monster essay examples

Monster - Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

The concept of monsters has been a part of human culture and literature for centuries. Essays could explore the symbolic meaning of monsters, their representation in media and literature, or societal fears embodied by monsters. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Monster you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Who is the Real Monster in Frankenstein

Monsters in literature are normally characterized as a creature that possesses some type of inhuman qualities or deformities, is perceived as evil, and has no compassion for mankind. The term monster can also refer to a person who has done a terrible thing in life that poorly affects others around them. In literature, outcasts are people who are not wanted and are rejected by society. In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, many readers label the creature as a monster […]

Grendel is not Necessarily a Monster

The epic poem Beowulf portrays a story about a hero, Beowulf, fighting several monsters, including Grendel and his mother, and a dragon that eventually kills him. Grendel, a novel by John Gardner, describes situations that led Grendel to become who he is in Beowulf and helps readers understand the motives behind his behaviors. Some might argue that the monster is Grendel; however, after reading both texts, I argue that Grendel is not necessarily a monster. Instead, humans are the real […]

Frankenstein Dangerous Knowledge

Isolation is a dangerous act. Whether it is forced by the ones around us or a choice made by us to be alone isolation separates the victim from society damaging them emotionally. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the monster, Frankenstein's monster, comes to know the true act of isolation. The monster was not only cast out by the townspeople but by his creator. Their prejudiced views of the monster as only that, a monster, turned him into what they truly sought […]

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Monsters in Society: the Trial and Tribulations of Steve Harmon in ‘Monster’

Monster by Walter Dean Myers tells the story of Steve Harmon, a sixteen-year-old boy that is on trial for his part in a drugstore robbery it's a realistic fiction that is written like a film script and diary. Monster tells the readers the mystery and horrible death of Mr. Nesbitt, the drugstore owner. While people read the novel they pick up the fact that Steve isn't responsible for the death of Mr. Nesbitt. It shows being even a little apart […]

The Monster King Kong Film Review

The Monster I am writing about is King Kong. A good movie can either be captivating or thrilling depending on the plot of the movie. like the thrill of a rollercoaster, so is that thrill that comes from watching the King Kong movie. It's both captivating as well as intriguing. Additionally, sense that it provides rich thematic presence and sceneries. In this paper, the reader will take a glance at the King Kong movie from a critical perspective to deduce […]

Frankenstein Critical Analysis

In Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, isolation is a motif, or recurring idea with symbolic importance, revealed throughout the story between two characters, Victor Frankenstein, and his scientifically animated monster, the Creature. They both engage in acts and narratives of projecting the consequential dogma of isolation, that inevitably isolation results negatively and perpetuates misanthropy. Victor on one hand is an obsessive personality, lost in his studies he removes himself from very much human contact and engaging society. It results in his […]

Similarities between Frankenstein and the Monster

On the surface, many stories offer a simple narrative, a straightforward tale of heroes and villains. Yet, when we dare to dive deeper, we often discover layers of complexity and nuance. Just like an iceberg, most of the story's depth remains hidden beneath, waiting for the curious and the discerning to explore. In "Frankenstein," it's easy to label the monster as the antagonist and Dr. Victor Frankenstein as the tormented genius. But is it that simple? Are they just characters […]

One of the most “Useful” Monsters is Zombies

Is the idea that monsters are useful insane to even consider? Stephen T. Asma once stated, "The monster concept is still extremely useful, and it's a permanent player in the moral imagination because human vulnerability is permanent" (65). Most people would agree with this statement, although many of us are not fans of monsters. The term monsters do not only pertain to the big furry creatures that star in our nightmares. 'Monster' is a very broad term that can be […]

Zombies and our Culture

In trying to understand the influence zombies have on the society, it is relevant to know the origin of zombies. The first mention of zombie was in Haiti to represent the returned body. Then films began creating this monsters, and one thing led to another. The word monster can be defined as fear taking a physical form. The society makes a physical form of something that is perceived to cause concern. Zombies, Vampires and even Godzilla's are all created due […]

