Within Frankenstein By Mary Shelley, the monster created by Victor Frankenstein wandered the forest aimlessly. Since the monster is new to life, he had to learn the basics of survival and society without aid from another person. As he recounts his journey to victor, the monster describes:
“The moon had disappeared from the night, and again, with a lessened form, showed itself, while I still remained in the forest. My sensations had by this time become distinct, and my mind received every day additional ideas. My eyes became accustomed to the light and to perceive objects in their right forms; I distinguished the insect from the herb, and by degrees, one herb from another. I found that the sparrow uttered none but harsh notes, whilst those of the blackbird and thrush were sweet and enticing” (72).
The light engulfed him as he began to understand objects and his surroundings. The more he understood, the more he became accustomed to the light. He’s bleak knowledge of the world transforms with every object perceives.
This reminded me of Allegory of the Cave by Plato. In this story, people who lived in a cave all their life emerged from the darkness, and became blinded by a bright light. The objects they once viewed as shadows. appeared as their true form.
“He will require to grow accustomed to the sight of the upper world. And first he will see the shadows best, next the reflections of men and other objects in the water, and then the objects themselves; then he will gaze upon the light of the moon and the stars and the spangled heaven”
With a direct reference to the moon in both stories, the connection is evident. In addition, the same way the monster went around the area slowly perceiving objects, is the same way it is described in Allegory of the Cave. The monster began to perceive objects as there true form, and understand what they are. Mary Shelley uses the image of light as a symbol of knowledge, just like Allegory of the Cave. It conveys the monster’s journey from ignorance to knowledge of the world around him, quite literally.
Ink Blot Thoughts 
Your connection between the two texts were not very obvious which I enjoyed because a lot of readers wouldn’t have picked up on those little details. You provided a good amount of context because I had never read “Allegory of the Cave” and understood your connection. But both quotes were a little long for me and I feel like you could have elaborated on the evidence you provided a little more.
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