Comparing Frankenstein and The Delacey Family

One of the most significant aspects of the novel is the exploration of the relationships between the characters, particularly the contrast between the creature and the Delacey family. In this essay, we will compare and contrast Frankenstein and the Delacey family, examining their respective characteristics, behaviors, and roles in the novel.

Frankenstein: The Creature

Frankenstein's creature is a complex character who is both sympathetic and terrifying. Created by Victor Frankenstein, the creature is abandoned and left to fend for himself in a hostile world. Despite his monstrous appearance, the creature is intelligent and seeks companionship and acceptance. However, his experiences with rejection and isolation drive him to acts of violence and revenge.

The creature's interactions with the Delacey family are particularly illuminating. When he observes the family from afar, he is filled with a sense of longing and yearning for the warmth and love that he sees in their interactions. However, when he attempts to approach them, he is met with fear and hostility, reinforcing his belief that he is inherently monstrous and unlovable.

Ultimately, the creature's experiences with the Delacey family serve to highlight the themes of isolation, rejection, and the human need for connection and acceptance. His interactions with the family also shed light on the nature of humanity and the way in which society often judges and ostracizes those who are different.

The Delacey Family

In contrast to the creature, the Delacey family represents a more traditional and idyllic vision of family life. The family consists of the blind father, De Lacey, and his adult children, Felix and Agatha. They live in a small cottage in the woods, leading a simple and harmonious existence. Their interactions are characterized by love, kindness, and compassion, and they em the virtues of empathy and understanding.

When the creature observes the Delacey family, he is drawn to their warmth and humanity. He longs to be a part of their world and to experience the love and acceptance that they share. However, when he attempts to interact with them, he is met with fear and revulsion, leading to his continued isolation and despair.

Despite their kind-hearted nature, the Delacey family's rejection of the creature reflects the darker side of human nature. Their fear and prejudice serve as a commentary on the way in which society often rejects and marginalizes those who are different, highlighting the theme of alienation and the destructive power of societal norms and expectations.

Comparing Frankenstein and the Delacey Family

When comparing Frankenstein and the Delacey family, several key themes and ideas emerge. Both the creature and the Delacey family represent different aspects of humanity and society, shedding light on the complexities of human nature and the way in which individuals are shaped by their experiences and interactions.

Firstly, the contrast between the creature and the Delacey family highlights the theme of isolation and alienation. The creature's experiences of rejection and loneliness serve to underscore the destructive power of societal norms and expectations, while the Delacey family's rejection of the creature reflects the darker side of human nature and the way in which fear and prejudice can lead to acts of cruelty and inhumanity.

Additionally, the interactions between the creature and the Delacey family also serve to highlight the theme of empathy and understanding. The creature longs for acceptance and understanding, while the Delacey family embodies the virtues of love, kindness, and compassion. However, their failure to empathize with the creature reflects the limitations of human understanding and the way in which fear and prejudice can cloud our judgment and lead to acts of cruelty and inhumanity.

Ultimately, the contrast between Frankenstein and the Delacey family serves to highlight the complexities of human nature and the way in which individuals are shaped by their experiences and interactions. The novel's exploration of these themes sheds light on the destructive power of societal norms and expectations, as well as the limitations of human understanding and the way in which fear and prejudice can lead to acts of cruelty and inhumanity.

Conclusion

Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein provides a compelling exploration of the contrast between the creature and the Delacey family. Through their interactions and experiences, the novel sheds light on the complexities of human nature and the way in which individuals are shaped by their experiences and interactions. The contrast between the creature and the Delacey family serves to highlight the destructive power of societal norms and expectations, as well as the limitations of human understanding and the way in which fear and prejudice can lead to acts of cruelty and inhumanity.

Overall, the novel's exploration of these themes provides a thought-provoking commentary on the darker aspects of human nature and the way in which individuals are shaped by their experiences and interactions. By comparing Frankenstein and the Delacey family, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and the way in which fear and prejudice can lead to acts of cruelty and inhumanity.