Frankenstein through Marxist Analysis
A Marxist Critic may perceive the privileged Elite Victor Frankenstein as the Capitalist Bourgeoisie who exploit the labor of the Proletarians, and his Monster as the working class, the Proletarians, who exist because of the Capitalist Bourgeoisie. Victor Frankenstein represents the Capitalist Bourgeoisie because of his privileged youth. Much like how the Bourgeoisie brought forth the Industrial Revolution through innovations and technology, so has Frankenstein in a sense that he made the Monster through science which makes a connection between Frankenstein and the Bourgeoisie. The Monster symbolizes the Proletarians because he is assembled of different parts which makes a connection to the assembly line. Instead of being in one piece, the Monster is artificially created. The Monster’s eventual revolt against his creator, Victor Frankenstein, also represents the eventual revolt of the Proletarians against the Bourgeoisie as predicted by Karl Marx himself. In addition, Frankenstein’s surprise at the sight of the Monster being awakened suggests the Alienation of the worker and his product. The everlasting conflict on the quality of life between Frankenstein and his Monster also shows a parallel to that between the Bourgeoisie and the Proletarians. Lastly, the calming effect rural scenes have on Victor Frankenstein implies that only nature can heal a soul damaged by the negative effects of technology and urbanity.