Frankenstein – An Analysis

Following the class’ reading of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, we will now delve into the depths of the novel to uncover some of the ideas that Shelley presents to the reader. We are looking at the novel as a work of gothic fiction and an artefact that examines the very human emotion of fear.

VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN

Describe three key moments for Victor Frankenstein in the text. Explain why these moments were crucial to the development of his character. Support each moment with a quotation from the text. 

The first key moment in they text that helps to develop Frankenstein’s character is the chapter where, after slaving away for months and months trying to create a new being, it finally comes alive. It is at this point in the novel where Frankenstein realises what an atrocity he has created, and that he was indeed blinded by the passion he had for infusing life into in inanimate body. A paragraph or two before the creature rises, Frankenstein looks upon his creation in awe. “His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful! – Great God!” He is lost in the exhilarating feeling of bringing a life into the world that he doesn’t, at first, realise the abomination he has spent the previous two years building. However, once the body is complete and he has lost the thill of creation, Frankenstein has a chance to take a step back and ‘admire’ his handy work. “For this (the creation of the monster) I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.” This scene is so important in aiding the development of Frankensteins character, as it opens his eyes to the fact that this horror that he has created is exactly that, his. Frankenstein has to take full responsibility for what he has created but his following actions reflect on what kind of person he is. “Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room, and continued a long time traversing my bedchamber.” The theme of Frankenstein fleeing from his problems is repeated throughout the text and greatly represents his character.

William’s death brought a whole range of emotions upon Frankenstein and this major event effects his character greatly. He weeps for the loss of his younger brother after reading a letter from his father entailing the detains of his death. Frankenstein convinces his friend Henry Clerval to accompany him on the journey back to Geneva, and so they set off the next morning.

When he decides against making a second creature,

There are some key traits that commonly surface for the protagonist in gothic fiction. 

• A God Complex
• A distressing event in their earlier life
• A flaw in their moral compass
• A moment of recognition or revelation

Explain what is meant by each of the statements above and identify how Victor Frankenstein displays these common traits. Use quotations from the text to support your answers. 

Having a God Complex means that you essentially insert yourself into the position that God would be in. You would consider yourself superior to the rest of human or animal life, and would disregard the demands of society, considering yourself to be deserving of special privileges. In the novel, Victor Frankenstein regards himself as all of these things and it is evident throughout the chapters how this effects him and those he interacts with. The most obvious portrayal of Victor Frankenstein’s God Complex is when he decides to create the monster. He tries to create life. The reason this point of the novel is so important is because he doesn’t just resurrect something that was dead and revive it, but rather gather parts of already dead things and physically build a life. This is essentially what God would do and so Victor is acting in the place of God. “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me.” He is implying that the creation or creations that he brings into life would be indebted to him as his is their sole creator, much like how humans refer to God as. In essence, Victor is trying to become a superior being to the rest of the human race; setting himself above them by creating life.

A distressing event in one’s past can majorly impact someone’s future events.

Creature Analysis:

Explain how the creature learns about the world around him in the text. Support your answer with quotations from the text.

After surviving on the bare minimum for months on end, the monster arrives at a small village which is sparsely populated and settles down at a hovel which is joined to a small cottage. This cottage he dares not enter, but rather observes from afar, knowing that if he were to reveal himself he would find himself faced with more looks of horror and aggressive notions which would in turn drive him out of the village. As the days pass, the monster begins to learn things about the place he resides. The first, the hovel in which he lives provides shelter, warmth and very convenient way of observing the seconds thing he learns. A family live in the cottage which the hovel is next too, and consists of a girl, a boy and a blind old man. This is the DeLacey family.

Describe the reaction that people often have toward the Creature. How does this reaction seem unfair? Do the Creature’s intentions deserve the response he gets from people?

Describe three moments for the creature that shape him into the vengeful monster he becomes. Explain how these moments would cause an individual to lose hope in humanity and turn against them. Use quotations from the text to support your answer.