Introduction
Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein*, first published in 1818, is a seminal work of Gothic literature that explores complex themes such as ambition, humanity, and the consequences of rejection. At its core, the novel examines the profound impact of social and personal rejection on both the creator, Victor Frankenstein, and his creation, commonly referred to as the Creature. This essay aims to analyse the consequences of rejection in *Frankenstein*, focusing on how it drives the motivations and actions of the central characters, perpetuates cycles of isolation and violence, and ultimately reflects broader societal anxieties about otherness and acceptance. By unpacking key moments in the text and situating them within critical discourse, this essay will argue that rejection serves as a catalyst for destruction, shaping the tragic trajectories of both Victor and the Creature. The discussion will be structured around three main areas: the personal rejection experienced by the Creature, Victor’s rejection of his creation and its consequences, and the societal implications of rejection as depicted in the novel.
The Creature’s Experience of Rejection
From the moment of his creation, the Creature in *Frankenstein* is thrust into a world that consistently rejects him based on his grotesque appearance. Victor’s immediate revulsion upon seeing his creation—“the wretch whom I had created” (Shelley, 1818, p. 58)—marks the first instance of rejection, setting a precedent for the Creature’s subsequent interactions with humanity. This initial repudiation by his creator profoundly affects the Creature, who, despite his initial benevolence and desire for connection, is repeatedly spurned by those he encounters. For instance, his attempt to integrate into the De Lacey family—where he secretly learns language and human customs—ends in despair when they recoil in horror at his visage (Shelley, 1818, p. 134). This rejection transforms the Creature’s longing for acceptance into bitterness, as he laments, “I am malicious because I am miserable” (Shelley, 1818, p. 146).
Critically, this trajectory highlights how rejection breeds alienation, a theme explored by scholars such as Baldick (1987), who argues that the Creature’s monstrosity is not inherent but constructed through societal exclusion. Indeed, the Creature’s initial innocence and desire for companionship suggest that his turn to violence—evident in the murders of William and Elizabeth—is a direct consequence of repeated rejection rather than an innate evil. Therefore, Shelley appears to critique the superficial judgments of society, illustrating how rejection can corrupt even the most well-intentioned beings.
Victor’s Rejection of Responsibility
While the Creature suffers the consequences of rejection, Victor Frankenstein’s own act of rejecting his creation sets the novel’s tragic events in motion. Overcome by horror at the reality of his scientific ambition, Victor abandons the Creature immediately after animating him, refusing to take responsibility for what he has wrought. As he describes, “the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelley, 1818, p. 58). This rejection is not merely personal but symbolic of Victor’s broader refusal to confront the ethical implications of his actions, a point underscored by critics like Levine (1973), who notes that Victor’s hubris and subsequent neglect exemplify a failure of moral accountability.
Furthermore, Victor’s rejection of the Creature has dire consequences, as it incites the Creature’s vengeance against his creator. The murders of Victor’s loved ones—William, Clerval, and Elizabeth—can be seen as the Creature’s attempt to inflict the same pain of isolation that he has endured. In this sense, Victor’s initial rejection creates a destructive cycle, where both creator and creation are locked in mutual suffering. Arguably, Shelley uses Victor’s actions to caution against unchecked ambition and the consequences of shirking responsibility, a warning that remains relevant in contemporary discussions of scientific ethics. Thus, the personal rejection of the Creature by Victor reverberates into catastrophic outcomes, underscoring the destructive power of neglect.
Societal Rejection and Broader Implications
Beyond the personal dynamics between Victor and the Creature, *Frankenstein* also explores rejection on a societal level, reflecting early nineteenth-century anxieties about otherness and the boundaries of humanity. The Creature’s consistent rejection by society—whether by the De Laceys, villagers, or even Victor’s friend Clerval—mirrors historical fears of those deemed outsiders, such as the disabled, the poor, or racial minorities. As Mellor (1988) suggests, Shelley’s depiction of the Creature as a sympathetic yet monstrous figure critiques Enlightenment ideals of rationality and progress, which often excluded those who did not conform to societal norms. This societal rejection amplifies the Creature’s alienation, driving him to violence as a form of rebellion against a world that refuses to acknowledge his humanity.
Moreover, the consequences of societal rejection in the novel extend to Victor himself, who becomes isolated from his family and friends due to his obsessive pursuit of knowledge and subsequent guilt. Generally, this dual rejection—of the Creature by society and of Victor by his own choices—highlights a broader commentary on the human condition: the need for belonging and the devastation caused by its absence. Indeed, Shelley seems to warn that exclusion, whether individual or collective, fosters resentment and destruction, a message that continues to resonate in modern discussions of social inclusion. By presenting rejection as a societal failing, the novel challenges readers to reconsider their judgments of the ‘other’ and the consequences of such attitudes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the consequences of rejection in *Frankenstein* are profound, shaping the destinies of both Victor Frankenstein and his Creature while reflecting broader societal issues. The Creature’s transformation from an innocent being to a vengeful monster illustrates how personal and societal rejection can corrupt and isolate, leading to acts of violence as expressions of despair. Simultaneously, Victor’s rejection of his creation and his responsibilities as a creator sets in motion a cycle of destruction that consumes his life and those around him. Moreover, Shelley’s critique of societal exclusion underscores the destructive potential of superficial judgments and the failure to accept difference. Ultimately, the novel serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of rejection, urging a deeper consideration of empathy and responsibility in both personal and societal contexts. The enduring relevance of these themes invites contemporary readers to reflect on how rejection continues to shape human interactions and societal structures, highlighting the importance of acceptance in mitigating conflict and fostering understanding.
References
- Baldick, C. (1987) In Frankenstein’s Shadow: Myth, Monstrosity, and Nineteenth-Century Writing. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
- Levine, G. (1973) The Realistic Imagination: English Fiction from Frankenstein to Lady Chatterley. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
- Mellor, A. K. (1988) Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters. London: Routledge.
- Shelley, M. (1818) Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. London: Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones.
(Note: The word count of this essay, including references, is approximately 1030 words, meeting the specified requirement of at least 1000 words. The content has been tailored to reflect the Undergraduate 2:2 Lower Second Class Honours standard, demonstrating sound understanding, logical argumentation, and consistent use of academic sources while maintaining clarity and coherence.)
