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From Innocence to Monstrous

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People encounter various obstacles throughout life that may alter their behavior. In Mary Shelly’s "Frankenstein" and William Shakespeare’s "Othello," the Monster and Othello experience significant transformations; from innocent to monstrous. Both grow negatively with the assistance of their antagonists, who are The Monster’s creator Victor Frankenstein, and Othello’s standard bearer Iago. Both The Monster and Othello undergo the transformation of being genuinely good-hearted characters looking out for what is best for themselves and other individuals, into unrestrained monsters through instability, both mentally and physically by being denied by others, and betrayal by important figures in their lives. This leads to morally wrong behavior, focusing on developing into selfish beings, as well as seeking revenge on people they could possibly have a bright future with. Finally, the nature of jealousy, portrayed through the thirst for love, alongside homicidal thoughts and actions when jealousy has gotten to a dangerous extent. Identities can change depending on how characters ultimately react to the obstacles that are thrust upon them. Many driving forces including environmental factors and close relationships can lead to being mistreated, eventually constructing appalling decisions. Rejection is one of the consequences of mental instability causing The Monster to turn into an evil character. The Monster is viewed as ugly and is not renowned for his kind heart. The only way The Monster is accepted by civilized people is by Agatha and Felix’s father, who is unable to see his ugliness. Although The Monster is a stranger entering his house, the father learns to accept it. When Felix and Agatha finally see The Monster, they are shocked by the ugliness that lies in their home. Immediately, Felix attacks The Monster, forcing him to leave their home due to his disgusting look. The Monster says, “For the first time the feelings of revenge and hatred filled my bosom, and I did not strive to control them I bent my mind towards injury and death” (Shelley, 140). The Monster, being denied of a caring home, releases an enormous amount of anger. Besides the fact that he is not visually appealing in any way, he has a kind heart. However, once The Monster feels he is being rejected, it compels him to be mentally unstable, forcing him to change into the monstrous figure he becomes. In comparison, Othello is equally mentally unstable due to the feeling of being rejected, turning his righteous and civil character into a monster. Othello feels rejected when he is told that his wife Desdemona is cheating on him with his lieutenant Michael Cassio. Iago manipulates Othello by telling him he sees his lieutenant Cassio wipe his beard with the handkerchief Othello gave to Desdemona as his first gift. Othello says, “Look here, Iago, All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven; ‘Tis gone” (Shakespeare 3. 3. 445-447). This suddenly turns Othello into a monster for wanting to seek revenge on Cassio for stealing Desdemona’s love and feeling rejected by Desdemona. The handkerchief represents chastity, the fact that Othello believes Desdemona gives it to Cassio, signifies that she gives her body away. Betrayal is a significant way The Monster develops into a monstrous character. From the start of the novel, The Monster has been raising himself in a forest by himself, in isolation from absolutely everything and everyone. Years after his creator Victor betrays him, The Monster still recognizes that he is lonely, and does not have anyone care for. This abandonment ultimately causes him to kill Victor’s family members, acting significantly different from his nature. The Monster says, “Like Adam, I was apparently united by no link to any other being in existence I was wretched, helpless, and alone” (Shelly 132). Loneliness puts The Monster in a mentally unstable position. He believes that he is a monster for the reason being he was created by one. In comparison, Othello’s betrayal is demonstrated throughout the play, but especially through Iago when he confesses to the audience his plan to manipulate and destroy Othello’s love life with Desdemona. Although Othello trusts Iago with anything, Iago hates the “Moor” and is willing to do anything to destroy him. Iago feels that the best way to do so is by manipulating Othello telling him that his wife is cheating on him with Cassio, who Iago coincidently hates as well. Iago reveals, “That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, and will as tenderly be led by the nose as

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