"The fallen angel becomes a malignant devil. Yet even that enemy of God and man had friends and associates in his desolation; I am alone."

Read for English class. I really loved the prose, and since I had to analyze specific aspects of the novel, I think I have a better appreciation and understanding of the story Shelley was trying to tell as a whole than otherwise. Truly, I sympathized with Frankenstein’s monster and witnessing the effects isolation have on one’s capacity for humanity was the most interesting part to me. I ended up writing my paper on the parallel between this theme discussed in the book and current events regarding school shootings, for a majority of cases in the United States involved a bullied or outcasted perpetrator. There is most certainly a correlation between ostracism and increased aggression, and I believe Shelley excellently develops this concept with the monster and his dynamic with Frankenstein.

The ending was perfect, in my opinion, since it shows that Frankenstein has in fact not learned a thing throughout this whole ordeal, has not once listened to the monster’s pleas for companionship and understanding, nor his desperate explanations for his actions, and lastly not even his desires to be left alone in peace. I feel it accurately reflects a certain side of humanity and was overall realistic. Anyways, great novel! Lots of symbolism and meaning, especially in the environments.