This is the Monster Celebrated on Columbus Day

Christopher Columbus, the famous sailor who discovered America, and the hero that led us to where we are today. At least, that’s what schools want us to believe. Every year on Columbus Day, children learn about how great Columbus was. They learned songs, poems, and held discussions about how great of a man he was. That’s nothing but untruthful deception. As the children grow up, they will be bitter and upset when they realise that Columbus was nothing more than […]

The Macbeth Book Review

Can corruption of the innocent can lead to the unwanted destruction caused by the individual that was once innocent? It is evident in books such as Macbeth, Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights, Brave New World, and Lord of the Flies. Each one has examples some better than others but all of them once had an innocence that got ripped from their bare hands all while they still thought they had it making confusion for those around them. So in all reality are […]

The Mysterious Legend of La Chupacabra: Myth or Reality?

Legends have always captivated human imagination, weaving tales that blur the lines between truth and fiction. One such enigmatic figure that has intrigued people around the world is the mythical creature known as La Chupacabra. This legendary being, whose name translates to "goat-sucker" in Spanish, has stirred curiosity and fear, sparking numerous investigations and debates about its existence. Described as a creature with reptilian features, sharp fangs, and glowing red eyes, La Chupacabra is said to roam the night, preying […]

The Many Faces of Monster: a Look Beyond the Myths

Monsters, from the shadowy depths of ancient myths to the pages of modern literature, have always captivated human imagination. But what defines a monster? Is it their grotesque appearance, their supernatural powers, or something more intangible? The concept of a monster transcends physical attributes, embedding itself deeply within the psychological and cultural fabric of societies. This exploration seeks to unravel the essence of monsters, revealing not just creatures of fear but symbols of deeper truths. At its core, the definition […]

Monsters: a Dynamic Exploration of Fear Across Culture and Time

In the intricate tapestry of human thought, the concept of a "monster" weaves a rich and diverse narrative, surpassing its conventional definition as a mere grotesque or supernatural entity. This elusive term unfurls through the corridors of literature, mythology, and popular culture, taking on a multifaceted identity that extends beyond the boundaries of the eerie and the unnatural. A monster, at its essence, often embodies a departure from the norm, unsettling established norms and instigating a visceral response of fear […]

Joyce Dahmer: Unraveling the Mother Behind the Monster

In the complex tapestry of criminal psychology, the family background of a notorious figure often becomes a topic of intense scrutiny. Joyce Dahmer, the mother of one of America's most infamous serial killers, Jeffrey Dahmer, is a figure shrouded in controversy and mystery. This essay aims to explore Joyce's life and her potential impact on the psychological development of her son, delving into the nuances of their familial relationship and the environment that possibly shaped one of the most heinous […]

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by Walter Dean Myers

Monster essay questions.

The novel has a sub-theme of gang violence. How are gangs presented in the novel?

The central gang in the novel is called The Diablos (a Spanish word which translates to "Devils"). The Diablos and other gangs run the Harlem streets, and members of the community consider the gangs to be more of an authoritative presence than law enforcement. This complicated power dynamic explains why the detectives are unable to get unbiased accounts from potential eyewitnesses.

During Osvaldo's testimony, the cross-examiner points to Osvaldo's involvement in the Diablos in order to account for his violent tendencies. In this way, Osvaldo is not seen as "innocent until proven guilty." Rather, his gang involvement suggests that he regularly robs and harms people in his community.

What does Kathy O'Brien's rejection of Steve's gesture of friendship tell us about Steve's expectations?

O'Brien methodically and diligently handles Steve's defense case. Due to her hard work and effort, Steve believes that she truly believes in his innocence. However, O'Brien's behavior demonstrates that she sees her work as Steve's defense attorney strictly as a job. She does not get emotionally involved in the case, and she does not reveal any aspect of her interiority throughout the novel. When Steve learns that he has been acquitted, O'Brien's reaction suggests that she may actually believe that her client is guilty.

Mr. Sawicki believes that Steve's film footage speaks deeply about his character. Is it valid to judge an author's morality based on his or her body of artistic work?

