Monster vs. Society: The Cycle of Rejection and Violence

The creature's repeated attempts to integrate into human society are met with fear and violence, leading to a cycle of hatred.

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First Encounters with Humanity

A Hostile World The Village Attack After leaving Ingolstadt, the monster enters a village. The inhabitants flee in terror, and some attack him with stones and weapons. He is driven away, bruised and bewildered. This is his first experience of human society, and it is one of rejection. The Shepherd's Hut He finds shelter in a shepherd's hut, but the shepherd flees at the sight of him. The monster is beginning to understand that his appearance makes him an outcast. He is hungry, cold, and utterly alone. The Hovel He takes refuge in a hovel attached to the De Lacey cottage. He observes the family and learns their language, hoping to eventually present himself to them. But the pattern of rejection continues when he reveals himself to the blind old man.

The Aftermath of Rejection

Rage and Despair The Burning After the De Laceys abandon the cottage, the monster is consumed by rage. He sets fire to the cottage, destroying the only place where he had felt a semblance of peace. This act of violence marks his transition from hopeful to vengeful. The Resolution to Harm He decides to seek out his creator, Victor, and force him to create a companion. If he cannot have human love, he will have revenge. He travels to Geneva, and on the way, he saves a girl but is shot for his trouble. This incident confirms his belief that humans will never accept him. The Cycle Continues Each act of rejection fuels his hatred. He murders William, frames Justine, and later kills Clerval and Elizabeth. The cycle of violence becomes self-perpetuating. The monster's conflict with society is a tragic one: he was born innocent, but society's prejudice turned him into a monster.

After the monster's creation, autumn and winter

After the De Laceys flee, the monster burns the cottage