Identity in Mary Shelly's Frankenstein Essay Example

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the loss of innocence archetype develops the idea that isolation can tragically lead to one’s downfall due to circumstances such as abandonment, lack of companionship and family death. The archetype characteristic of the identity crisis is extremely prominent due to the characteristics aforementioned. In the story, the monster has a crisis of identity over his ignorant creator, Victor Frankenstein. The monster is neglected from when he is first created.  He longs for a family, yet his creator fears him because his face and stature are grotesque. He asks, “ why did I live? Why in the instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence which [Victor] had so wantonly bestowed?” (Shelley 119). The monster questions the purpose of life if he has no family to experience life with. Additionally, the monster faces an identity crisis while attempting to befriend the neighbouring cottagers. The monster is companionless due to others fearing his physical abnormalities. Desperate, he introduces himself to the humble cottagers who live near his dwelling. His attempt is unsuccessful as he is attacked and cursed out of their home. He states that, “when I reflected that they had spurned and deserted me, anger returned”(Shelley 121). The monster weeps and wonders if he is destined to be alone. He ponders over why people shun him, for his emotions of love and affection are human-like. The loneliness changes him from feeling optimistic to despairing. Furthermore, the monster's final identity crisis is a result of his poor actions. Since his creator refuses to show him affection, the monster seeks ultimate revenge on Victor’s family. It becomes Victor's goal to avenge those who perished at the hands of his creation until death. The monster finds his master dead and is overcome with grief, as he is now truly alone. He painfully says “I have devoted my creator, the select specimen of all that is worthy of love and admiration among men, to misery” (Shelley 200). There seems to be no reason for existence. The monster knows the loathing feelings Victor has towards him, yet Victor is his creator and he longs for a relationship. Now that he is gone, the monster regrets his horrific actions to the only family he has. The monster's anger from his seclusion kills his father figure, leaving him with nothing. He questions how he could have become so ruthless to the man who gave him life. The isolation transforms the marvel of science into a loathsome creature. Through the identity crises and bitter decisions, one learns that no creature deserves the misery of loneliness. Therefore, the loss of innocence archetype in Frankenstein proves that isolation is torturous, with the absence of companions, desertion of family and the passing of loved ones.