The Novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - Literature review Example

Two individuals are mainly involved in the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley—Victor, the scientist and the monster. The scientist does not know the purpose for which he created the monster and the monster is not aware of the purpose of its existence. With no one to guide it, its activities go haywire. The monster laments, “Everything is related in them which bear reference to my accursed origin; the whole detail of that series of disgusting circumstances which produced it is set in view; the minutest description of my odious and loathsome person is given, in a language which painted your own horrors and rendered mine indelible.

I sickened as I read. ‘Hateful day when I received life’”! (126)Monster is the creation of human arrogance. A scientist, with his discovery, interferes in the work of God. He doesn’t realize how weak the human shoulders are to own this heavy responsibility. When humankind begins to utilize the freedom of thought and action graced by God improperly, tragic consequences are bound to happen. The scientist wishes to escape the responsibility to nurse the monster and it has no option but to turn destructive.

Monster’s obsession is fully realized in the last chapter. Upon the death of Frankenstein, the monster exclaims, “That is also my victim! In his murder my crimes are consummated; the miserable series of my being is wound to its close” (211). The cycle of revenge and death have merged into eternity. The monster is now in a position to act as per its free will, even in choosing death. It has gained freedom of action. By birth, the monster is as innocent as any child. The moral dilemma in the story is on two counts.

After interfering in the function of God, by creating the monster, Victor walks away from his responsibility of looking after it. Once the monster stands alive in front of him, insecurity seizes him and he runs for his life. Not caring for one’s offspring is a serious moral lapse.The encounters of the monster with the humankind end in chaos and frustration. Having denied love by its creator, it looks for solace elsewhere, only to be disappointed at every stage. This un-fructified love proves to be twice-cursed!

By evading the monster and running to save his own life, Frankenstein ruins his life as well as that of the monster. The uncared for and neglected monster seeks revenge. This is a moral issue. The nature of the Gothic novel is, there should be a transgressor, and in the end, one should pay for the act of transgression. Victor pays for his transgression, with a series of tragedies that he encounters. Who is the real monster in Frankenstein? Whether it is Victor who ran away from the parental responsibilities or the monster that simply expresses the desire for a mate?

The monster knows that he is such a horrid creation that he will never be loved, though he makes attempts to discover love several times but faces rejection and disappointment. Victor is aware of the plight of the monster, and in a final attempt of moral reconciliation, he begins to create a female monster, to provide companionship to his first creation, but gives up the experiment when he is halfway through it. He destroys and dumps the remains in a lake.