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The Monster and the Crowd: A Tale of Fear, Prejudice, and Acceptance

John Dos Passos

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Published in Tim Burton: The Monster And The Crowd: A Post Jungian Perspective

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Shelley’s iconic tale of a brilliant but misguided scientist who creates a monstrous creature, Victor Frankenstein, explores the themes of scientific hubris, societal prejudice, and the nature of good and evil. Dickinson’s enigmatic poem, on the other hand, delves into the psychology of the crowd, examining how fear and ignorance can lead to mob violence.

Through a comparative analysis of these two works, one can gain a profound understanding of the ways in which fear, prejudice, and acceptance shape the human experience.

Fear and the Creation of the MonsterAt the heart of both “Frankenstein” and “The Mob” lies a primal fear of the unknown. In “Frankenstein,” Victor Frankenstein’s misguided attempts to create life lead to the birth of a creature that is both physically and emotionally grotesque. This creature, shunned and feared by society, becomes an outcast destined for a life of isolation and despair.

Tim Burton: The Monster and the Crowd: A Post-Jungian Perspective

by James Ball

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Similarly, in “The Mob,” the speaker expresses a sense of fear and unease towards a growing crowd. The speaker describes the crowd as a “phantom” that “grows” and “swims” through the streets, its movements and intentions shrouded in mystery. This sense of fear stems from the mob’s unpredictable nature and its potential for violence.

Prejudice and the Marginalization of the OtherFear often breeds prejudice, and both “Frankenstein” and “The Mob” explore the devastating effects of prejudice on individuals who are different. In “Frankenstein,” the creature is subjected to relentless discrimination and violence due to his hideous appearance. Despite his attempts to find acceptance and companionship, he is met with nothing but rejection and hatred. This prejudice ultimately drives him to seek revenge against his creator and the society that has wronged him.

In “The Mob,” the speaker witnesses the destructive power of prejudice firsthand as the crowd turns against an individual who is perceived as different. The speaker describes how the crowd’s “eyes” are “full of hate” and their “tongues” are “sharp” with malicious intent. This prejudice leads to a violent attack on the individual, demonstrating the devastating consequences of intolerance and groupthink.

Acceptance and the Power of UnderstandingIn contrast to the fear and prejudice that dominate much of “Frankenstein” and “The Mob,” both works also offer glimpses of hope and acceptance. In “Frankenstein,” Safie, a young woman who befriends the creature, recognizes his inherent goodness and compassion. Despite her initial fear, she chooses to look beyond his physical appearance and see the beauty within him. Her acceptance offers a glimmer of hope that prejudice can be overcome through understanding and empathy.

Similarly, in “The Mob,” the speaker eventually comes to a realization that the crowd’s violence is ultimately self-destructive. The speaker recognizes that the mob is driven by a collective fear and ignorance that can only be overcome through enlightenment and dialogue. This realization suggests that even in the face of adversity, there is always the potential for acceptance and understanding.

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Emily Dickinson’s “The Mob” offer a profound exploration of the complex and often terrifying relationship between the individual and the masses. Through their examination of fear, prejudice, and acceptance, these works provide valuable insights into the human condition. By recognizing the destructive power of prejudice and the transformative potential of acceptance, we can strive to create a more just and equitable world.

References

Shelley, M. (1818). Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. London: Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones.
Dickinson, E. (1896). The Poems of Emily Dickinson. Boston: Little, Brown, and Company.
Paknadel, S. (2018). The Monster and the Crowd: Fear, Prejudice, and Acceptance in Shelley’s Frankenstein

Tim Burton: The Monster and the Crowd: A Post-Jungian Perspective

by James Ball

5 out of 5