Skip to main content

Considering Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, how might one argue that the monster is superior to humans?

The monster is superior to humans, in part, because he learns faster.  Just from observing Safie's lessons, he is able to learn to read and write and speak, and he learns more quickly and more thoroughly than she does.  Remember, he is less than two years old at that point!  Thus, he is intellectually far superior to us.


Further, the creature is physically superior to humans as well.  He is shot when he saves a...

The monster is superior to humans, in part, because he learns faster.  Just from observing Safie's lessons, he is able to learn to read and write and speak, and he learns more quickly and more thoroughly than she does.  Remember, he is less than two years old at that point!  Thus, he is intellectually far superior to us.


Further, the creature is physically superior to humans as well.  He is shot when he saves a little girl from drowning, and though it pains him, he survives and is not materially affected by his wound.  Moreover, when Victor first sees him, he is "hanging among the rocks of the nearly perpendicular ascent" of a mountain, a feat nearly impossible for a human.  In addition to the superhuman strength displayed here, he also shows superhuman speed and the ability to withstand temperature extremes that Victor cannot.


I think one could also make the argument that the creature is emotionally superior to humans as well.  Aside from being born quite gentle and beneficent, the creature is ultimately willing to take responsibility for his violence, something Victor is never willing or able to do.  Victor says that he does not "'find [his past conduct] blameable,'" even though he ruined so many lives, including his own.  However, the creature says to Walton, "'My heart was fashioned to be susceptible of love and sympathy; and, when wrenched by misery to vice and hatred, it did not endure the violence of the change without torture, such as you cannot even imagine.'"  He not only takes responsibility for the evil he's done, he also explains the terrible emotional toll it's taken on him.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What are some external and internal conflicts that Montag has in Fahrenheit 451?

 Montag, the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, faces both external and internal conflicts throughout the novel. Some examples of these conflicts are: External Conflicts: Conflict with the society: Montag lives in a society that prohibits books and critical thinking. He faces opposition from the government and the people who enforce this law. Montag struggles to come to terms with the fact that his society is based on censorship and control. Conflict with his wife: Montag's wife, Mildred, is completely absorbed in the shallow and meaningless entertainment provided by the government. Montag's growing dissatisfaction with his marriage adds to his external conflict. Conflict with the fire captain: Montag's superior, Captain Beatty, is the personification of the oppressive regime that Montag is fighting against. Montag's struggle against Beatty represents his external conflict with the government. Internal Conflicts: Conflict with his own beliefs: Montag, at the beginning of th...
Post a Comment
Read more

In A People's History of the United States, why does Howard Zinn feel that Wilson made a flimsy argument for entering World War I?

"War is the health of the state," the radical writer Randolph Bourne said, in the midst of the First World War. Indeed, as the nations of Europe went to war in 1914, the governments flourished, patriotism bloomed, class struggle was stilled, and young men died in frightful numbers on the battlefields-often for a hundred yards of land, a line of trenches. -- Chapter 14, Page 350, A People's History of the United States Howard Zinn outlines his arguments for why World War I was fought in the opening paragraph of Chapter 14 (referenced above). The nationalism that was created by the Great War benefited the elite political and financial leadership of the various countries involved. Socialism, which was gaining momentum in Europe, as was class struggle, took a backseat to mobilizing for war. Zinn believes that World War I was fought for the gain of the industrial capitalists of Europe in a competition for capital and resources. He states that humanity itself was punished by t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Where did Atticus take the light and extension cord in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with... Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with Jim if that’s what it takes to protect him.  Atticus tells the men that he will make sure his client gets his fair shake at the law.  “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till ...
Post a Comment
Read more