Steve's writing process is his way of coping with the traumatic events in his life. However, Steve also distances himself from his reality by exaggerating the events in the format of a screenplay. The screenplay is a work of art, and thus there is not one objective way for it to be judged. It is clear that Steve's screenplay is an effective mechanism for distraction and creative control. However, it is incredibly difficult to judge someone's character based on their artistic creations. Although art provides an insight into the mind of its creator, its meaning must be seen on its own merits, rather than associating it simply with the views of its creator.

The plot revolves around a story of conspirators and murderers. What is the difference between these two different roles and their respective punishments by law?

A conspirator is someone who is involved in a plan to do something harmful or illegal. A murderer is someone who kills another person. Steve Harmon is on trial for being a conspirator, as he was allegedly the lookout boy in the drugstore robbery. On the other hand, James King is on trial for shooting and killing Arnaldo Nesbitt. They face the same sentence. During her prosecution, Petrocelli argues that all of the four men that are allegedly involved in the murder are equally culpable and should thus receive the same sentence.

Steve's involvement in the murder of Mr. Nesbitt affects more people than just himself. Who are the other people affected by Steve's behavior?

Steve's family suffers as a result of the crime, both as a unit and individually. Steve's younger brother must cope with the absence of his role model. Mrs. Harmon defends her son's innocence, but she is deeply concerned for his emotional and physical well-being. Mr. Harmon's belief and trust in his son wavers, ultimately leading him to abandon his family.

Monster Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Monster is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Wednesday, July 8th

The script allows Steve to speak and express himself when in court... it symbolizes his reality.

Please post your questions separately.

Edgar Allan Poe

This depends on what you want to comment on. Can you be more specific? Is it a specific work that he has done?

what page number is "You do the crime, you do the time. You act like garbage, they treat you like garbage" on

Page numbers differ depending on your book copy but you can find this quote in chapter 6.

Study Guide for Monster

Monster study guide contains a biography of Walter Dean Myers, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Monster
• Monster Summary
• Character List

Essays for Monster

Monster essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Monster by Walter Dean Myers.

• Race and Identity: 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian' and 'Monster'
• A Modernist Monster: Techniques and Social Messaging in Myers' Novel

Wikipedia Entries for Monster

• Introduction

• study guides
• lesson plans
• homework help

Monster Essay Topics & Writing Assignments

Essay Topic 1

Using specific textual examples, describe and contextualize the way Walter Dean Myers uses the word "monster" in this book. Be sure to consider how the author means it literally as well as metaphorically or symbolically, and be sure to discuss to which character(s) this word applies.

Essay Topic 2

Life in prison is a big adjustment for Steve, and has a major impact on the way he feels about himself. Describe the details of prison life that most affect Steve, including specific examples from the text. You should include information and analysis on how prison changes Steve and/or does not change him.

Essay Topic 3

This novel features a family where there are two parents, yet somehow Steve still managed to get into trouble. Analyze the roles Steve's parents play in his life, including before, during, and after prison. What characterizes his relationship with his parents...

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A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 89-200

Pages 201-281

Monster Additional Material

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Steve continually thinks back to the opening statement of the prosecutor in which she referred to him as a “monster.” Sandra essentially refers to Steve as someone who is not human or who has acted in a grossly inhumane manner. Why does this description haunt him?

Kathy, Steve’s attorney, acknowledges to him that his race predisposes many on the jury to assume Steve is guilty. What role does the race play in the trial of the two defendants? Consider whether Sandra’s description of Steve as a monster have any intentional or implicit racial implications and what Kathy does or doesn’t do to fight against racial stereotypes on Steve’s behalf?

Steve himself as the producer, director, and star of his autobiographical motion picture. This portrayal, however, clashes with his frequent protestations that his prosecution is something that simply happened to him and is beyond his control. Is Steve the master of his own story who is responsible for all that is happening to him or a naïve teenager who accidentally falls into a situation beyond his control? Or is he both? Explain your response using examples from the text.

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Essay Samples on Monster

Character and theme development in the monster.

