Victor Frankenstein the True Monster Science is the way humans discover and evolve by studying the structure and behavior of things in the surrounding world. The scientists that make these discoveries are sometimes blinded in their pursuit for knowledge. Their boundless determination can cause their experiments to grow dangerous and out of hand. In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley this is especially true, when main character Victor Frankenstein’s hard work results in a creature he despises and ultimately leaves to die. The novel warns of the dangers of science; however it was not science that caused the creature to change into a monster it was Frankenstein’s negligence, selfish motivations, and his hubris. Frankenstein’s careless and irresponsible decision to abandon the creature caused it to become evil from the abuse it was exposed to. Right after the creature is brought to life by Frankenstein he says, “I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out”, (Shelley 52). This leaves the newborn creature alone to fend for itself, wondering about why it is alone. Also society “assumes that the creature is evil”, simply, “because his existence is hard to understand”, (Hollis 2). The transformation the creature goes through is directly related to the intolerant treatment it receives from both its creator and society, (Hollis 3). Every struggle the creature
Smith 2 faces alone changes it for the worse; this is all to blame on Frankenstein’s lack of positive influence in the creature’s life. Victor’s lack of interest in the creature’s wellbeing and thought only of becoming the creator of a new species. Frankenstein makes his intentions clear from the beginning saying, “A new species would bless me as its creator and source”, (Shelley 49). Victor is talking about more than being a creator he wants to be a God, to be worshiped by his creations. Literary critic Mark Edmundson says that Frankenstein tries, “To usurp the godlike power of creating life”, (Edmundson 2). It can be seen by his word choice that Edmundson feels that this power that Frankenstein seeks is not his right, and is wrong. He will also do anything to accomplish this goal, “Two years past in this manner, during which time I paid no visit to Geneva, but was engaged heart and soul, in the pursuit of some discovery which I hoped to make”, (Shelley 45). This quotation demonstrates Frankenstein’s desire to become the great creator of this new race because he loses contact with his family. This shows his dedication because of his