The Double Nature of The Monster in Frankenstein

Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, is a novel that explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge. At the center of this tale is Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist who creates a monstrous being. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the monster is not just a physical entity, but also a representation of Victor's own inner turmoil. This essay will argue that the monster serves as Victor's double, reflecting his own flaws and ultimately leading to his downfall. Specifically, it will focus on the personality trait of hubris as the driving force behind Victor's tragic fate.

The Monster as Victor's Mirror

From the moment of its creation, the monster in Frankenstein is portrayed as an outsider and an outcast. It is rejected by society due to its grotesque appearance and is left to navigate the world alone. Similarly, Victor is also isolated in his pursuit of knowledge and ambition. He becomes so consumed by his desire to create life that he neglects his loved ones and loses touch with humanity. The monster, then, serves as a reflection of Victor's own isolation and the consequences of his hubris.

One key moment that highlights this duality between Victor and the monster is when the creature confronts his creator. He eloquently expresses his anguish and loneliness, appealing to Victor's sense of responsibility. The monster pleads, "I am thy creature: I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed" (Shelley, 87). Here, the monster draws a parallel between himself and Adam, the first man in Christian mythology. By doing so, he not only emphasizes his longing for connection, but also implies that Victor is playing the role of God, with all the hubris that entails.

The Downfall of Hubris

Victor's downfall is directly linked to his hubris, which blinds him to the consequences of his actions. His pursuit of knowledge and desire to play God ultimately lead to devastating consequences. Although Victor initially sees his creation as a triumph, he quickly realizes the horrors he has unleashed. The monster's murders and acts of revenge become a mirror for Victor's own sins of neglect and abandonment. His refusal to take responsibility for his creation and his inability to see beyond his own desires ultimately seal his fate.

One of the most striking examples of Victor's hubris leading to his downfall is his reaction to Elizabeth's death. When the monster kills his beloved wife, Victor is consumed by grief and vows to exact revenge. He declares, "I will pursue the daemon who caused this misery until he or I shall perish in mortal conflict" (Shelley, 154). This statement reveals Victor's arrogance and his belief that he can single-handedly overcome the creature he himself created. It is this blind determination that ultimately leads to his own demise.

The Implications of Victor's Downfall

Victor's tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of playing God. His downfall reveals the fragility of human beings and the hubris that often accompanies scientific progress. Shelley's novel warns against the dangers of pursuing knowledge without considering the ethical implications and the potential harm it can cause.

In conclusion, Frankenstein presents the monster as a reflection of Victor's own flaws and inner turmoil. The creature serves as Victor's double, highlighting his hubris and the tragic consequences it brings. Victor's downfall is a result of his unchecked ambition and his inability to take responsibility for his creation. Mary Shelley's novel serves as a warning against the dangers of hubris and the importance of considering the ethical implications of scientific pursuit.

Bibliography

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Penguin Classics, 2003.