Monster is a play based on the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, written by playwright Neal Bell, directed by Jim Petosa, and performed at the Potomac Theatre Project. The protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, is a scientist who makes the mistake of likening himself to god, which leads him to pursue the goal of “bringing the dead back to life.” He assembles a body made from the stolen parts of many cadavers and, with a lightning strike, creates a “monster”. Frankenstein’s monster is referred to as “Creature” for the rest of the play.

The most important thing to pay attention to in Monster is the symbolism. Symbolism is abundant throughout the play, with the intention of imparting wisdom on the audience. Without taking notice of what the play is supposed to convey through theses subtle details, it’s easy to confuse with another simple tragedy. Though I’d like to point out every detail in great analysis, there’s one idea in particular that was made most apparent in my mind: loneliness.

In Monster, loneliness is symbolized by flames. Loneliness also works as the monster’s main motive for killing everyone close to his creator until Victor feels as alone as he does. When Victor first creates his “masterpiece”, he is horrified by it and tries to abandon it in the woods. The creature reaches for his lantern, which is lit by a soft, glowing fire, but Victor takes it away. Victor also refuses to revive another person to satisfy his creature’s need for companionship. At the end of the play, the creature offers to die alongside his creator so they won’t be alone in death.

The message the writer tries to convey is the pain of loneliness—how cold, numb, and bitter it makes us feel. The creature is driven to a vindictive rampage for what Victor forces him through. That’s not the only message either.  We are all plainly human, no matter how talented or passionate. Though Victor creates something that is alive, his creature isn’t considered “human”—it is a freakish thing, something unnatural, ostracized.

My recommendation would have to go to those who enjoy tragic and symbolic plays. The monster ends up killing his own creator—pretty tragic.  And with all of the play’s symbolism, interpretive nitpickers like me would be likely to enjoy it.