Sometimes when we prepare so much for an event or project that when the time reaches for us to encounter our finished product we are disappointed, we automatically give up or abandon our work. This is exactly what Frankenstein does. When he first encounters the creature he is devastated. The creature sees Frankenstein “monster” so he must fend for himself. “ One hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped.” Here Frankenstein is effectively abandoning the monster straight after birth where he is most vulnerable. I believe Mary Shelley is suggesting that are actions are determined by the way we are treated. At this point of the novel the Being Frankenstein created is and innocent creature; victors abandonment plays a large part in the creature evolving into a monster.
Victor has spent his life being loved by many and does not empathise with the creature he has left behind. Mary Shelley was no stranger to the brutal ways of the world. She suffered many losses of her children and at this stage she could be comparing herself to her husband, of who in her opinion overcame the loss of their children too quickly. The losses Mary Shelley suffered from left her as cold hearted in her own opinion.
During chapter five, Victor Frankenstein expresses guilt towards the monster. “ the form of the monster on whom I bestowed existence.” Victor realises he was wrong to create the creature, and wishes he did not push the boundaries of science. He however does not show any remorse for abandoning the creature, for never returns to the creature it is up to the creature to find him.
When people first see the creature they are scared of him. “ the whole village was roused; some fled, some attacked me” The creature is perceived as a monster they advance on him and attack him, as this is the monsters first outing this memory would be etched within his mind along with Frankenstein’s abandonment.
During chapter five Frankenstein narrates a poem, “ Like one who, on a lonely road, Doth, walk in fear and dread,” Mary Shelley allows us to easily enter Frankenstein’s thoughts. Using such an appropriate poem at the perfect timing Mary Shelley fits the poem in perfectly as the poem does not interfere with the rhythm of the reading. The poem flows naturally as though it had been written for the novel. By inserting the poem at this point Mary Shelley influences the readers to feel sympathy. But Mary Shelley could actually be referring to the monster. The sympathy is felt more for Frankenstein as the poem is used to describe his journey but actually gains some sympathy for the monster.
Mary Shelley’s Language creates the atmosphere of horror along with the setting and the structure. However the language strikes the greatest fear as the language is consistent in the way in which the words are carefully chosen to create the atmosphere.