Examples Of Alienation In Frankenstein

The concept of alienation is one that most people tend to view with great trepidation, and wish to avoid at all costs. Most people abhor the thought of being excluded from social groups and activities by their peers because they do not accept them as they are. People tend to behave in such a manner that keeps them within their own peer groups’ social norms, or even adapt their behaviors to fit multiple groups to avoid being excluded. Society has taught us that it is necessary to behave a certain way for the common good. People tend to shun those who do not think, behave or dress in the manner that represents their peer group. People may also be shunned if their outward appearance is altered in any way; this can be purposeful as with tattoos, …show more content…
First, Victor Frankenstein, who alienated himself through his obsession turned to madness, allowing his need to create his own beings to love and revere him because he made them and brought them to life, just as God did for the world and for humans during creation. Once he brought his vision to life, he was pulled further into alienation because if he was around people, they would see what an obvious state of misery he is in and want answers. He avoids close human contact to avoid being …show more content…
People cannot know that he is a sensitive, gentle and intelligent being on the inside because they are afraid of him. He is entirely alone. In contrast, Albert Camus’s novel, the Stranger depicts alienation on a different plane. His character Mersault is a simple, self–involved man who does not view life in the same manner as most people do. He is unable to form normal relationships with people because he cannot form a connection to them, thus preventing him from being able to form emotional attachments to other people. He does not feel obligated to try to blend in. When his mother passed away, we are introduced to his peculiar and detached nature. To reach the home he had placed her in several years prior to her passing, he had to travel by bus for two hours. In his conversation with the director upon reaching the home, he attempts to comfort Mersault by stating that he knew why he had moved her there, and that she had understood it also: he was a young, single man, who had a low-paying job and was unable to provide a caretaker for her or to be one for her since he worked. In reality Mersault was thinking that she had been a burden and an inconvenience to him. “That’s partly why I didn’t go up there much this past year. And also because it took up my Sunday- not to mention the trouble of