Frankenstien

Prompt 5
Destructive Isolation
    In the nineteenth century, isolation played a major role in gothic influences. Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein starts off with Walton, a lonely arctic seafarer in the 19th century, writing letters to his sister about Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a monster in Switzerland that murders his loved ones, causing him to be alone. As the novel progresses, the narrator switches to the point of view of the monster, who explains his story of growing up on his own in Europe, detached from society. Isolation, whether emotional or geographical, proves destructive for Victor Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s monster, and Robert Walton. As a result of isolation, Frankenstein detaches himself from society, causing his health to deteriorate; the monster develops a revenge that leads him to murder; and Walton gives up his passion for finding new land.
    Victor Frankenstein reveals his isolation from the moment he starts to work on his creature and until his death. Frankenstein separates himself from society in order to accomplish his creation: “After days and nights of incredible labor and fatigue, I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life…” (38). Frankenstein, intrigued in his passion, has spent “days and nights” working in a laboratory alone, away from civilization. He is so fascinated with his work that he does not take care of his “fatigue” body. Frankenstein’s detachment from society has caused a dramatic decline in his health ultimately destroying his well being. In addition to Frankenstein’s detached laboratory, his inability to keep in touch with his family members keeps him even more isolated. Victor becomes carried away with studying and experimenting in Ignolstadt, Germany, forgetting to respond to any letters from back in his native town: “…but my eyes were insensible to the charms of nature. And the same feelings which made me neglect the scenes around me caused me also to forget those friends who...