Society: Unaware Of Recoil
...of William, Justine, Henry and Elizabeth; Caliban – rapist of Miranda and caught in the act of plotting to murder Prospero; Grendel –slaughterer of Hrothgar, Herot, and the Geats. All committing or attempting to commit acts of murder, these characters from the novels Macbeth, Frankenstein, The Tempest, and Beowulf have one thing in common: They're all monstrous. Or are they? What is the nature of their evil? Monsters are not born, but are created through various encounters with society. They are the epitome of how a disparaging society can turn innocent into evil.
Tracing back to the origins of each of these characters, it is clearly shown that they all live healthy innocent lifestyle. Taking a look at Macbeth, he was the general of Duncan's army and fought honorably against the Norwegian invaders. Later, the king thanks and acknowledges him by making him Thane of Cawdor. In Frankenstein, the creature created by Victor Frankenstein desires friendship. Although he is all alone, he goes around trying to make friends. Devoted to learning he manages to read, learn, and talk on his own just by watching the De Lacey family. He tries to lend a helping hand as he collects wood and does chores for the family. Realizing that taking food from the family is hurting them, the creature stops. Later on, the creature even saves a girl from drowning in a river. This creation of Victor Frankenstein is not looking to hurt anyone. All he is seeking is a companion. In The Tempest, Caliban is just an islander. He shows his inviting open personality various times throughout the book. Being a long time resident of the island, when Prospero and Miranda first arrive, he welcomes the company and gives them a tour showing them all the in and outs of the Island. In Beowulf, Grendel may have been a descendant of the evil Cain, but that does not immediately make him evil. Grendel is no...
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