Eloquence in a Monster
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the monster in Mary Shelley’s masterwork, Frankenstein, is his intellect. One generally connotes “monster” with a fierce, feral brute with no sensitivity or regard for life. ... When the elderly blind patriarch of the family converses with the monster, they get along fine. ... Many readers can sympathize with the monster’s plight. Everyone experiences rejection from time to time, and so one’s naturally may feel inclined to pity the monster. ... At first, the monster acts in a kind and benevolent way. ... In this respect, the monster is humanlike. At the same time, one should remember that the monster is educated. ... Shelley provides the reader with food for thought by way of her creature’s intelligence and eloquence.