The Modern Metaphor for Monstrosity

Mary Shelley epitomizes the gothic ideal in her novel Frankenstein. The story of Frankenstein and his monster focuses on grotesque and often disturbing ideas that both shock and intrigue its readers. Underneath all of the ugliness are many themes that pertain to her society as well as our society today. In particular, Mary Shelley portrays the theme of monstrosity physically, emotionally, and figuratively in Frankenstein.
The monster's appearance reveals one facet of the novel that expresses monstrosity in a strictly physical aspect. "His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected hi…