Child Abandonment in Frankenstein

Child abandonment is a big theme in Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein. Through Victor Frankenstein and the creature he brings to life, Shelley looks at what happens when a kid gets neglected and left behind. This essay will talk about the different times kids get abandoned in the story and how it affects the characters.

Victor Frankenstein and His Creature

When Victor creates the creature, it's like he abandons it right away. He makes it come to life but then rejects and ignores it. Victor ditches his duty as a creator. He leaves the creature to survive on its own in a tough, unfriendly world. This first act of abandonment sets up all the creature's later actions.

As the creature roams around, it faces rejection and abandonment from everyone it meets. People fear and shun it, making it live alone and lonely. Without a parental figure to guide it, the creature has to figure out human interaction by itself, leading to tragic outcomes.

What Happens When Kids Get Abandoned

The novel shows the mental and emotional effects of child abandonment on both the kid and the one who abandons. For the creature, being left behind makes it feel deeply resentful and bitter towards Victor. It feels betrayed and wants revenge and recognition.

Victor, on the other hand, feels guilt and regret for what he did. He sees his huge mistake in creating the creature and then leaving it. This neglect haunts him throughout the story, making him feel responsible for all the tragic events.

Mary Shelley's Own Life

Mary Shelley's experiences with child abandonment might've influenced the themes in Frankenstein. Her mom died when she was young, and her dad remarried, making her feel abandoned. This feeling and the need for parental love might've shaped how she shows the relationship between Victor and the creature.

Also, Shelley's rocky relationship with her husband, Percy Shelley, and losing their own kids might've made her think about parental responsibility and the risks of neglecting kids.

Wrapping It Up

In the end, child abandonment is a key theme in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Through Victor and the creature, Shelley shows the terrible effects of neglecting and abandoning kids on both sides. The novel warns about the consequences of not taking care of one's creations and stresses the need for parental love and guidance. By exploring these themes, Shelley made a thought-provoking and timeless book that still hits home with readers today.