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Graphic Novel: Frankenstein


            The two most prominent themes that I believe can be found within Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein are, the human instinct to judge, and the role that a self-fulfilling prophecy can play in affecting one’s life. Both themes are heavily represented within the excerpt of Shelly’s work that is contained within The Graphic Novel Cannon and both themes ultimately shape the behavior and fate of the famous monster within the story.
            Regarding the tendency of humans to judge, and how it is portrayed in the story, no better example can be found than the villagers’ reactions to the monster, who, at first glance, appears to be a rampaging and terrifying brute that has evil intentions. However, this is merely due to the creature’s grotesque appearance. The creature is in fact, not only a gentle giant, but an educated one as well, and the only time this is ever acknowledged by a villager within the story is when the monster encounters a man who, due to blindness, cannot see any of his supposedly horrifying features. Because of this, the villager in question can “see” the kind hearted and intelligent nature of the monster due to not having the ability to judge it by its appearance. This sharp contrast to the reaction of the other villagers serves to emphasize the instinctual behavior of humans that causes them to be judgmental and not look past what they may see at first glance.
            In addition to the theme of human judgement, Shelly’s text also carries with it the theme of a self-fulfilling prophecy. This is evident within the behavior of the monster as the story goes on. The monster begins his part in the story as a kind and intelligent being, but after continuous mistreatment by the villagers due to their belief that he is a hideous monster bent on destruction and carnage, he in fact, becomes the monster they view him as and desires vengeance on humanity for their treatment of him. In this way, by acknowledging the feelings that the villagers have about him and surrendering to his anger at them for their mistreatment, the monster, in fact, becomes the terrible creature they view him to be.

            

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