Frankenstein’s creature, often simply referred to as ‘the monster,’ exhibits a fear of fire primarily because of its painful experiences associated with it. Initially, fire represents warmth and comfort to the creature; it provides light and heat, which are often associated with safety. However, his first encounter with fire leads to a painful realization.
In Mary Shelley’s novel, the creature discovers fire when he attempts to use it to stay warm and cook food. Instead of offering the warmth and security he longs for, fire burns him, causing intense pain. This painful experience teaches him that fire can also be dangerous and destructive. Consequently, he begins to associate fire not just with comfort, but with fear and suffering.
The creature’s fear of fire can also symbolize the broader theme of rejection and isolation. Just as he is rejected by society, he finds that even phenomena that should be nurturing can become sources of pain. In essence, fire becomes a metaphor for the duality of creation—it holds the power to both create and destroy.