The Support System

Support can be a wonderful thing.  Our parents start to support us as soon as we are born:  from physically to emotionally to financially.  From that moment we enter a world of uncertainty, but with the support of our family we thrive. For the monster in Frankenstein, this beginning to a normal life is lacking. God gave us a family to support, love, and help educate us.  The monster's god, Victor Frankenstein, left out the importance of the nurturing family:  the support system...the touch of another...the sense of belonging.  The monster sets out on a journey to complete the search for that connection:  communication, love, safety, and hopes to find his identity. 

 "Like Adam, I was created apparently united by no link to any other being in existence; but his state was far less different from mine in every other respect" (Shelley, 87).  Here the monster compares his being to that of God's creation of Adam, however, he realizes that they were far different.  "He came forth from the hands of God a perfect creature...guarded by the especial care of his Creator" (Shelley, 87).  Adam's God did not fail to realize the importance of a support, a touch, a companion.  After creating the monster, Frankenstein comes to terms with the fact that his quest to surpass the world with his knowledge has been misconceived; and escapes his blunder:  leaves him high and dry. The monster makes every attempt to find the missing puzzle piece in his life.  It seems to be hopeless for him because of his stature.  The people he encounters find him to be a wretch; a hideous monster whom they refuse to befriend.  "I am alone, and miserable; man will not associate with me" (Shelley, 97).  I can't imagine having the mind of a child, not knowing what to do or how to do it, and being completely passed over by the world.  Our bodies are wired for the need to be accepted, loved, touched, and supported.  It seems to me Frankenstein, as brilliant as he is, missed the mark.