by Patricia Weber | Featured Contributor
Frankenstein Day is August 30, in honor of author Mary Wollenstone Shelley born on August 30, 1797, and author of the book “Frankenstein”.
Even though the book is over 200 years old, many television derivatives are produced, and movies continually are either on television or the theater about the theme of the book.
With so many metaphors within the novel, I couldn’t help but wonder about how the story might be similar to our introvert story!
Introvert lessons on Frankenstein Day
– Frankenstein is not the monster. He is the creator of the creature.
Sometimes people confuse the name of Frankenstein with the monster.
Frankenstein is a curious and creative scientist. The monster being outcast by society has no name except – creature, fiend, or wretch.
Analysis of the metaphors of the story remark that the experiment symbolizes an “individual lost in a lonely universe.”
Instead of feeling alone or lost, find your introvert self. Discover what the real meaning of introversion is before you start to consider that you need a makeover.
Why create a monster in a remake?
We can successfully bring extroverting behaviors to a situation.
For example, we can network along the side of extroverts. It’s in how we manage networking before, during and after that will guarantee the next day we won’t be feeling, “I can’t play people today.”
– Celebrate differences.
In the book , the monster was able to think, school himself in various subjects to the degree he was an eloquent speaker.
People including his family did not accept him for his differences. Instead, they rejected him for what the appearance. Frankenstein didn’t like the creature he created even though for a practical statement, he was the creatures, father.
Sometimes our introvert differences get confused. If we are quiet people might mistake us for anti-social or aloof.
Let’s celebrate the difference between the introvert’s quiet approach and a talkative extrovert as balance. Our differences do not mean something is wrong with anyone.
Introversion isn’t all of who we are but instead part of the pieces that complete us.
Just that we all are different is something to celebrate.
– The misunderstood monster.
T
he creature was born good, sensitive, emotional and gentle. Other people taught it evil like revenge.
At one point in the novel, the monster entered the cottage of a family. He waited until the old blind man was alone, and he was welcomed as a conversation started. As soon as the old man’s family and friend returned, they chased out the monster.
They didn’t even give him a chance.
Don’t turn yourself into a monster by being someone who you are not. It’s far better to have self-understanding so you can be understood.
– Socially rejected.
Sometimes as introverts we either might be or feel rejected.
The monster did not choose rejection. He did try to fit in but his family, including his father, cast him out. No one wanted him.
If you’ve ever thought that you must change to be more extroverted, so you fit in better, don’t let the experiment fail.
Instead, you can start in small ways.
At the heart making any changes is staying true to yourself.
For example, to boost your confidence that you are social, participate with small groups who you enjoy being around.
Consider the consequences of a monster created by a scientific experiment all at once gone wrong.
While many introverts brag about successfully being able to become an extrovert, I doubt it.
What they likely might mean is – they are using more extroverting behaviors more often and more successfully. Take one step at a time.
These are some of the Introvert lessons on Frankenstein Day.
What else can you tease out of your understanding of Frankenstein which might aptly apply to our sometimes introvert dilemmas?
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Patricia Weber: I understand the possible difficulty of being an introvert in business and am on a mission to build the confidence of those more introverted, with a variety of practical tools to navigate communications work and life.
Since 2007, recognized internationally, on radio and in print, for most things introvert I blog at http://patricia-weber.com Followers, who regularly comment find the messages both resonate with them and inspire them.
My recent book, Communication Toolkit for Introverts: Find your voice in everyday business situations, is something a publisher asked me to write –imagine that.
If you are fed up with the often, uncomfortable extrovert rules, or tired of being tired, be ready to be inspired.
I am NOT shy. Many introverts are not either.
My work is not my life. I have other interests, in the past: had my own Harley Davidson (FX model no longer manufactured) until I slid horizontally a few times!
That’s why now; I go along with my husband in our safer car hobby.
Also, we enjoy traveling. We go from one coast to another to have the joy of seeing my son and his family including two granddaughters. On occasion, it’s off to Europe.
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2 Replies to “Introvert lessons on Frankenstein Day”
Jeri
All great points from what us introverts can glean from Shelly’s famous story. I never had the honor of being able to teach this one, but my co-worked did and students loved it. We can all connect with those feelings of alienation.
Patricia Weber
I think you are right Jeri! That everyone can have times of feeling alienated. It seems that when it comes to personality, it’s the introvert who is unfairly judged. Thanks!