What examples of xenophobia are prevalent in modern-day society, and how can humans overcome these issues by leveraging humanity’s strengths? In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the monster named Frankenstein is frequently misunderstood due to his differing appearance. This sense of isolation continues throughout the plot, as characters are afraid to interact with him and assimilate him into society. Additionally, the entire novel is narrated through a framework perspective, which strongly employs aspects of storytelling. Throughout the plot, Shelley highlights the lack of understanding between characters to critique society's tendency to be close-minded, however, she alludes to a brief glimmer of hope surrounding humanity’s future through the interaction between Walton and Victor, where their friendship and trust is accentuated. 

Even though the monster does not view himself as superior to other beings, his interactions with the DeLacey family and experiences with Victor exhibit that humans regard themselves as superior to the monster, which fuels their inability to understand the monster’s motives. When the monster is first discovering the ways of everyday life, he undergoes intense periods of trial and error to fully understand his capabilities and necessities. In fact, he even tries to imitate birds. Frankenstein narrates, “Sometimes, I tried to imitate the pleasant songs of the birds, but was unable” (Shelley 71). Through attempting to mimic the bird's actions, it is evident that the monster does not view himself as more powerful than other creatures. On the other hand, when first forging his creation, Victor asserts that he will never be able to “give life to an animal as complex and wonderful as man” (Shelley 33). By pointing out humanity’s superiority, Victor confirms that he regards himself in higher esteem than the monster, which spurs his unequal treatment of the monster. Another example of the utter lack of understanding between the creature and humans is when the monster attempts to introduce himself to the old, blind man of the DeLacy family. Although they engage in meaningful conversation for a few minutes, they are violently interrupted by the arrival of Safie, Felix, and Agatha, who beat the monster and chase him out of the hut. The monster affirms, “Who can describe their horror and consternation on beholding me?” (Shelley 94). Shelley leverages rich diction to underscore the stark disgust the cottagers felt towards the monster. Victor and the DeLacey Family’s incapability to hear the monster out contributes to the monster’s heightened sense of self-loathing, which consequently prompts his request for a companion and countless murders — ultimately leading to the downfall of the characters. 

Through the storytelling framework of the novel and Victor’s close bond with Walton, Shelley hints at the possibility of humanity to have some inherently good aspects, and potentially repair the damaged parts in the future. The entire novel is told in a “framework narrative,” which basically means it is a story within a story. In particular, Victor is reciting his past to Walton, an explorer on a ship who saw Victor struggling in the arctic. By taking the time to recount every detail of his intense backstory to Walton, Shelley emphasizes the amount of trust, love, and friendship between Victor and Walton. Victor even verbalizes his motivations for sharing his story, as he declares, “I myself have been blasted by these hopes, yet another may succeed” (Shelley 157). Even though Victor did not succeed in his quest for unveiling the secrets of society and forging a respectable species, he shares the lessons he learned with Walton, in hopes that Walton will be successful in his expedition. Their deep friendship is also confirmed by Walton’s response to Victor’s sickness, as he solemnly states, “My mind is overshadowed by a cloud of disappointment” (Shelley 157). Through this personification and figurative language, Shelley stresses the connection that stems from storytelling, and furthers the idea that Walton is saddened by his friend's passing. Lastly, before passing away, Victor conveys, “When actuated by selfish and vicious motives, I asked you to undertake my unfinished work; and I renew this request now, when I am only induced by reason and virtue” (Shelley 157). Before Victor implores Walton to continue his work, he makes sure to undergo a period of reflection to ensure it is in their best interests — all of which demonstrates Shelley’s hope for the future of humanity.

Even though humanity frequently demonstrates xenophobia, humans have the ability to forge strong connections with people similar to them, thus coming together successfully for a common purpose. By including moments of hatred towards people that are different, Shelley criticizes humanity for not being more open-minded. However, towards the end of the novel, she praises humanity’s potential to come together to solve an urgent issue, and alludes to the possibility that the next issue humanity tackles could be xenophobia. 

Works Cited: Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, and J. Paul Hunter. Frankenstein: The 1818 Text, Contexts, Criticism. 2nd ed. New York: W.W. Norton & Co, 2012. Print.