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Beauty In Frankenstein Research Paper

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What is beauty? The dictionary definition of beauty is a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, which pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight. The definition of beauty varies from person to person, however Mary Shelley sees beauty as a quality of virtue that visually unappealing objects or beings can possess. Mary Shelley argues that people are unable to identify such beauty in the novel Frankenstein. She holds beauty as a more intricate entity than simply an aesthetic quality as many simplify it to be. Others view that the ability to identify beauty is an innate ability that all humans possess. While many say beauty is skin deep and is easily identifiable, the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley displays the beauty of nature and inner beauty of Frankenstein’s creation, …show more content…

The previous quote depicts how on the inside the creation is beautiful, but no one is able to see past his appalling appearance. Many argue that beauty is quite easily identifiable, and that this ability is innate in human nature. Identifying beauty is as simple as seeing an object or being, and perceiving beauty immediately. Elizabeth’s beauty is quite easily identifiable and can be seen by the following quote, “A creature who seemed to shed radiance from her looks, and whose form and motions were lighter than the chamois of the hills”(Shelley 21). This argument a nonly be applied to physical beauty in the context of Frankenstein. Shelley explains the physical appearance of each character, often referring to their countenance, and judging the level of beauty that they possess. Although Shelley depicts physical appearances throughout the book, she puts more of an emphasis on the traits of personality and morals of a being to show true beauty. The Use of Elizabeth as a foil character for the creation further displays how the creation’s beauty is failed to be recognized, while Elizabeth’s outward beauty is easily

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