The words induced me to turn towards myself. I learned that the possessions most esteemed by your fellow-creatures were, high and unsullied descent united with riches. A man might be respected with only one of these advantages; but, without either, he was considered, except in very rare instances, as a vagabond and a slave, doomed to waste his powers for the profits of the chosen few!

-Frankenstein (1831)

  • BeamBrain [he/him]
    ·
    1 year ago

    I would say the main thing that defines modern incels is hatred of women and "sex havers" and while I'm not done with the book yet, I haven't seen the monster express either of those things.

    • axont [she/her, comrade/them]
      ·
      1 year ago

      I'd define them more by how self-absorbed they are and how they're unable to relate to other people solely on the metric of having a sexual partner. They can't see past themselves, and that also entails their hatred of women.

      To me the best part explaining how I mean is when the monster is talking to the blind peasant guy De Lacey in Chapter 15

      spoilers for a book from 1818

      I sat down, and a silence ensued. I knew that every minute was precious to me, yet I remained irresolute in what manner to commence the interview, when the old man addressed me. `By your language, stranger, I suppose you are my countryman; are you French?'

      "`No; but I was educated by a French family and understand that language only. I am now going to claim the protection of some friends, whom I sincerely love, and of whose favour I have some hopes.'

      "`Are they Germans?'

      "`No, they are French. But let us change the subject. I am an unfortunate and deserted creature, I look around and I have no relation or friend upon earth. These amiable people to whom I go have never seen me and know little of me. I am full of fears, for if I fail there, I am an outcast in the world forever.'

      "`Do not despair. To be friendless is indeed to be unfortunate, but the hearts of men, when unprejudiced by any obvious self-interest, are full of brotherly love and charity. Rely, therefore, on your hopes; and if these friends are good and amiable, do not despair.'

      "`They are kind--they are the most excellent creatures in the world; but, unfortunately, they are prejudiced against me. I have good dispositions; my life has been hitherto harmless and in some degree beneficial; but a fatal prejudice clouds their eyes, and where they ought to see a feeling and kind friend, they behold only a detestable monster.'

      The monster outright refuses any sort of companionship or friendship unless it's specifically a wife that's also built by Frankenstein. I mean to be fair though, after old De Lacey tells him people are kind, his children enter the cottage and beat the shit out of the monster because he looks weird.