Why Does the Monster See Himself Like the Biblical Adam?
The character of the monster in Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein is often portrayed as a lonely and misunderstood being. Throughout the story, he constantly seeks companionship and a sense of belonging. One interesting aspect of the monster’s self-perception is his identification with the biblical figure of Adam. This connection can be examined through various lenses, including his creation, his search for knowledge, and his yearning for a partner. Let’s delve deeper into the reasons why the monster sees himself like the biblical Adam.
Creation:
1. How was the monster created?
The monster is not born naturally but rather brought to life through a scientific experiment conducted by Victor Frankenstein. Frankenstein assembles various body parts and reanimates them using electricity.
2. Does the monster have a creator?
Yes, Victor Frankenstein is the monster’s creator. However, Frankenstein quickly abandons his creation, leaving the monster to fend for himself.
3. How does the monster compare himself to Adam?
Similar to Adam in the Bible, the monster is created by a higher power. He believes that, like Adam, he is the first of his kind, a being born into the world without any predecessors.
4. What impact does his creation have on the monster’s perception of self?
The monster’s creation contributes to his feeling of isolation and alienation from society. He sees himself as a unique entity, separate from humanity, much like Adam was the first human.
Search for Knowledge:
5. Does the monster seek knowledge?
Yes, the monster is driven by a strong desire to understand the world and his place in it. He learns to read, speak, and reason, mirroring Adam’s quest for knowledge in the Garden of Eden.
6. How does the monster’s pursuit of knowledge align with Adam’s story?
Both Adam and the monster seek knowledge outside of their initial existence. Adam defies God’s command by eating from the Tree of Knowledge, while the monster acquires knowledge by observing and interacting with humans, ultimately leading to his realization of the atrocities committed by mankind.
7. How does the acquisition of knowledge affect the monster’s perception of himself?
As the monster learns more about the world, he becomes increasingly aware of his own miseries and the flaws in society. This leads to a heightened sense of his own otherness and fuels his desire for companionship.
Yearning for a Partner:
8. Does the monster desire companionship?
Yes, the monster experiences profound loneliness and longs for companionship throughout the novel. He feels isolated and rejected by society, which intensifies his longing for someone who can understand and accept him.
9. Why does the monster compare himself to Adam regarding companionship?
Adam in the Bible is given a partner, Eve, to alleviate his solitude. Similarly, the monster believes that if he had a companion, he would no longer be alone and could find solace in their shared experiences.
10. How does the monster’s yearning for a partner reflect his perception of self?
The monster’s desire for a companion reveals his recognition of his own humanity. He believes that if he had someone who could see past his physical appearance and understand his emotions, he would no longer be perceived as a monster.
11. Does the monster find a companion?
No, despite his tireless search, the monster never finds a companion who can fulfill his emotional needs. However, he does develop a complex relationship with Victor Frankenstein, which further highlights his connection to Adam, who also had a complex relationship with his creator.
12. What impact does the lack of companionship have on the monster’s self-perception?
The absence of companionship reinforces the monster’s sense of isolation and rejection. It solidifies his belief that he is fundamentally different from others and perpetuates his self-perception as a monstrous outcast.
In conclusion, the monster’s identification with the biblical Adam can be attributed to his creation, search for knowledge, and yearning for a partner. Through these parallels, the monster sees himself as a unique being, disconnected from humanity yet yearning for acceptance and companionship. The comparison to Adam adds depth to the character, highlighting his complex emotions and the existential questions he grapples with throughout the novel.