The loneliness of various characters is a prominent motif in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Both Victor Frankenstein and his creation, both of whom can be seen as the true hero of Shelley's work, can count loneliness as a significant element of their respective experiences.
The circumstances that were the repercussions of Victor Frankenstein's act of creation led him to feel isolated from his peers, companions and family due to his sole possession of intimate knowledge among mankind of the truth concerning William's murder and Justine's execution. As such, he bore a heavy burden of guilt, which led to him isolating himself from his companions. As Victor describes in his own words: "I was seized by remorse and sense of guilt...This state of mind preyed upon my health... I shunned the face of man.. Solitude was my only consolation-deep, dark, deathlike solitude." (Shelley, 72)
Likewise, Victor Frankenstein's creation also encounters loneliness. In fact, his existence is practically defined by loneliness, even from the moment of his birth through animation. "It was dark when I awoke; I felt cold also... finding myself so desolate... I was a poor, helpless, miserable wretch... feeling pain invade me on all sides, I sat down and wept." (Shelley, 84) Indeed, this feeling of loneliness becomes the centerpiece of his experiences, leading him to pursue acceptance, sympathy and perhaps ultimately love from human beings, including the De Lacey family and his creator. At last, when he realized that his appearance made said quest nigh on impossible, he sought Victor for another purpose, which was to create another being, a female, that was just like him for the purpose of companionship. What further proof does one need to prove the creature's loneliness, that one should seek to bring another being into a proven miserable existence merely for the purpose of shared sympathies and companionship?
Joe, your writing is excellent
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