Some people talk about fighting monsters metaphorically, what if the monster was real and dangerous. The movie The Monster, was written in 2015 and filmed in Ottawa, Canada, and then later released in November of 2016. The movie is staged in the woods for most...

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Frankenstein: The Story of Monster Abandonment

Victor Frankenstien had created life, to a man that is a great accomplishment. To a woman that is a biological blessing or a curse. Mary Shelley wrote of a man who brought life to the dead and ran away from his creation. It was a...

• Frankenstein

The Cultural Phenomenon of Horrific Monsters, Vampires

The word 'Monster' is often linked to forbidden practice and view negativity in our society today. Arguably Vampires are one of the most powerful of the undead and as the influence of media vampires often appear charming and attractive. Although, vampires seem monstrous to society,...

The In-Depth Meaning and Definition of Horror Genre

With frightful films about vampires, werewolves, and zombies earning so much attention in this last number of decades and new cinematic bloodbaths releasing regularly, the culture appetite for horror raises a question, why do people enjoy the feeling of being terrified? Watching horror is more...

Al Capone: Monster and Not a Mobster

Al Capone was most known in movies and spectacle for his gruesome crimes, so how did the government forget about it all the murders and harm he orchestrated; charging him with tax evasion instead. Legendary crime boss Alfonse 'Al' Capone, also known as the infamous...

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2. Frankenstein: The Story of Monster Abandonment

3. The Cultural Phenomenon of Horrific Monsters, Vampires

4. The In-Depth Meaning and Definition of Horror Genre

5. Al Capone: Monster and Not a Mobster

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Dehumanization & Monsters in Literature: Types with Examples

What makes a society see some categories of people as less than human? Throughout history, we can see how people divided themselves into groups and used violence to discriminate against each other. When groups of individuals are perceived as monstrous or demonic, it leads to dehumanization.

Numerous literary masterpieces explore the meaning of monstrosity and show the dire consequences of dehumanization . This article by Custom-Writing.org will:

• explore what monsters represent in literature,
• delve into the theme of dehumanization.
• introduce plenty of examples.
• 👾 Monstrosity Meaning
• Monstrosity in Frankenstein

⚡ Dehumanization Definition

• Metamorphosis

🔍 References

👾 monstrosity: meaning.

Let’s start with the question: What do people see as monstrous? Usually, the words “monstrous” or “monstrosity” denote something ugly, evil, or frightening. For example, creatures like basilisks or dragons represent things that don’t fit into the accepted natural categories.

By defining what is deviant, deformed, or monstrous, people can determine what’s “normal.” Exercising monsters reinforces our conception of morality and social boundaries. It would be considered immoral to kill a human. Killing a monster, however, can even be regarded as noble.

Characteristics of a Monster

In literature, monsters are fictional characters primarily found in horror, science fiction, and folklore. They have a specific set of qualities that make them terrifying in the eyes of others. Here are some essential characteristics:

Monster Archetype: What Do Monsters Represent?

According to Carl Jung’s theory, monsters are the reflections of our personality aspects called the shadow . It refers to people’s qualities and desires that are condemned by society. Because people struggle to acknowledge them, these qualities become repressed, and they manifest themselves unconsciously.

Jung believed that one of the ways to cope with one’s shadow aspects is through projection. For example, people can project their repressed emotions and characteristics on monsters. That’s why monsters often function as scapegoats.

🧛 Monsters in Literature

From this section, you will learn about literary monsters and their types. You will also find here our list of the top 10 most iconic monsters.

History of Monsters in Literature

Literary monsters are timeless. We can find them in all types of writings, from ancient mythology to modern novels. The depiction of monsters, however, has undergone some changes through time:

• Initially, they were mostly presented as evil creatures or antagonists of the hero.
• In modern fiction, they are often shown as sympathetic and misunderstood .

Mythology Monsters

When we are thinking about some ancient myth, we often remember the monster and not the hero. Why is that so? Well, monsters have to be impressive: after all, they challenge heroes to prove their worth and gain power and recognition.

In his book Hero with a Thousand Faces , Joseph Campbell describes a heroic narrative common for most myths. In this narrative, a hero protagonist needs to go through a transformative adventure and return home victorious. It is also known as the hero’s journey .

