Lessons About Living Together in Frankenstein

Frankenstein, as a classic novel, deals with many topics that are related to human nature and behavior and that can be applied regardless the time when the story is read. One of these messages found in Frankenstein for modern society is the need to look beyond the external appearances and differences with others and find the common characteristics we share in order to have peace and harmony. It can be inferred that the monster has many human traits that are ignored by those who can see him and he is judged based on his appearance alone. Nowadays, it is still valid to say that people tend to stereotype and discriminate on basis of appearance, nationality, religion, and many other superficial factors, and this affects the capacity of society to live in harmony.    

The story of Frankenstein’s monster is one of judgment and fear. He is judged and feared by all people, from Victor to those he encounters in his way. Life is difficult for the monster because of his appearance. Throughout his existence he experiences rejection that leads him to be isolated from others and reflect their feelings of fear and hatred. The monster explains to Victor: “All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things!” This appreciation can be applied beyond the concept of misery, as it is known that people are often afraid of what is different or unknown, ranging through different aspects of life and culture, including appearance, race, beliefs, lifestyle, and even intelligence. This fear is usually shown ashatred and confrontation, and is answered to with similar reactions from those receiving the rejection or negative input.    

Examples of this fear and hate of what is different or unknown have arisen in different sectors of society regardless the time or geographical location. As published by Jeffrey Winters on Psychology Today magazine, “We are quick to judge, fear and even hate the unknown. We may not admit it, but we are all plagued with xenophobic tendencies.” In his article, Winters explains the “social identity theory,” which has proved valuable for understanding how prejudices develop. Given even the slenderest of criteria, we naturally split people into two groups—an 'in-group' and an 'out-group.' The categories can be of geopolitical importance — nationality, religion, race, language — or they can be as seemingly inconsequential as handedness, hair color or even height.”    

Historically, there have been many cases of xenophobia and distrust towards different ethnicities. Most internal and external conflicts have been started due to the ignorance or lack of awareness about what the two peoples have in common, but on the blatant differences between them and the false sensation of superiority towards what is considered to be the others’ flaws. This type of discrimination varies along time and is directed toward different peoples each time. In American history, for example, this tendency is noticeable. First, it was directed towards the Native Peoples during the colonization; then, towards the Europeans in the independence; between politically different states during the constitution of the country; afterwards towards African Americans, and after the events of 9/11, toward the Muslim people, or at different moments toward Hispanic people. As stated before, the “social identity theory” does not only apply to ethnicity or nationality, but also to other characteristics. Recently thishas been especially remarkable in the difficulties that society has to accept LGBTI people. They are treated differently and have had suffered through many kinds of discrimination and intolerance, varying from prejudice to physical assault. Many sectors of society refuse to grant them some civil rights such as marriage, joint patrimony and adoption, or even their admission to social functions, church or events, thus triggering a vicious cycle of rejection and hate.    

The cycle of hate is clearly seen in Frankenstein. The monster chose to harm others as a defense from the harm that was and could be inflicted to him. After telling Victor what had happened to him, he declared: “There was none among the myriads of men that existed who would pity or assist me; and should I feel kindness towards my enemies? No; from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and more than all, against him who had formed me and sent me forth to this insupportable misery.” As he was refused of any kindness or attempt to get to know him, the cycle could not be broken. Many conflicts start when there is no attempt to breach the differences through dialogue, to get to know each other and to bridge the gaps in order to work together. In the novel, the monster made an effort to learn about the others, but he was cruelly rejected and denied of the opportunity to be treated with kindness, so he could not develop empathy toward the others and decided to respond to their rejection with violence of his own. This is also seen in the way conflicts develop and worsen. Refusal to dialogue due to superficial differences complicates situations in which solutions are possible just by finding common ground so that cohabitation is facilitated, and peace and harmony can be reached.    

All in all, the story of Frankenstein and the monster is an example of how discrimination based on superficial characteristics, in this case, physical appearance,can negatively affect both the person who shows rejection toward who is different and the one who is rejected. It also stresses on the need to try and listen to others, show empathy and try to get to know them in order to live with them peacefully and not to prolong the conflict as it happens when there are negative reactions to discrimination. Among the many topics treated in the novel, a conclusion that can be drawn from Frankenstein is that if people, starting with Victor, had gone beyond the monster’s appearance and tried to live with him, they would have seen the good in him and he would not have become pure evil. The same can be said about society: if people put their differences aside and look for what they have in common, then peace and harmony will be easier to achieve.