Analysis Relevancy of Frankenstein: Victor Frankenstein's Selfish Nature

Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, is a timeless classic that explores the consequences of scientific ambition and the ethical dilemmas surrounding it. One of the central themes in the novel is the selfishness of Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist. Through an analysis of key quotes, it becomes evident that Victor's actions are driven by his own desires and disregard for the well-being of others. This essay will delve into the relevancy of Frankenstein's selfishness and its implications on the story, highlighting the multiple instances in which Victor prioritizes his own aspirations over the welfare of those around him.

Victor Frankenstein's selfishness is evident from the very beginning of the novel when he becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life. He disregards the potential consequences of his actions and becomes consumed by his ambition. As Victor exclaims, "Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world" (Shelley, 34). This quote demonstrates Victor's disregard for the natural order and his desire to play God. His selfish pursuit of knowledge blinds him to the potential dangers and moral implications of his experiment.

Once Victor succeeds in creating the creature, he immediately abandons it, further highlighting his selfish nature. He is repulsed by his own creation and fails to take responsibility for its well-being. As Victor reflects on his actions, he admits, "I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardor that far exceeded moderation" (Shelley, 36). This quote reveals Victor's selfishness in pursuing his ambition at the cost of his own well-being and the neglect he shows towards his creation. Despite being the one who brought the creature to life, he shuns it, leaving it to fend for itself and face the world alone.

Victor's selfishness becomes even more pronounced when he prioritizes his own revenge over the lives of his loved ones. After the creature murders his younger brother William, Victor becomes consumed by a desire for revenge and neglects the safety of those around him. He declares, "My own vampire, my own spirit let loose from the grave, and forced to destroy all that was dear to me" (Shelley, 78). This quote illustrates Victor's self-centered mindset, as he focuses solely on his own pain and disregards the potential harm that his pursuit of revenge may cause to others, including his family and friends.

Victor's selfishness is also evident in his relentless pursuit of knowledge, regardless of the consequences. He becomes so consumed by his desire to understand the secrets of life and death that he neglects the well-being of those around him. As Victor laments, "Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge" (Shelley, 31). This quote highlights Victor's realization of the destructive nature of his ambition, but it also reveals his selfishness in prioritizing his own curiosity over the potential harm it may cause.

In conclusion, Frankenstein serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and the consequences of selfishness. Through an analysis of key quotes, it is evident that Victor Frankenstein's actions are driven by his own desires and a disregard for the well-being of others. His obsession with creating life, neglect of his creation, prioritization of revenge, and relentless pursuit of knowledge all showcase his selfish nature. Shelley's portrayal of Victor Frankenstein as a character consumed by his own ambitions serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of unchecked selfishness in our own lives. It urges us to consider the consequences of our actions and the impact they may have on those around us.

Bibliography:

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Penguin Classics, 2003.