Victor is The True Villain of Frankenstein

So, who really is the bad guy in "Frankenstein"? Ever since Mary Shelley put pen to paper back in 1818, folks have been arguing about this. Sure, some might point the finger at the creature with all its rage and violence. But let's take a step back. If you look closely, you'll see that Victor Frankenstein is actually the real villain here. This essay digs into his selfish ambition, careless actions, and unwillingness to own up to his creation. All of these show he's the one behind all the mess and heartache that follows.

'Victor is The True Villain of Frankenstein'

Victor's Selfish Ambition

You know what? One big reason Victor comes off as the bad guy is his selfish ambition. From when he was just a kid, he had this craving for knowledge and power. It’s like he couldn't help but dive headfirst into creating that creature. He got so caught up in science and wanted to get all up in nature's business without thinking about what might happen later. Victor was too busy chasing glory to think about whether making life was a good idea.

This drive of his shows up again when he reacts to seeing the creature alive. Does he say, "Hey, I made you; let me help you out"? Nope! He runs away and wants nothing to do with it anymore. It's like he's more worried about keeping his reputation intact than doing right by his creation: "Begone! I do break my promise; never will I create another like yourself, equal in deformity and wickedness" (Shelley 100). That’s Victor for you – all about himself and pretty much zero empathy.

Victor's Neglectful Actions

Apart from being selfishly ambitious, Victor's neglect just seals the deal on him being the story’s real villain. He brings this creature into existence and then ditches it completely, leaving it alone in a world that hates it. What did he think would happen? This neglect kicks off a chain reaction of terrible events leading to disaster after disaster.

Plus, check out how he treats people he supposedly cares about throughout the book. Victor always seems wrapped up in his own world instead of looking out for friends or family. He’s not there emotionally; they’re basically on their own because he’s too busy with his obsessions.

Victor's Refusal to Take Responsibility

The worst part? Victor flat-out refuses responsibility for what he did by bringing this creature to life. You'd think he'd own up after everything goes sideways—but nope! Instead of admitting any guilt over what happens because of his creation running wild, he's quick to pass the buck onto others.

A prime example: those tragic deaths caused by his creature? Rather than say “my bad,” Victor blames everything on it—and wipes his hands clean of any wrongdoing: “I was guiltless but had indeed drawn down a horrible curse upon my head” (Shelley 167). Talk about dodging accountability!

Conclusion

When you get right down to it—it's clear as day that Victor Frankenstein takes home the title as true villain here—not just some misunderstood genius tinkering with forces beyond him or whatever excuse fans give him nowadays... His ambitious drive blinded him while negligence paved way straight towards catastrophe—and let's be honest—his refusal accepting responsibility truly paints picture someone failing face repercussions choice made bring forth sentient being unprepared handle ramifications thereof... Such questions raised pertaining creator obligations ethics scientific advancements keep "Frankenstein" ever relevant engaging read worth discussing today tomorrow beyond...

Bibliography

• Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Penguin Books, 2013.
• SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on Frankenstein.” SparkNotes.com.
• Baldick, Chris. In Frankenstein's Shadow: Myth, Monstrosity, and Nineteenth-century Writing.
• Lederer, Susan E., and Richard Malkin. “Monsters Or Marvels? Ethical Issues in Human Biology.” Sci Eng Ethics.
• Mellor, Anne K.. Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters.
• Knoepflmacher UC ed.. The Endurance of Frankenstein: Essays on Mary Shelley's Novel (1982).