The Scorned, Seeks

Page: 95
(Mid Paragraph)

Hannah Sowers
AP English
02/23/15

Throughout Mary Shelleys novel Frankenstein, underlying themes of

compassion and forgiveness, duties of creators to their creation and responsibility for
ones actions are depicted in several ways. Mary Shelley uses characterization and strong
vocabulary definitions to express the thematic themes portrayed in chapter ten page
ninety-five, through the Demons cries for mercy.
The passage portrays the Demons character almost as a child begging for
attention. He pleads with Victor Listen to my tale; when you have heard that, abandon or
commiserate me, as you shall judge that I deserve. But hear me. The guilty are allowed,
by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defense before they are
condemned. Listen to me, Frankenstein. (Pg 95) The Demon is pleading with Victor to
pay him the duty of just simply listening to his story. He so badly wants affection that he
places himself in a vulnerable situation, so that Victor would only for a moment forget his
strife with him and listen.
The Demon is characterized not only by his want for affection, but his lack of
affection. The Demon explains, If the multitude of mankind knew of my existence, they
would do as you do, and arm themselves for my destruction. Shall I not then hate them
who abhor me? I will keep no terms with my enemies. (pg 95) He speaks out of his hurt
and loneliness. He was created like humans, to need affection; but upon only receiving
scorn, his heart was hardened. I am miserable, and they shall share my wretchedness.
(pg95) The demon is expressing the reaction humans often have; when someone hurts us,
we desire to hurt them back.
However, the passage in chapter ten, page ninety-five also uses strong vocabulary
to better inform the readers of its meaning. The demon reasons, Let your compassion be

moved, and do not disdain me. (pg 95) The word disdain most strongly means to treat
unworthy or to reject in scorn. In this moment he is pleading with Victor to not scorn him,
even in his wretchedness. He continues, Listen to my tale; when you have heard that,
abandon or commiserate me, as you shall judge that I deserve. The demon is clinging to
the hope that after his tale has been told that his creator, Victor, will finally commiserate,
or show pity on him. The passage also shows the demons wretched side by the usage of
strong describing words: Shall I not then hate them who abhor me? Bloody as they
are, Before they are condemned. These words give a stronger meaning to the hurt and
loneliness the demon is experiencing.
Throughout the passage the minute details given express a being who wants to be
good, and loved, but has been scorned and hated among those who he admires. The last
couple of lines of the passage prove that the demon is still good, and only asks one thing
of his creator, to listen. You accuse me of murder, and yet you would, with a satisfied
conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man! Yet I ask
you not to spare me; listen to me and then, if you can, and if you will, destroy the work of
your hands. (pg 95) The demon, though he is better equipped to fight, and could easily
kill Victor, he submits as the creation to the creator. Readers find that later on Victor does
fulfill his duty as creator to listen to the woeful cries of the work of his hands. (pg 95)
The passage also depicts the underlying thematic theme of compassion and
forgiveness. The passage gives hints at the demons innate good nature by his simple cries
of attention and his submission to the will of his creator. He pleads with Victor that he
might give him a chance to speak and perhaps gain his compassion or forgiveness. The
passage also gives readers the sense that actions have consequences. Since Victor is

indeed the creator, he has responsibility over the actions he does and the actions his
creation does. When he created the demon, Victor neglected the care, love and protection
he owed to his creation. Because of his lack of action, the demon suffers extreme
loneliness; ultimately causing the demon to act upon his hurt.
The small passage in chapter ten page ninety-five expresses the feelings of a
being that was made to be loved, but indeed has been scorned by every other form of life.
The demon, though he may appear to be wretched, yearns for affection like any other
human being. With that, he is willing to situate himself in a vulnerable place in order to
receive that affection that he so desperately needs. The Demon is characterized as the
scorned, seeking any means of affection.