Humans are social beings, and we require interaction to learn, grow, and be happy. What happens when we are isolated from others? The novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, depicts the detrimental effects that solitude can have on people. The two main characters, Victor Frankenstein – the scientist – and his creature, both experience the effects of solitude; Frankenstein struggles to uphold the relationships he has because he is consumed by his experiment, and the creature is an outsider who is alone and longs for companionship. Their lack of social integration drives them both to become monsters, eventually leading to their demises. Throughout the novel, Shelley uses the characters’ storylines to touch on the importance of social interaction in education, relationships, and science. Shelley’s critique on solidarity is important to consider today, for we live in a world where we are experiencing a growing attachment to technology and scientific discovery, which is shifting our society towards being less social. Continue reading