An Ironic Reaction

In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the family the creature stalks has a rather ironic reaction when he reveals himself to them.  Through the observation of the family and their treatment of Safie, the creature believes he has a small chance of being accepted.  It is revealed that the family has experienced the pain and hurt of rejection by all society.  The De Laceys used to be a well esteemed family, but after an event things changed.  "They remained confined for five months before the trial took place; the result of which deprived them of their fortune and condemned them to a perpetual exile from their native country," (Shelley, 89).  This family has had exile thrust upon them, and it would be thought they would understand a similar creature.  Upon talking only to the blind father of the family, the creature finds encouraging words that make him feel a little bit better.  The father says if the family is good, they will take him in regardless of looks.  But upon the seeing children's return, the creature was beaten and feared until he left.  The family then proceeded to leave the area altogether.  This is counter to what most people, including the monster, would believe they would do, as the family had been through similar circumstances.