In a disconcertingly candid manner, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein offers its readers a sensible critique on the callous superficiality of human social interaction. Shelley imaginatively introduces a repugnant, yet kindhearted monster into the world of man, who is only to be received, and understandably so, with violent rejection and absolute contempt. Even the monster himself cannot bear the sight of his own physical appearance and his repulsive exterior accounts entirely for his exclusion from social relations. There is, however, one sole person in the novel whose blind eyes manage to look beyond the hideousness of the monster and treat him as an equal, and that is the old man De Lacey. This maverick character helps to illustrate the judgmental nature of human beings since his actions are not influenced by appearances and by doing so he reinforces the theme of superficiality that Shelley persistently ascribes to the rest of the characters in the book. Every character besides old man De Lacey is not even able to choose to look past the monster's appearance, despite his greatest efforts to make them, and this suggests that being visually judgmental is part of who we are as human beings; we cannot willingly prevent ourselves from being utterly shallow. De Lacey is exceptional as his symbolic blindness allows him to transcend the human superficiality that Shelley presents, while at the same time reinforcing its significant impact on social interaction and acceptance.
[...] De Lacey goes on to tell him that will afford me true pleasure to be in any way serviceable to a human creature” (91). His reference to the monster as a ‘human creature' indicates a solitary instance in the story where the monster experiences both social equality and reception, since he is perceived to be just the same as everyone else. Thus, the old man's initial generosity shows us yet again how appearances, or lack thereof in this case, can greatly affect the manner in which one person treats another. [...]
[...] Thus, De Lacey acts as a lens through which we are able to perceive the monster as being none other than a creature animated with life. Only through De Lacey's point of view can we see the true nature of the monster's character, and this is vital in establishing our understanding and acceptance of the monster. Without this lens, we would fail to substantiate the claim that the monster truly was created as an equal, well-meaning being, and therefore De Lacey's perspective helps encourage the reader to identify, sympathize, and empathize with the poor beast. [...]
[...] Shelley creates these similarities between De Lacey and the monster to help reinforce just how human the latter of the two really is. If we ignore the monster's exterior, this encounter strongly demonstrates the equality between the old man and the beast, and how they are both just as real and human as each other on the inside. One is inclined to believe after reading this novel that if the monster had had a bit more time to plead his case; he and De Lacey could have made it as lifelong companions. [...]
[...] “when the man saw me draw near, he aimed a gun, which he carried, at my body, and fired” (95). Conclusion 2000 De Lacey you will unreservedly confide to me the particulars of your tale, I perhaps may be of use in undeceiving them. I am blind, and cannot judge of your countenance, but there is something in your words which persuades me that you are sincere. I am poor, and an exile; but it will afford me true pleasure to be in any way serviceable to a human creature” but how was I [...]
[...] Lack of sight - Music and sound = beautiful the old man, who, taking up an instrument, began to play, and to produce sounds, sweeter than the voice of the thrush or the nightingale. It was a lovely sight, even to me, poor wretch! Who had never beheld aught beautiful before” (72). silver hair and benevolent countenance of the aged cottager, won my reverence; while the gentle manners of the girl entices my love. He played a sweet mournful air, which I perceived drew tears from the eyes of his amiable companion, of which the old man took no notice, until she sobbed audibly; he then pronounced a few sounds, and the fair creature, leaving her work, knelt at his feet. [...]
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