聽見我的故事: 瑪麗雪萊科學怪人中的身份,反應及關係斷層

Victor Frankenstein’s scientific creation has been regarded and recognized as one of the most famous monsters in western culture. It has been adapted into various versions of plays, films and stories. Its originality strikes people. Through Mary Shelley’s tale of horror I would like to discuss the identity and reception in language and action between the main characters. Victor is the creator, the father of the being; the connection between the two can never be eliminated. Although Victor tries vigorously to neglect his Creature and abandons him at birth, the Creature still comes back and haunts him. Victor’s identity and reception affects his creation’s fate tremendously. He greets his creature with terms as wretch, fiend and monster the very moment the Creature comes to life. Through a close examination, I would like to see whether it is Victor’s intention to create a monster. Also, is the Creature really a monster? If he is, then at what moment does he become a monster? Further, I will explore the disconnection between the characters and readers. It is obvious that all characters in Frankenstein sympathize with Victor, the creator. Unlike the characters in the book, readers seem to react otherwise. But, have readers always sympathized with the Creature rather than Victor Frankenstein himself, and if so, why? The novel is almost two centuries old. It is also interesting to inspect how time differences affect the readers and their views on the Creature or the creator, what those changes might be, and what is the significance of those changes.