Final answer:
The most developed theme through Frankenstein's reaction to his creation is the importance of appearance, which intersects with issues of environment and race facing the monster. Despite its education and self-awareness, the monster is judged and ostracized based on its appearance, reflecting societal prejudices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme most developed through Frankenstein's reaction to his creation in Mary Shelley's novel is arguably the theme of appearance. Victor Frankenstein's immediate repulsion and rejection of his creation upon seeing its appearance rather than its inherent qualities highlight the societal tendency to judge based on looks rather than on character or essence. This theme can also be intertwined with discussions on environment and race as they relate to the monster, who despite gaining education and self-awareness, is constantly met with fear and hostility due to his appearance.
When considering the intersection of environment and race in Frankenstein's monster, one can interpret this as a broader critique of how society reacts to the 'other' or those who are different. The monster's appearance immediately classifies him as outside of the norm, or 'race' of typical humans, leading to an existence of isolation. His environment, both in terms of the geographic isolation he often finds himself in and the educational environment he encounters indirectly through books, shapes his identity and understanding of the world. Despite his intellectual growth, the societal reaction to his outward form underscores how prejudices based on appearance override other forms of connection or acceptance.
A refined working thesis statement might read: "Victor Frankenstein's creation, shaped by a hostile environment and rejected due to racialized physical attributes, highlights the grave outcomes of societal emphasis on appearance over character."