The question of whether Frankenstein’s Monster truly kills anyone is a complex one that has fascinated readers and audiences for generations. It’s a central theme that explores the consequences of creation and the nature of humanity, and understanding the answer to “Does Frankenstein’s Monster Kill Anyone” is crucial to grasping the novel’s enduring power.
The Monster’s Actions and Their Fatal Outcomes
While the Monster’s initial existence is marked by confusion and a desperate search for connection, his actions undeniably lead to death. His first victim is William Frankenstein, Victor’s younger brother. The Monster, driven by a nascent rage and feeling rejected by humanity, strangles the child. This act, though perhaps born from ignorance and fear rather than malice, is a direct cause of death. The importance of this event cannot be overstated as it marks the beginning of the Monster’s tragic descent and Victor’s relentless pursuit.
Following William’s death, the Monster’s destructive path continues. He orchestrates the framing and subsequent execution of Justine Moritz, the Frankenstein family’s servant, who is wrongly accused of William’s murder. While the Monster doesn’t physically kill Justine himself, his actions and the revelations he makes to Victor directly result in her demise. Later, the Monster seeks revenge on Victor for refusing to create a female companion for him. This leads to the murder of Henry Clerval, Victor’s closest friend, whom the Monster strangles in a fit of despair and fury. The climax of his vengeance is the murder of Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor’s bride, on their wedding night, ensuring Victor experiences the ultimate loss.
| Victim | Circumstances |
|---|---|
| William Frankenstein | Strangled out of rage and rejection. |
| Justine Moritz | Framed for William’s murder, leading to her execution. |
| Henry Clerval | Strangled in revenge and despair. |
| Elizabeth Lavenza | Strangled on her wedding night as ultimate revenge. |
The narrative clearly delineates a series of fatal encounters directly or indirectly caused by the Monster’s deliberate actions. From the initial, almost accidental (in his understanding) killing of William, to the calculated and vengeful murders of Henry and Elizabeth, the Monster’s capacity for destruction is evident. His motives evolve from a yearning for acceptance to a deep-seated hatred born from perpetual rejection and suffering. Therefore, when asking “Does Frankenstein’s Monster Kill Anyone,” the answer is unequivocally yes.
To delve deeper into the specifics of these tragic events and their profound impact on the characters, you can refer to the detailed accounts within Mary Shelley’s novel, “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.”