As you may have guessed, monsters are an essential part of the hero’s journey. They usually serve as antagonists in the stages of test and final battle. Think of Cyclops or Scylla from Homer’s Odyssey as an outstanding example of a memorable monster.

Medieval Monsters

During the Middle ages, monsters had two primary roles:

• They served as a counterexample to humans . Monsters demonstrated to people what can be considered “human” by being the opposition to it.
• They were the embodiment of something frightening and unknown. Monsters were often connected to spirits and were believed to inhabit exotic lands.

Medieval Europeans were fascinated by the newly discovered lands. They described native people and animals of other continents as something otherworldly. An old epic poem  Beowulf  is an excellent example of such perception. The text features a vast range of magical creatures, animals, and people. 

Victorian Era Monsters & Gothic Monsters

The idea of monstrosity undergoes some change in the Victorian Era. That’s also the time when Gothic Novel becomes popular.

Duality is one of the major focuses of Gothic literature. The characters, including antagonists, become more complex and diverse. Monsters are now depicted more sympathetically. Instead of cruel creatures that inspire dread, we see characters that were misunderstood and ostracized by people. It is also around Victorian Era that the theme of monstrosity gets immersed with the genre of science fiction .

The Creature from Frankenstein and Mr. Hyde from Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are good examples of monsters that cause the readers to sympathize with them as they are created during experiments. These characters make us wonder if one is born a beast or if life makes them one.

Monster Tropes Types

Monsters in literary works can be divided into several categories:

We’re going to discuss the most prominent types in the following sections.

Monster Villain Characteristics

Villain monsters are usually complex characters that don’t necessarily fall into the category of antagonists. They’re characterized by motivations such as greed or desire for power.

Villain monsters can communicate evil without violence. Also, these types of characters often combine an ordinary appearance with some horrific bestial elements.

Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula is a great example of a monster villain. He looks like a human but is monstrous by nature. 

Misunderstood & Sympathetic Monsters

A sympathetic monster is a character that appears like a monster to others but doesn’t do anything bad. Isolation and ostracization make such characters turn their backs on people and commit crimes, even if initially they had no bad intentions.

Sympathetic monsters are often created by society. For instance, the hunchback Quasimodo, like Frankenstein’s monster, is shamed for his physical deformity and manipulated by people. He is perceived as a monster just because of his unusual looks.

Lovecraft Monsters: Cosmic Horror

Cosmic horror is a subgenre of Gothic literature. It emphasizes the fear of the unknown and pictures humans as vulnerable and ignorant.

The first name that comes to mind when we talk about cosmic horror is H. P. Lovecraft . The two terms—”Lovecraftian horror” and “cosmic horror” are used interchangeably. In the world of cosmic horror, monsters are far more powerful than people. They challenge human values and the way they perceive the world.

Lovecraftian horror has some unique characteristics that distinguish it from other works of Gothic literature. It includes the use of:

• uncanniness,
• elements of thriller,
• psychological horror.

Female Monsters in Literature

In the classic Greek and Roman myths, many villains and monsters are female. Many myths and legends reinforced certain expectations about women’s behavior and appearance. These stories also, to a certain extent, reflected the way women were seen as destructive. It shows males’ desire to control and rule over the female.

Female monsters symbolize someone who goes beyond the patriarchal order and therefore poses a threat to the male protagonist. Grendel’s mother from Beowulf is a good example of such a character.

Monsters in Children’s Literature

In the 17th-19th century literature, children’s books were filled with portrayals of death and brutality. Fairy tales featured frightening monsters; they emphasized physical harm and evoked terror. Most of these stories served as cautionary tales, with monsters representing the common dangers of those times .

Today’s children’s literature doesn’t include explicit descriptions of violence. Horror for kids took a form of fantasy fiction that features magical creatures such as dragons and fairies.

Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are is an excellent example of contemporary children’s literature. It has elements of mystery and features various magical creatures but doesn’t contain any violence.

