that does not give them the chance to connect socially because of their appearance. This leaves them otherwise shunned by the public and revealing their treasure only to those of us who look beyond appearances for what lies beneath.The other element that reflects a cultural attitude about appearance and how someone is perceived is how that the lack of acceptance and prejudice can deteriorate ones perception of themselves. The monster illuminates these feelings when first catching a glimpse of himself reflected in a pool of water:“I had admired the perfect forms of my cottagers – their grace, beauty, and delicate complexions: but how was I terrified, when I viewed myself in a transparent pool! At first I started back, unable to believe that it was indeed I who was reflected in the mirror; and when I became fully convinced that I was in reality the monster that I am, I was filled with the bitterest sensations of despondence and mortification. Alas! I did not yet entirely know the fatal effects of this miserable deformity.” (Shelley 76)Unfortunately, the monster’s “miserable deformity” and its effects play out tragically in Frankenstein. Just because he does not look like the others, the monster feels that he is not worthy of acceptance and consideration. He is quick to notice the dynamics of the culture around him, learning the language, traditions, ideologies. In his sensitivity to the culture, he also develops the feeling that he is bad because he does not look, or act as they do.It is unfortunate that nearly 183 years after this story was written that it is still the predominant cultural attitude that people who look and act differently are bad. They are not considered normal physically or intellectually. Throughout history, certain behaviors and physical attributes are desirable and we do not always agree or understand them in the context of our own culture and time in history. However, if your app...
