Victor Frankenstein created the monster out of arrogance. The scientist wanted to become like God. Making a living creature by himself gave him a sense of purpose and great power. Although Victor claimed that he was creating a monster to help humanity, he was doing it for himself.
Detailed answer:
Victor has always been interested in science, chemistry, and anatomy. As a young boy, he pondered the questions of life and death. Victor starts considering making a personal living creature out of inanimate objects. While at university, he begins to think of ways to do so. At first, Victor felt to be doing a service to humanity. He wanted to explore the ways to create a new life. As an adult, Victor is determined to find the answer to his childhood questions. He gathers enough resources and knowledge to make the next significant discovery.
However, Victor’s true motivations for creating the monster go beyond science. His real ambition is revealed as he dreams about everyone being indebted to him. He wonders whether “a new species would bless me as its creator and source.” In chapter 4, he continues and claims that “many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me.” These quotes demonstrate that Frankenstein wants to create a monster because of his ego. He wants to cheat death to gain power. Victor thinks that his experiments are going to make him a human God.
At one point, it becomes clear that Victor Frankenstein becomes the personification of the Prometheus Myth. He is the embodiment of modern Prometheus, who has tried to become God but failed. In Greek and Roman mythology, the creation of humans is attributed to Prometheus. He steals fire from the heavens to keep his people warm. Furthermore, he repeatedly defies Zeus to better the lives of humans. The myth of Prometheus can help readers understand Frankenstein’s motivations. Victor uses science to make a new life. However, unlike Prometheus, he has no idea how to care for his new creature.
Frankenstein serves as a reflection on Mary Shelley’s fears of scientific developments. The story reflects the concerns of every scientific era. The creation of an artificial person seemed unimaginable to people in the 19th century. However, now, humans are closer than ever to creating an artificial mind. In the book, Victor wants power and respect.
On the other hand, his curiosity is admirable. He has a scientific mind that pushes him to explore the answers to his life and death questions. Mary Shelley’s work represents the social views on progress at the time.
The novel is a cultural legacy, admired and quoted all over the world. The main character in Frankenstein symbolizes determination. Initially, Victor wants to explore the world using science. By the end of the story, it is apparent that he becomes corrupt. Victor decides to create the monster in the hopes of getting power. He wants to become a new god. Victor starts to idealize his future creature. But once he sees his creation, he is full of disgust. He is motivated by his desire to control rather than a genuine interest in bettering humanity.