Top 10 Literary Monsters

From Greek mythology to contemporary horror, literature is full of fantastic beasts. Yet, only a few of them stay in our memory after we finish the story. Here is a list of the top 10 literary monsters that served as an inspiration for many other fictional characters:

• Scylla from Homer’s Odyssey . A mythical sea monster with 5 heads and 12 legs.
• Grendel from Beowulf . A powerful and bloodthirsty man-eating creature.
• Count Dracula from Bram Stoker’s Dracula . A centuries-old vampire who serves as a blueprint to almost all subsequent vampire characters.
• The Creature from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein . An articulate and intelligent monster created by Victor Frankenstein from the dead bodies.
• Smaug   from J. R. R. Tolkien’s  The Hobbit .  A dragon that guards a hoard of treasure. 
• Edward Hyde from Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde . An alternate personality of Henry Jekyll that embodies his inner monsters. 
• Pennywise   from Stephen King’s  It .  An ancient, shape-shifting creature that often appears as a clown and preys upon the children of Derry. 
• Cthulhu from H.P. Lovecraft’s The Call of Cthulhu . A Great Old One who lies beneath the Pacific Ocean in the sunken city of R’lyeh. 
• The Jabberwocky from Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky . A giant chimera with wings, a dragon’s body, a fish-like head, and a pair of talon-like hands.
• Fenrir—a monstrous wolf from Norse mythology . The son of the demonic Loki and a giantess, Angerboda.  

Theme of Monstrosity in Frankenstein

Monstrosity is one of the central themes in Frankenstein, with the Creature serving as a great example of a misunderstood monster.

Initially, the Creature has no ill intentions: he simply wants to be loved and accepted. However, he is born out of Victor’s selfish desire to prove himself by creating a human out of body parts of deceased criminals. This fact alone determines his tragic fate. He becomes a victim of ostracism and turns into a real monster.

As for Victor, he can be seen as a victim of his pride and isolation. He wants to prove himself to people and be recognized. After the monster kills his family, Victor dedicates the rest of his life to killing his own creation. In the end, his ambition only leads him to alienation and self-destruction.

Want to know more about these themes in the novel? You’re welcome to check out our article on themes in Frankenstein .

Monstrosity in Frankenstein: Quotes

Here are some quotations from Mary Shelley’s novel that reflect the idea of monstrosity:

Of my creation and creator I was absolutely ignorant, but I knew that I possessed no money, no friends, no kind of property. I was, besides, endued with a figure hideously deformed and loathsome; I was not even of the same nature as man. I was more agile than they and could subsist upon coarser diet; I bore the extremes of heat and cold with less injury to my frame; my stature far exceeded theirs. When I looked around I saw and heard of none like me. Was I, then, a monster, a blot upon the earth, from which all men fled and whom all men disowned?” ( Frankenstein, Chapter 5)

I beheld the wretch — the miserable monster whom I had created. He held up the curtain of the bed; and his eyes, if eyes they may be called, were fixed on me. His jaws opened, and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grin wrinkled his cheeks. He might have spoken, but I did not hear; one hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped and rushed downstairs. ( Frankenstein, Chapter 5)

Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even  you  turned from me in disgust? God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow devils, to admire and encourage him, but I am solitary and abhorred. ( Frankenstein, Chapter 15)

Dehumanization is a process by which opponents perceive each other as lacking human qualities. It happens when one group of people views another one as inferior, evil, or criminal. Typically, we believe that all people have certain rights that shouldn’t be violated. Unfortunately, it is also true that individuals seen as outsiders are not always treated fairly.

Dehumanization often results in violence, human rights violations, and genocide. It’s also worth noting that both the abuser and the abused tend to deprive another party of human qualities. It, in turn, can only intensify the conflict and lead to even more casualties and discrimination.

Types of Dehumanization

Dehumanization can take many forms. Often the criteria for exclusion are race, ideology, gender, or cognitive capacity.

Dehumanization of Jews in the Holocaust

Holocaust is one of the most prominent examples of dehumanization. There were religious, political, and racial reasons that stimulated the discrimination of Jews. In the eyes of Nazis, Jewish people were not people at all.

