Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was first published in 1818, telling the stories of Victor Frankenstein, an eccentric scientist, his grotesque and "wretched" creation, and the disastrous events that they happened. As the novel develops, one question remains unanswered: who is the real monster? Many wonder if the “unfortunate” creation of Victor Frankenstein, who killed innocent people, is the real monster? Or is it Victor himself, for having created and then abandoned his creation? The answer is neither. Examining the text closely, the real monster becomes evident, the monster of prejudice. Prejudice is one of humanity's most relentless and destructive flaws. Bias is defined as a prejudice, or preconceived opinion, not based on reason or actual experience. Prejudice is a recurring theme in Frankenstein and is symbolized as a force parallel to that of a physical monster. In Frankenstein the theme of prejudice is found in the language, descriptions and developments of the main characters, Victor Frankenstein and his creation. The theme of prejudice initially becomes apparent through the use of language describing the creation of Frankenstein. Frankenstein's creation is introduced and continually described through the use of defamatory terms, epithets, and belittling characterizations. "How can I describe my emotions in the face of this catastrophe, or outline the wretch that with such infinite pain and care I had tried to form?" (Shelley, page 35). From the beginning, creation is presented as “wretched” and the product of adversity. The epithet “wretched,” given to creation, is the prejudice projected into Frankenstein's thinking, and the first indication of the theme, prejudice. Even if Frankenste… half of paper… and corpse” (Shelley, page 126). After being accused of murder, Frankenstein is thrown into prison, despite the lack of concrete evidence against him: "in two months, I found myself... in a prison, lying on a miserable bed, surrounded by jailers" (Shelley , page 127). . As the months pass, Frankenstein remains imprisoned but the prejudices against him do not diminish. The Irish nurse in Frankenstein is equally bold in saying, “I think it would be better for you if you were dead…but you will be hanged when the next séances take place” (Shelley, page 128). Just as his creation did before him, Frankenstein allows extreme prejudice to convince him that even death would be better than suffering from prejudice: “I have, by a course of strange events, become the most miserable of mortals. Persecuted and tortured as I am and have been, can death be bad for me? (Shelley, p 128).