Question
Compare Victor Frankenstein and his creation. In what ways are their life experiences similar and different?
Answer
Victor Frankenstein and his creation, often referred to as “the Creature,” share both similarities and differences in their life experiences, as depicted in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.”
Similarities:
Isolation and Alienation: Both Victor and the Creature experience profound isolation. Victor isolates himself due to his obsessive pursuit of scientific knowledge, while the Creature is alienated by society due to his appearance and lack of acceptance (Shalghin, 2024; Ridho, Nugraha and Satria, 2024; Singh, 2024).
Existential Quest: Both characters embark on existential quests for meaning and belonging. Victor seeks to transcend human limitations through science, while the Creature seeks understanding and companionship (Ridho, Nugraha and Satria, 2024).
Tragic Outcomes: Both lives end tragically. Victor’s ambition leads to his downfall, and the Creature’s quest for acceptance results in violence and despair (Ridho, Nugraha and Satria, 2024; Singh, 2024).
Differences:
Creation vs. Creator: Victor is the creator, driven by ambition and hubris, while the Creature is the result of Victor’s scientific experiment, struggling with identity and rejection (Shalghin, 2024; Ridho, Nugraha and Satria, 2024; Shuffelton, 2018).
Social Interaction: Victor chooses isolation, whereas the Creature is forced into it by societal rejection. The Creature desires social interaction and acceptance, which he is consistently denied (Shalghin, 2024; Singh, 2024; Shuffelton, 2018).
Moral Responsibility: Victor fails to take responsibility for his creation, leading to catastrophic consequences. In contrast, the Creature, despite his violent actions, is portrayed as a victim of circumstance and societal prejudice (Shalghin, 2024; Grimes, 2019; Shuffelton, 2018).
Conclusion:
Victor Frankenstein and his creation share experiences of isolation and existential searching, yet differ in their roles as creator and creation, their interactions with society, and their moral responsibilities. These parallels and contrasts highlight themes of ambition, identity, and societal acceptance in Shelley’s narrative.
References
Shalghin, A., 2024. Monstrosity and the Search for an Identity in Frankenstein. World Journal of English Language. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v14n5p160
Ridho, M., Nugraha, F., & Satria, R., 2024. Image Archetypal from the Novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley. INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa. https://doi.org/10.36232/interactionjournal.v11i2.47
Singh, T., 2024. Frankenstein: A Romantic Novel. International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.22161/ijels.95.35
Grimes, S., 2019. Returning to Frankenstein: the spark of being and the fire of life. Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d’anesthésie, 67, pp. 274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-019-01471-z
Shuffelton, A., 2018. The Monstrosity of Parental Involvement: Formation Through Reading in Shelley and Rousseau. Philosophy of Education Archive, 2018, pp. 64-76.
Shelley, M. (1818). Frankenstein. Delaware: Prestwick House.
