Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” poses a timeless question: Who Is The Real Monster Victor Or Frankenstein? Is it the creature, cobbled together from corpses and abandoned by his creator, or is it Victor Frankenstein, the ambitious scientist who dared to play God and then shirked his responsibility? The answer is complex, forcing us to confront themes of creation, abandonment, and the nature of good and evil.
Victor Frankenstein’s Hubris and Neglect
Victor’s monstrous act wasn’t simply the creation of life, but the reckless pursuit of knowledge without considering the consequences. His hubris, a classic tragic flaw, blinds him to the ethical implications of his experiment. He is so consumed with the glory of discovery that he fails to anticipate the potential for disaster. This initial act of irresponsibility sets the stage for the tragedy that unfolds. He dedicates himself to a task, succeeds, and then immediately rejects his creation.
His subsequent abandonment of the creature is arguably his greatest sin. Imagine being brought into the world, fully sentient but utterly alone, and repulsive in appearance. The creature’s initial attempts at connection are met with fear and violence, directly stemming from Victor’s failure to provide guidance, love, or even basic understanding. Victor’s refusal to take responsibility for his creation directly fuels the creature’s rage and resentment. Consider the contrast in these key decisions:
- Victor creates life but refuses to nurture it.
- The creature seeks connection but is met with rejection.
- Victor prioritizes his own comfort over the well-being of his creation.
Furthermore, Victor’s inaction allows the creature’s resentment to fester, ultimately leading to the deaths of those closest to him. He is aware of the creature’s potential for violence, yet he keeps his secret, failing to warn or protect his loved ones. His silence is a form of complicity, making him morally culpable for the creature’s actions. Victor’s pursuit of scientific glory and his subsequent abandonment of his creation make a strong case for him being the true monster in the story. The price he pays is steep, but the burden of responsibility undeniably falls on his shoulders.
To delve deeper into the motivations and consequences faced by both Victor and his creation, explore the original text of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” Its rich language and complex themes offer a profound insight into this enduring debate.