Increase of knowledge only discovered to me more clearly what a wretched outcast I was. - The Monster, Frankenstein

Increase of knowledge only discovered to me more clearly what a wretched outcast I was. - The Monster, Frankenstein

In Mary Shelley's classic novel "Frankenstein," the Monster reflects on his own existence and the profound loneliness and isolation he feels as a result of his creator's abandonment. The Monster's statement, "Increase of knowledge only discovered to me more clearly what a wretched outcast I was," encapsulates the profound sense of alienation and despair that he experiences throughout the novel.

The Monster's journey begins with his creation by Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist who seeks to unlock the secrets of life and death. However, upon bringing the Monster to life, Victor is horrified by his creation and abandons him, leaving the Monster to fend for himself in a hostile world that rejects him at every turn. As the Monster gains knowledge and understanding of the world around him, he becomes increasingly aware of his own otherness and the impossibility of ever truly belonging.

The Monster's statement speaks to the idea that knowledge and understanding can sometimes bring more pain than enlightenment. As the Monster learns more about the world and his place in it, he becomes acutely aware of the ways in which he is different from those around him. His physical appearance sets him apart, but it is his profound loneliness and lack of connection to others that truly mark him as an outcast.