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| (ps the book is better than the movie.) |
While reading Frankenstein, I tried to make connections with other "monster stories". This is one of them.
I see a pretty strong connection between Frankenstein and The Phantom of The Opera, both the novel by Gaston Leroux and also the movie.
The obvious similarity is that both of these characters are frighteningly disfigured. Erik (The Phantom) is even referred to several times as "the monster" just as Frankenstein's creature is.
Furthermore, the reaction to the sight of these two characters is pretty much the same. In The Phantom of The Opera, when Erik's mask that covers his face is removed, Christine claims that his face was a horror to look upon.
Both of these characters are shunned by society in general. A lot of is said about Erik, concerning his evilness and his ugliness until everyone is terrified of him.
Another obvious connection is that both characters are murderers. A more interesting version of this connection is their motive for killing. Both the phantom and the creature resent themselves and humanity. They are both repulsed by the themselves and tempted, to some degree, by human beings. The rejection they face makes them hate people in general for the way they've been treated.
Good comparison. You should elaborate more on why Erik resents humanity. As we are well aware that Frankenstein learns to love and appreciate humans while watching the peasants De Lacey family, and only wants revenge when they reject him because of his horrifying appearance. Frankenstein is neglected by his creator, but what about Erik?
ReplyDeleteAlso remember to proof read:
"They are both repulsed by the themselves and tempted".
Yet another story I haven't read. I'm beginning to feel seriously ignorant!
ReplyDeleteI am generally familiar with the story, though. You mention several points of connection. It looks like both the creature and Erik have difficulty being accepted in the world because of the way they look. I would have liked to have learned more about Erik's experience of rejection. Is that what lies behind his decision to murder someone? (Who gets murdered? Why?) I also would have liked to have learned more about what you identify as the most interesting point of connection between these two texts (each murderer's motive for killing). How do the similar elements in each story relate to each story's theme or meaning? Do they end up saying more or less the same thing?
Very good comparison, I've personally never seen or read The Phantom of the Opera, but reading this certainly makes me want to read it. It is rather astonishing how similar these two characters are the way you described them.
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