According to the interview published by NPR, Hitler’s regime employed modes of contemporary discourse to dehumanize the Jews. The Jews were referred to as Untermenschen (German for subhuman) or parasites in the media and newspapers. Integral to propaganda’s success was the use of animal imagery. It depicted Jewish people as bloodthirsty predators. These portrayals stirred feelings of disgust and fear in German people.

Dehumanization of Slaves

This type of dehumanization has affected both slaves and slave owners in many ways. The slaves have to work in inhuman conditions and are constantly abused. They also suffer from depression and loneliness. It leads to low self-esteem, PTSD, and a loss of cultural identity. In turn, slave owners become affected by dehumanization by depriving others of their human qualities and rights.

Dehumanization in War

Dehumanization during war works as a coping mechanism. It allows people to justify killing or even perceive it as something noble. In battle, enemies are associated with acts of evil and depravity. The created image of the enemy is crucial in enabling soldiers to kill as required. It also encourages civilians to support military actions and maintain enthusiasm even when casualty figures start to rise.

Dehumanization of Women

It is no secret that for a very long time, and even now, women have been seen merely as objects of desire. Sexualization achieved through revealing clothing and bright make-up causes people to attribute fewer human traits to women. Such objectification of a person reduces them to a mere body and can be considered dehumanization.

📚 Theme of Dehumanization in Literature: Examples

In literary works, the theme of dehumanization is presented from different angles and perspectives. It’s often connected to the theme of monstrosity, as it deals with the problem of humanity vs. inhumanity. Some literary works reinforce certain stereotypes and therefore contribute to the problem of dehumanization. However, most works focus on revealing the inhumane nature of discrimination.

Many stories that explore the concept of dehumanization have a strong emotional effect on the readers and resonate with them. They serve as cautionary tales and encourage us to learn from the past. There are some good examples of works that talk about dehumanization and human nature:

• Beloved by Toni Morrison, 
• Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad,
• All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. 

Examples of Dehumanization in Night

Night by Elie Wiesel explores many critical issues that occurred during World War II and especially the Holocaust. Dehumanization is one of the book’s most prominent themes.

The characters who display the most violence in the book are Nazi officers and SS doctors. They believe that some nations, including the Jews, should be exterminated. One example of the graphic depiction of violence in Night is a teenager’s execution. The prisoners have to observe the boy’s torture and then witness his death.

In his book, Elie Wiesel also shows how cruelty breeds more cruelty. Forced to live in inhuman conditions, prisoners themselves gradually start to lose their minds and become increasingly violent. You can learn more about it from our article on themes in Night .

Dehumanization Quotes in Night

Here are some quotations from Wiesel’s book that show how people in concentration camps were deprived of their humanity:

Remember it always, let it be graven in your memories. You are in Auschwitz. And Auschwitz is not a convalescent home. It is a concentration camp. Here, you must work. If you don’t you will go straight to the chimney. To the crematorium. Work or crematorium—the choice is yours. ( Night, p. 38)

The night was pitch-black. From time to time, a shot exploded in the darkness. They had orders to shoot anyone who could not sustain the pace. Their fingers on the triggers, they did not deprive themselves of the pleasure. If one of us stopped for a second, a quick shot eliminated the filthy dog. ( Night, p. 85)

Listen to me, kid. Don’t forget that you are in a concentration camp. In this place, it is every man for himself, and you cannot think of others. Not even your father. In this place, there is no such thing as father, brother, friend. Each of us lives and dies alone. ( Night, p. 110)

Monstrosity & Dehumanization in The Metamorphosis

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is another example of a literary work that deals with dehumanization. After Gregor Samsa wakes up as an insect, he gradually loses all his human qualities.

As a result of a transformation, the man also becomes alienated from his work and society in general. Gregor’s mental transformation, however, happens long before the physical one. He was isolated from his family for a very long time because of his demanding job. When Gregor turns into an insect, his family members start to neglect him. The man loses his humanity in their eyes. With time Gregor himself slowly starts to deny his human nature as well.

