Responsibility in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Essay

The story introduced by Mary Shelley at the beginning of the 19th century continues to provoke the minds of modern readers. Her Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus shows how the progress of science may contradict most ethical beliefs and interpersonal relationships. The ambiguity of the conditions under which the Monster was created makes people think about the causes and effects of scientific cruelty and unpredictability. Although Victor Frankenstein seems to be responsible for the wretch’s behavior due to his egoism, departure, and fears, the impact of the creature’s individuality cannot be ignored in the story.

Despite his intention to prove the worth of the experiment, Victor Frankenstein is one of the most selfish characters whose ambitions explain the wretch’s behavior. His “violent” temper and “vehement” passions explain the desire to study but “not to learn all things indiscriminately” (Shelley 20). When he achieved the goal and created a new being, “breathless horror and disgust” filled his heart (Shelley 35). Victor was seized with egoism and the inability to accept his mistake and improve the consequences. His selfish attitude toward the creature makes the reader feel sorry for the latter, proving the role of the scientist and underlying the level of responsibility.

The relationships between Victor and the creature are similar to those between parents and children. Since childhood, Victor enjoyed his parents’ attention and support and prioritized his recognition pursuits first. He admitted that his parents “were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence” (Shelley 19). Thus, he was aware of the impact of parents on the child’s development, but he preferred to leave the creature instead of offering his care. A child without guidance cannot grow normally, and similar damage is evident in the wretch’s behavior, verifying Victor’s mistakes as a parent.

Finally, the roots of the creature’s murders can be traced back to the fears that Victor was unable to control. Although he took many successful scientific steps, Victor neglected the worth of ethics and humanity in the experiment. With time, he recognized his mistakes when he “hurried on with irregular steps, not daring to look about” because his “heart palpitated in the sickness of fear” (Shelley 37). Unfortunately, Victor did not try to change something, which led to the wretch being exposed to society.

At the same time, one might believe that Victor should not be the only one responsible for cruel behaviors in the story. According to Sarkar, the creature was “violently rejected” in all his attempts to join a society, showing the worth of the external environment in human development (115). However, if the creature took such steps, he could make some decisions and understand his choices. When he addressed Victor for help, he had certain reasons and evaluations. He believed he was “benevolent and good,” but “misery made” him a “fiend” (Shelley 70). Thus, he is a rational creature who is able to think, conclude, and take responsibility for his wretched behaviors.

In conclusion, understanding the level of responsibility for the wretch’s behavior in Frankenstein may be based on several aspects. On the one hand, Victor is the scientist who should control and evaluate the situation from its beginning till the end. His selfishness, departure, and fears are not the best examples for the creature to follow and grow normally. On the other hand, Shelley introduced the creature as a constantly developing character. Thus, its contributions and decisions have to be recognized. In this story, the wretch cannot be treated univocally because of the presence of multiple internal and external factors.

Works Cited

Sarkar, Proshanta. “Rise and Fall of the Monster: A Study of Inequality and Social Madness in Frankenstein.” New Literaria, vol. 1, no. 1, 2020, pp. 115-121.

Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin. Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. EBD, 1994.