Should Frankenstein's Creature Be Portrayed as the Resurrected Deceased or a Constructed Being?

In the vast and intricate world of literature, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein stands as a timeless classic. The portrayal of its central character, the creature, is a subject that has sparked countless discussions and interpretations. This text explores two key perspectives: the creature as the resurrected deceased and as a constructed being. Each view offers rich thematic explorations, contributing to the enduring relevance of Victor Frankenstein's creation.

As the Resurrected Deceased

Themes of Life and Death: This interpretation qualifies the creature as a being that has been resurrected from the dead, raising profound questions about what it means to be alive. This perspective emphasizes the tension between life and death, reflecting the fear of tampering with nature and the consequences of defying death. The creature embodies this fear and tension, adding a layer of existential dread to the narrative.

Humanity and Isolation: If the creature is viewed as a resurrected being, its experiences can mirror that of a soul returning to a world that has moved on. This interpretation highlights themes of alienation and the search for belonging. The creature's dissociation from its former life and its struggle to find understanding among the living raises questions about isolation and the need for connection.

Moral Implications: This portrayal can evoke sympathy for the creature as a tragic figure, drawing attention to the moral responsibilities of creation and the consequences of playing god. The creature's journey from life to death and back again serves as a moral cautionary tale, reminding readers of the gravity of unleashing powers beyond human control.

As a Constructed Being

Nature vs. Nurture: Portraying the creature as a constructed being allows for the exploration of the nature vs. nurture debate. The creature's behavior and characteristics can be seen as a product of its environment and the treatment it receives from Victor Frankenstein and society. This perspective offers insight into how external factors shape an individual's identity and behavior.

Identity and Existence: This interpretation invites questions about identity and what it means to be human. Despite being artificially created, the creature exhibits emotions, desires, and a quest for understanding. The combination of a constructed physical form and an emerging sense of self creates a complex and relatable character.

Scientific Ethics: The constructed being angle emphasizes the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the ethical dilemmas surrounding creation and responsibility. The creature's origins, derived from reassembling and reanimating body parts, highlight the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration. This perspective provides a framework for discussing contemporary ethical issues in science and technology.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between these portrayals depends on the themes the creator wishes to emphasize. Both interpretations provide a profound commentary on humanity, its ethics, and the consequences of creation. Frankenstein's creature, whether seen as the resurrected deceased or a constructed being, remains a complex and multifaceted figure in literature and culture, offering endless possibilities for analysis and interpretation.

While the original text by Mary Shelley presents a detailed account of the creature's resurrection, personal reflections on the matter suggest a different perspective. In every iteration of Frankenstein, the creature is portrayed as a brand new life, newly learning and experiencing. A return to the flesh and waking up from a dream-like state would not align with the creature's behavior or the narrative. The creature was built out of corpses and reanimated, but it had no memories of the donors or any indication of such, thus suggesting a constructed being rather than a resurrected individual.

From this perspective, the creature's actions and the emphasis on newness in various adaptations align with its constructed nature. The creature's reactions would involve exploring and understanding its new form, rather than revisiting a past life. While others may disagree and consider him to be more a resurrection of life, given that the body parts did exist alive prior to the donors' death, at least in the traditional sense of resurrection, the constructed being view remains a compelling and more fitting interpretation.

Whether one chooses to view the creature as the resurrected deceased or a constructed being, the narrative of Frankenstein continues to resonate with readers. The enduring themes of life and death, humanity and isolation, and the ethical implications of creation ensure that this classic work remains relevant and thought-provoking in our contemporary world.