Daniel Hermosillo

Mr. Shields
Drama: Period 3
November 7, 2014
The Frankenstein Monster: Villain or Victim?
When one hears about the Frankenstein monster this image of an evil and ugly
person comes into our head, but how accurate is this assumption? Dr. Victor Frankenstein
created the monster with the help of his assistant Fritz. The reason why he created him in
the first place can be debated on whether he did for the better of mankind or out his
ambition and plain arrogance. Putting his intentions aside, the monster is really never a
villain but rather an innocent creation looking for guidance; themes such as, man playing
God and the importance of appearance exemplify the characteristics of the monster and
Dr. Frankenstein.
Often associated with Halloween and horror, the monsters purpose is completely
misunderstood. He is not evil at all, despite the murders he committed. His actions can be
justified because he may be a huge person on the outside but his mind is of a 7 year-old.
For instance, when the little girl is showing him that the flowers float, he is so amazed at
the game and his new friend he throws her in the water as a way of playing but doesnt
realize that what he did will kill her. As the monster walks away in disbelief the audience
can see his facial expression is pleased. He obviously did not want to hurt the little girl.
Unfortunately, the other characters in the movie let the physical appearance of the
monster impair their judgment of him.

Appearance is a very important theme that shows the personality of the

Frankenstein monster. The scene where he goes into the cabin and meets the priest
reveals the beauty and innocence that lies inside of him. The priest is blind therefore he
cannot be afraid of the monster. In fact, he teaches him how to speak and the good things
(bread, wine, music, fire etc.). The man did not see with his eyes but instead with his
heart. The priest didnt know the monsters past; all he knew was that the monster could
not speak and was in need of guidance. The director of the movie put this scene in order
to show the audience that a persons character is more important than looks.
Another theme that is pervasive throughout both movies is man-playing god.
It all started with Dr. Frankenstein creating the first monster. He could not control it so
everything went wrong with his great achievement. Then in, Bride of Frankenstein, Dr.
Pretorius went on to create a female monster. She found the original monster frightening.
Of course the Frankenstein monster was so hurt he killed the bride, Dr. Pretorius and
himself. Trying to create a human and be a God like figure never worked out for anybody
in the films. Everything that is man made is flawed hence the tragedies in both movies.
The message that Mary Shelley (author of the novel) was trying to convey is when
playing God destruction is inevitable.
To summarize, the Frankenstein monster is not evil in anyway, just an innocent
creation looking for enlightenment; a persons character is more important than their
appearance and playing God will never have positive results. Perhaps the purpose of the
novels and films was to shift the audiences perspective on how they perceive and judge
people. They only thing is that society misinterpreted the symbol the monster stands for
and took a more literal interpretation of the monster and see him as scary.