Prejudice
English Lit: AQA GCSE Frankenstein, topic 6.2.2
Key Quotations on the Theme of Prejudice
Shelley presents the reader with various examples of characters who are prejudiced against others, and this prejudice often leads to isolation or even death.
The Monster's first experience
- 'I had hardly placed my foot within the door, before the children shrieked, and one of the women fainted. The whole village was roused; some fled, some attacked me, until, grievously bruised by stones and many other kinds of missile weapons, I escaped to the open country, and fearfully took refuge in a low hovel' (Volume Two: Chapter 3).
- This is the Monster's first experience of prejudice.
- The Monster does not do anything to cause alarm – merely taking a step inside – and so the villagers' violent response seems unfair and disproportionate.
The Monster's kindness
- 'I rushed from my hiding-place; and, with extreme labour from the force of the current, saved her, and dragged her to shore. [...] when the man [the girls's companion] saw me draw near, he aimed a gun, which he carried, at my body, and fired.' (Volume Two: Chapter 8).
- The way in which the Monster is attacked for committing a kind deed seems particularly cruel, and the reader sympathises with him.
- The people that the Monster encounters are small-minded and hold prejudices based on his hideous appearance.
Test yourself on Prejudice
Where does the Monster seek refuge after being attacked by the Villagers?