Frankenstein

So far Frankenstein is pretty interesting. I am fascinated by the parallels that I have seen between Victor and Walton. Walton is on a voyage to discover some magnetic force with a bunch of dim-witted sailors, while Victor has surpassed man’s intelligence by actually creating a human being. Both of these men are on technological journeys that are far too advanced for the people around them, thus leaving them essentially alone in their discoveries. Additionally, both men have women who appear more as companions than as lovers… I can’t really decide why that may be. But anyways, poor Victor seems to be a lost soul. His imagination captivates him to such a strong degree that he literally cannot escape it. If an interesting idea comes to mind, than he is instantly a slave to his creativity until it can be released. I think that in some ways Mary Shelley was like this as well. Some articles on Shelley reveal that the idea of Frankenstein came to her in a vision- as if her imagination took hold of reality and forced her to concoct such a tale. In this way, she and Victor are alike. Also though, Victor is instantly terrified of his creation. I find this kind of odd. He has slaved over this inanimate object for years, nearly sacrificing himself for his vision, yet he is immediately disgusted. Frankenstein’s monster certainly is described in a frightening manner, but one would think that the creator of something so laborious would be a bit more open-minded to the creature. In my opinion, Victor’s greatest sin is not confronting his creation. Of course, it is a terrible sin to defy nature and God by creating a being, but I find that more an act of innocent curiosity. The real harm is when he realized the danger of the creature and ignored it. He put his sweat, blood, and tears into his monster, and he does not even want to study his creation. This is very poor parenting on his part. Just like any child, the monster senses his abandonment. The one thing in life that should love him despises him. I would probably be angry and confused, too. Also, this is very similar to Satan and God. Satan is the fallen angel (in which the creature describes himself) and therefore declares war on all that is good. The creature murders William- an innocent, vivacious, and hopeful young boy. I do not know how many other heinous crimes the creature has committed, but for me, William’s murder is war. Victor represents the creator (whether that be a good or bad thing), and the creature is the devil. Sadly, both Victor and the creature are just confused. Victor should have loved the creature, or at least prevented its destruction, and the monster is so confused and angry that he only acts out in hatred for humanity. So, I guess right now I think that the book is about actions and consequences, and man’s arrogant ego.