" Oh! no mortal could support the horror of that countenance. A mummy again endued with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch. I had gazed on him while unfinished; he was ugly then; but when those muscles and joints were rendered capable of motion, it became a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived" (Shelley, Pg. 36).

Beauty is measured only through outward appearance, not by inward personality.

Example:

• Caroline and Elizabeth are both portrayed as lovely, elegant, and gorgeous women. With blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, they epitomize the essence of beauty in the novel.
• In attempting to create the "perfect human being", Victor Frankenstein collects body parts that he thinks are beautiful. When the his creation is given life, he looks at it, and ironically, describes it as monstrous, devilish, creature.
• Frightened by the Monster's horrible appearance, many people run away, failing to notice that inside, this creature is lonely, vulnerable, and, simply, in need of a companion.
• Despite his evil look, the Monster shows compassion by gathering fire wood and other supplies for the poverty-stricken Felix and Agatha.

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