Keyword Guide · study-guide
When his chosen protectors desert him, the Frankenstein monster’s already fragile grasp on belonging shatters, amplifying his rage at the systemic injustice he faces. This turning point is critical for analyzing his moral shift and Mary Shelley’s themes of rejection and accountability. For students, unpacking this moment unlocks key insights for class discussions, quizzes, and literary essays.
The fixators on the monster’s story are a small, isolated family he observes and secretly aids from afar. He grows to see them as potential allies, believing their kindness (to each other, at least) might extend to him. Over time, he builds up the courage to reveal himself, hoping they’ll embrace him as one of their own.
When the family rejects and flees from him, the monster’s hope curdles into despair. He’d already faced rejection from his creator, Victor Frankenstein, but this betrayal feels more personal: he’d actively tried to earn their goodwill through quiet acts of care. This moment confirms his fear that he’ll never be accepted simply for existing.
The monster doesn’t just feel hurt—he recognizes a pattern of systemic unfairness. He’s judged solely on his appearance, not his intentions or capacity for empathy. After this abandonment, he starts to see himself as a victim of a world that refuses to give him a chance, framing his later actions as responses to this ongoing injustice rather than unprovoked cruelty.
For class discussions, start by listing the monster’s acts of goodwill toward the family, then contrast them with their reaction. For essays, structure your argument to link this abandonment to his moral decline, and connect it to Shelley’s critique of prejudice. For quizzes, focus on how this moment reshapes his motivation and his view of Victor’s responsibility.
It amplifies Shelley’s exploration of how societal rejection and systemic injustice can corrupt even inherently empathetic beings. It also underscores the failure of those in positions of power (like Victor and the family) to take responsibility for vulnerable others.
Absolutely. This turning point is key to arguing that the monster’s violent acts are a response to repeated trauma, rather than innate evil. Be sure to contrast his pre-abandonment empathy with his post-abandonment rage to strengthen your case.
Ask: Was the family’s rejection of the monster justified, or does it represent a broader failure of human compassion? Have students defend their answers with evidence from the monster’s actions and the novel’s themes.
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