Human Nature and Ambitions in Frankenstein

Introduction

The story begins when a sea captain named Walton saved Victor Frankenstein’s life. Victor Frankenstein then starts recalling in flashback what happened to him. As a young man, Victor left his home to pursue his aspiration in studying science. During his studies, he decided to work on a biology project to create a creature, a task that seems impossible to the human mind. He worked on this project in his laboratory for long nights with determination and persistence.

Creation and Consequences

On a dark night, while Victor was sleeping at his desk due to exhaustion, lightning struck, and the monster came to life. Victor was horrified because of the way the monster turned out; the creature was grotesque and terrifying. Victor forgot that the project he had worked long nights for was actually a living being. This moment represents a critical point in the narrative where human ambition crosses the boundaries of nature, and Victor's realization of his actions comes too late.

Human Nature and Ambitions in Frankenstein

Victor tried to escape the reality of having created the creature, which illustrates the wrong approach to dealing with significant problems. The monster, seeking acceptance, climbed a mountain where he found a cottage and met a blind man who couldn’t judge him by appearance. Despite the monster's efforts to integrate and live peacefully, society's judgment based on his appearance left him isolated and rejected. This rejection fueled the monster's desire for revenge against Victor, leading to the murder of Victor’s brother, friend, and wife. Victor's refusal to create a spouse for the monster—out of fear of bringing another creature into existence—further exacerbated the situation. The monster's actions underscore the consequences of Victor's neglect and irresponsibility.

The monster symbolizes the problems that Victor faces throughout his life. Victor's attempt to run away from his problems only made them more intense and dreadful. These issues had a profoundly negative impact on his loved ones, highlighting the broader theme that personal struggles, when ignored, can harm those around us. Each person in life encounters their own challenges, and evading them will only make matters worse.

Reflection and Realization

In life, we often do things that we later regret, so it is crucial to think carefully before acting and to accept full responsibility for the consequences of our failures. Victor's sudden realization that he spent his life isolated from happiness and warmth to create something against nature and himself was profound. He was so engrossed in his work that, despite feeling mildly revolted during the process, he felt compelled to continue because he believed it was his destiny. However, once his task was completed, the weight of his actions and their effects on himself and others hit him hard, leading to illness and despair. This part of the story reflects on the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of considering the ethical implications of scientific advancements (Shelley, 1818).

Conclusion

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked ambition and the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific exploration. It calls for a balance between innovation and moral responsibility, urging readers to reflect on their own actions and the impact they have on the world and people around them (Shelley, 1818). By examining Victor's journey and the repercussions of his choices, we are reminded of the importance of accountability and the need to confront our problems head-on rather than running from them.

References

• Shelley, M. (1818). Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones.