlightenment Genre: Historical Context of Frankenstein Words: 1458 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Frankenstein: the Theme of Birth Genre: Essay Words: 1743 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Frankenstein: Critical Reflections by Ginn & Hetherington Genre: Essay Words: 677 Focused on: Compare & Contrast Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein, the Monster
• Loneliness & Isolation in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Genre: Essay Words: 609 Focused on: Themes of Frankenstein Characters mentioned: Victor Frankenstein
• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to LinkedIn
• Share to email

Study Guide Menu

• Plot Summary
• Summary & Analysis
• Literary Devices & Symbols
• Essay Samples
• Essay Topics
• Questions & Answers
• Mary Shelley: Biography
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, March 12). Frankenstein: Essay Samples. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/essay-samples/

"Frankenstein: Essay Samples." IvyPanda , 12 Mar. 2024, ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/essay-samples/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Frankenstein: Essay Samples'. 12 March.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Frankenstein: Essay Samples." March 12, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/essay-samples/.

1. IvyPanda . "Frankenstein: Essay Samples." March 12, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/essay-samples/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Frankenstein: Essay Samples." March 12, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/essay-samples/.

Essay On The Theme Of Isolation In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Can isolation destroy the wellbeing of one’s mental health, or turn you into ?  In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Shelley develops them of isolation, a dangerous yet accommodating act. The reader sees the downside of isolation when Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist, Robert Walton, a lonesome seafarer, and the creature endeavor mental breakdowns that are direst results of their isolation. Each character has either inflicted their own isolation or has been forced into isolation by societal standards. Each character has approached isolation differently, and with those attempts to seclude the amount of isolation they face, Shelly implies that isolation will ultimately lead to self-destruction of the mind soul and body. Furthermore, the dangers of isolation are prevalent in the novel. Mary Shelley reveals the dangerous effects of different forms of isolation through the characters of Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the creature.

Robert Walton is a seafarer who is on an expedition to the North pole. He travels alone while writing various letters to his sister Margaret that expresses, he is yearning for a companion, that will not only accompany him, but share emotions as well. Robert Walton has inflicted himself with isolation, with similar reasons to Victor Frankenstein. Walton initially secludes himself to discover more knowledge found in nature. As Walton is on his journey to acquire more knowledge, he yearns to have an intellectual connection with an induvial, particularly Victor Frankenstein. Walton suffers from loneliness while he is on an expedition by himself. He chooses to stay in solitude, but beings to feel physically and mentally isolated. “"But I have one want which I have never yet been able to satisfy, and the absence of the object of which I now feel as a most severe evil, I have no friend, Margaret: when I am glowing with the enthusiasm of success, there will be none to participate my joy; if I am assailed by disappointment, no one will endeavour to sustain me in dejection." ( Frankenstein Letter 2 ). The author uses Robert Walton as an example of self-inflicted isolation, and although Walton has done it to himself, he experiences dejection from the world because he does not have anyone to share intellectual knowledge with. 

Victor Frankenstein embodies the idea of isolation by inflicting it unto himself. He does so by allowing himself to physically isolate himself from his friends and family, which ultimately lead to a decline in his mental health. He makes the decision to leave his family to further execute his studies on creation. Victor studies elsewhere in Ingolstadt, but fears being alone, and later realizes that eventually, loneliness will overtake his life. Because he understands what his decisions may hate in store for him, he also realizes that he must do whatever is necessary to “become his own” to survive alone. “I, who had ever been surrounded by amiable companions, continually engaged in endeavouring to bestow mutual pleasure, I was now alone. In the university, whither I was going, I must form my own friends, and be my own protector” ( Frankenstein Chapter 3 ). Mary Shelley implies the first instance of isolation Victor must endure while studying abroad. During this point in the novel, Victor imposes isolation on himself, but has not built the strength to tackle it on his own, which is why he struggles with himself throughout the novel. As he struggles he becomes more of a monster than the one he intended to create .Because Victor has imposed his own form of isolation, he must make it up for himself. 

The creature in which Victor Frankenstein has created has been isolated form the world, but not by choice. He suffers with isolation, but what makes the creature different is the mere fact that he never asked to be alone, he is not the same as Robert Walton or Victor. As the monster begins to grow more isolated and forced out of society, he expresses how through isolation his hate for himself has worsened, also questioning why Satan is accepted by his “angels” but no one stands by the creature’s side. Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow devils, to admire and encourage him, but I am solitary and abhorred.’ ( Frankenstein Chapter 15). Mary Shelly introduces isolation through different characters, in this case, the creature also experiences isolation, but it was not intended. The creature feels completely separated from the world, simply because of the way he is looked at by society.  Isolation has led the creature to so many pains, that he often asks himself questions, as well as questioning his identity and what he has to offer to a world that does not even accept him. If a form of evil can have an army behind it, why can't the creature have one as well?

Self-inflicted isolation and being rejected from the world are one of many aspects of isolation which is detrimental to the characters Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the creature. Mary Shelley exemplifies the themes of isolation by portraying it through Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the Creature. Each character has gone through some form of isolation that has either been self-inflicted or brought by rejection. Although there are many aspects of isolation, they are equally detrimental to an individual's wellbeing, as seen in the novel. Each character has suffered, due to isolation. This provides solid information about how isolation can do much damage to someone's mental health and even drive them crazy. In the novel Mary Shelley reveals that isolation is the true evil behind self-destruction.

Related Samples

• Essay Sample: Why "The Fault in Our Star" Should Be Included in the Booklist
• Short Story Essay Example: The Animal People Choose a Leader
• Essay Sample about Propaganda in 1984
• Antigone Tragic Hero Essay Example
• Sexual Identity in James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room Essay Example
• Racial Stereotypes in Beg Borrow Steal by Maurice Carlos Ruffin (Essay Sample)
• The Theme of Revenge in Hamlet Essay Example
• The Lesson Short Story Analysis
• Tales From The Inner City by Shaun Tan Book Review
• King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callendar Book Review

Didn't find the perfect sample?

You can order a custom paper by our expert writers