Theme of Betrayal in Frankenstein

Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, is a novel that explores various themes, one of which is betrayal. Throughout the text, betrayal is depicted in different forms and has significant implications for the characters and the overall narrative. This essay will analyze the theme of betrayal in Frankenstein, highlighting its manifestations and the consequences it brings. By examining the actions of Victor Frankenstein, the Creature, and other characters, it becomes evident that betrayal is central to the story and has a profound impact on both the betrayer and the betrayed.

One of the primary instances of betrayal in Frankenstein is Victor Frankenstein's betrayal of his own creation. After bringing the Creature to life, Victor is initially repulsed by its appearance and abandons it, leaving the Creature to fend for itself in a hostile world. This betrayal is evident in Victor's own words when he exclaims, "I beheld the wretch — the miserable monster whom I had created" (Shelley, 60). Victor's act of abandonment is an act of betrayal, as he fails to take responsibility for his creation and leaves it to suffer.

The consequences of Victor's betrayal are far-reaching. The Creature, who initially seeks love and companionship, is denied these basic human needs, which leads to its transformation into a vengeful being. The Creature's actions, such as killing Victor's loved ones, can be seen as a direct response to the betrayal it experiences. Therefore, Victor's betrayal not only affects the Creature but also contributes to the overall tragic events of the novel.

While Victor's betrayal is significant, the Creature also engages in acts of betrayal throughout the novel. The most notable instance is when the Creature demands that Victor create a companion for it, promising to leave humanity alone if this request is fulfilled. However, when Victor begins the process of creating a second creature, he ultimately betrays the Creature by destroying its potential companion.

This betrayal has severe consequences for the Creature, as it further alienates and isolates it from society. The Creature's reaction to this betrayal is evident when it declares, "Remember that I have power; you believe yourself miserable, but I can make you so wretched that the light of day will be hateful to you" (Shelley, 169). By betraying the Creature's trust, Victor ultimately pushes it to seek revenge and perpetuate a cycle of betrayal.

Beyond the central characters, Frankenstein also portrays betrayal through the actions of secondary characters. For example, Elizabeth, Victor's fiancée, is subjected to betrayal when Victor refuses to marry her before completing his scientific pursuits. This betrayal is evident in Elizabeth's letter to Victor, where she expresses her anguish: "But in giving an account of the progress of my intellect, I must not omit to relate my unhappy breach with my only companion" (Shelley, 101). Victor's prioritization of his scientific ambitions over his relationship with Elizabeth ultimately leads to her betrayal and tragic fate.

Furthermore, the betrayal of societal norms and expectations is also a prevalent theme in Frankenstein. Victor's pursuit of forbidden knowledge and his obsession with creating life can be seen as a betrayal of the natural order. This betrayal is reflected in the consequences that Victor and those around him face, as the unnatural creation of the Creature disrupts the harmony of the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the theme of betrayal in Frankenstein is a central element of the novel, impacting the characters and driving the narrative forward. Victor Frankenstein's betrayal of his own creation and the Creature's subsequent acts of betrayal highlight the destructive nature of betrayal. Additionally, secondary characters, such as Elizabeth, also experience betrayal, further emphasizing the theme's significance. The consequences of these betrayals are far-reaching, leading to tragic events and perpetuating a cycle of betrayal and revenge. Frankenstein serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the destructive power of betrayal and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. The theme of betrayal in Frankenstein invites further exploration into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of betrayal in both personal and societal contexts.

References

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Penguin Classics, 2003.