There are plenty of other interesting themes in the novella. Feel free to read about them in our article on themes in The Metamorphosis .

The Metamorphosis Quotes about Dehumanization

Here are quotations from the novella that demonstrate how alienation and transformation affected Gregor and his family:

They had even got used to it, both Gregor and the family, they took the money with gratitude and he was glad to provide it, although there was no longer much warm affection given in return. ( The Metamorphosis, Part II)

Had he really wanted to transform his room into a cave, a warm room fitted out with the nice furniture he had inherited? That would have let him crawl around unimpeded in any direction, but it would also have let him quickly forget his past when he had still been human. ( The Metamorphosis, Part II)

He got into the habit of closely watching it for one or two hours before it was opened and then, lying in the darkness of his room where he could not be seen from the living room, he could watch the family in the light of the dinner table and listen to their conversation – with everyone’s permission, in a way, and thus quite differently from before. ( The Metamorphosis, Part III)

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❓ Monstrosity and Dehumanization Themes FAQs

Monsters represent the unknown and people’s darkest fears. Monsters in stories often make us question what can be called human. They also help people to define social boundaries. By looking at monsters in stories, we can learn about people’s perceptions of the world.

Monsters reflect people’s hidden desires or fears. They are projections of people’s repressed emotions and characteristics that they struggle to acknowledge. Since monstrous creatures represent the darker sides of the human psyche, they also display humans’ potential to become inhuman.

Gregor’s dehumanization starts before he physically turns into an insect. He is alienated from his family and social life by work. When Gregor becomes an insect, his family also stops seeing him as a human being.

In Elie Wiesel’s book, dehumanization is used in a way that challenges the victim’s own humanity. The author demonstrates how even good people can lose their sense of compassion when repeatedly abused or forced to live in inhuman conditions.

Frankenstein’s monster is referred to in various ways throughout the book, but he has no particular name. He is called “creature,” “fiend,” “wretch,” “demon,” “devil,” “thing,” “being,” and “ogre” in the novel.

• Writing Monsters: What Makes a Monster Scary?: Writer’s Digest
• Literary Blueprints: The Monster: Ploughshares at Emerson College
• What Is a Monster?: University of Cambridge
• Monsters: Interdisciplinary Explorations in Monstrosity: Nature.com
• Monsters, Marvels, and Mythical Beasts: The University of Alabama at Birmingham
• The Importance of Monsters: Rutgers University
• Why So Many Mythological Monsters Are Female: Smithsonian Magazine
• Monomyth: Hero’s Journey Project: University of California, Berkeley
• Myths, Monsters, and Imagination: British Library
• Why We Are Living in Gothic Times: BBC
• What Is a Monster? Tracking the Evolution and Reception of Monstrosity in Literature from the Nineteenth Century to Modern Day: Gale
• Dehumanization: Beyond Intractability
• Holocaust: Encyclopedia Britannica
• Cautions about Medicalized Dehumanization: American Medical Association
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Monster Essay Examples

The little green monster: analysis of the unique imagination of haruki murakami.

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Examining the "Monster" Lurking Within the Wallpaper

Monster culture symbolizes what we see in ourselves. In the short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper”, Charlotte Perkins Gilman presents a narrative where the main character represents a “monster” because of her nervous condition. The narrator, an upper-class middle-aged woman battling from postpartum depression. Her husband...

Symbolism in Monster

In the novel Monster by Walter Sean Myers, Steve Harmon, a 16 year old black boy from Harlem is put on trial for murder. Throughout the story, Myers develops not only the plot, but characterization of Steve very strongly, and within this many manners of...

Summary of the Movie the Monster

Some people talk about fighting monsters metaphorically, what if the monster was real and dangerous. The movie The Monster, was written in 2015 and filmed in Ottawa, Canada and then later released in November of 2016. The movie is staged in the woods for most...

Analysis of the Novel Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Being a teenager is a very difficult time frame in the novel “Monster. ” The theme of the novel is a central perspective. The main character Steve Harmon, a sixteen year old teenage boy who is struggling to keep his life in order, fights through...

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