Introduction
The question of who or what the genuine “monster” isis a significant issue handled throughout Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. Although Dr. Victor Frankenstein is frequently regarded as the book’s protagonist, some contend he represents the true monster in the narrative. Throughout the book, Frankenstein makes decisions and takes actions that have far-reaching effects on him and others around him. By analyzing Victor Frankenstein’s motivations, choices, and effects on others around him, I argue that he is the real monster in the book.
Why Victor Frankenstein Is a Monster
Victor Frankenstein is introduced as a clever and ambitious young scientist with a burning ambition to advance science and bring life into the world. His reasons for doing so, nevertheless, are not sincere. According to what he says, “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many pleasant and great natures would owe their existence to me” (Shelley, 42). This passage demonstrates that Frankenstein is motivated more by his desire for notoriety and attention than by a sincere desire to advance humanity. One of the first signs that Frankenstein might be a worse monster than the thing he makes is his self-centered motivation.
Frankenstein’s actions get more careless and perilous as the story goes on. He continues working on his project despite the cautions of others around him, finally producing a grotesque and disgusting creation. The moment he chooses to abandon the creature rather than take care of it is crucial in revealing his hideous character. The dream’s beauty evaporated as soon as he completed it, and in his own words, “I had desired it with an ardor that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelley, 56). Frankenstein’s unwillingness to accept responsibility for his creation displays a complete lack of empathy and a callous disdain for the results of his actions.
The consequences of Frankenstein’s actions are felt throughout the novel, as the creature he creates goes on to cause destruction and chaos. However, it is essential to note that the creature’s actions are, in many ways, a reflection of Frankenstein’s own. As the creature says to Frankenstein, “Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou divest from joy for no misdeed” (Shelley, 93). This quote highlights that the creature’s monstrosity results from how Frankenstein has treated him rather than any inherent evil within the creature himself.
On the other hand, the monster could be considered a victim of circumstance. He is intelligent and capable of learning, but society rejects him because of his appearance. He experiences fear and rejection from people all the time, which eventually makes him violent. The monster himself declares, “I am evil because I am unhappy. Am I not despised and despised by everyone? (107; Shelley). This statement implies that the monster is not inherently evil and that his acts result from the agony he has endured.
Сonclusion
In conclusion, Frankenstein is the novel’s main character, but it is evident that he is also the genuine monster of the narrative. His self-serving motives, careless deeds, and unwillingness to accept responsibility for his creation all reveal a hideous nature with far-reaching and disastrous repercussions. Although the creature he makes can be considered the physical manifestation of his inner horror, Frankenstein is ultimately to blame for the havoc and carnage that follow.
Work Cited
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Dover Publications, 1993.