Character Analysis in “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
Victor Frankenstein
Ambition and Hubris: Victor Frankenstein is characterized by his insatiable thirst for knowledge and ambition. This drive propels him to pursue scientific endeavors beyond the bounds of conventional morality and ethics. From a young age, Victor exhibits a fascination with the mysteries of life and death, influenced by his readings of ancient alchemists and later, modern science. His ambition leads him to create life artificially, a feat he achieves but soon regrets. This ambition, while initially noble in its quest for knowledge, becomes hubristic as Victor’s desire to play God and achieve personal glory overtakes his moral considerations.
Creation and Abandonment: Victor’s creation of the Monster is the novel’s central event, reflecting his greatest achievement and his deepest failure. Upon animating the creature, Victor is immediately repulsed by its appearance and abandons it. This act of abandonment is crucial as it sets the stage for the Monster’s ensuing suffering and quest for revenge. Victor’s inability to foresee the consequences of his actions highlights his lack of foresight and responsibility. He fails to consider the ethical implications of creating life and the responsibilities that come with it.
Guilt and Isolation: Throughout the novel, Victor is plagued by guilt for the havoc the Monster wreaks. This guilt manifests in physical and psychological torment, exacerbated by the deaths of his loved ones, including his brother William, Justine (who is falsely accused of William’s murder), his friend Henry Clerval, and his wife Elizabeth. Victor’s guilt isolates him further, as he becomes consumed by his need to destroy the Monster he created. This isolation mirrors the Monster’s own, highlighting the theme of the consequences of rejecting one’s responsibilities.
Pursuit and Downfall: Victor’s relentless pursuit of the Monster leads him to the remote Arctic, symbolizing his ultimate descent into obsession and madness. His quest is driven by a need for retribution and redemption, but it ultimately leads to his demise. Victor’s tragic end underscores the novel’s cautionary message about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of ethical responsibility. His final words to Walton, urging him to avoid ambition and seek peace, reflect his recognition of his own failings and the futility of his pursuits.
The Monster
Creation and Innocence: The Monster, often referred to as Frankenstein’s creation, begins his existence with an innocent and curious nature. Despite his grotesque appearance, he initially exhibits a desire for companionship and understanding. His early interactions with the world are marked by a search for warmth, food, and shelter, reflecting basic human needs. The Monster’s initial innocence contrasts sharply with his later actions, highlighting the impact of societal rejection on his character.
Rejection and Alienation: The Monster’s physical appearance causes immediate and universal rejection by humans, including his creator, Victor. This rejection becomes a defining aspect of his existence, driving him into isolation and deepening his sense of alienation. The Monster’s encounters with humanity are marked by violence and fear, leading him to view himself as inherently monstrous. His self-education through literature, including works like “Paradise Lost,” deepens his understanding of his plight and fuels his sense of injustice and resentment.
Quest for Understanding and Vengeance: The Monster’s plea for a companion reflects his deep yearning for acceptance and understanding. When Victor destroys the female creature he had begun to create, the Monster’s sense of betrayal and isolation culminates in a vow of revenge. His acts of violence, including the murders of William, Justine (indirectly through framing), Clerval, and Elizabeth, are driven by a desire to make Victor suffer as he has suffered. The Monster’s transformation from a figure of sympathy to one of vengeance underscores the novel’s exploration of the effects of societal rejection and the duality of human nature.
Regret and Finality: In the novel’s conclusion, the Monster expresses regret for his actions and a desire for self-destruction. His final confrontation with Walton reveals his inner turmoil and the depth of his suffering. The Monster’s intention to end his own life suggests a complex character driven by a profound sense of loss, anger, and despair. His narrative challenges readers to consider the nature of monstrosity and the consequences of neglect and rejection.
Robert Walton
Narrator and Parallel: Robert Walton serves as the novel’s frame narrator, with his letters to his sister, Margaret, bookending Victor’s and the Monster’s narratives. Walton’s ambition and desire for discovery parallel Victor’s, positioning him as a narrative foil. His Arctic expedition, driven by a thirst for knowledge and glory, reflects similar themes of ambition and the pursuit of the unknown.
Empathy and Caution: Walton’s interactions with Victor provide a counterpoint to Victor’s isolation. His empathy and willingness to listen to Victor’s tale demonstrate a capacity for compassion and understanding. Walton’s decision to abandon his own quest for glory in favor of his crew’s safety contrasts with Victor’s relentless pursuit, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and the well-being of others. Walton’s character arc serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the potential for redemption through empathy and ethical reflection.
Elizabeth Lavenza
Idealized Virtue: Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor’s adopted sister and fiancée, embodies the ideal of virtue and domestic tranquility. Her character is defined by her beauty, kindness, and unwavering loyalty to Victor. Elizabeth’s presence in the novel highlights the gender dynamics and expectations of the time, positioning her as a symbol of the private, domestic sphere in contrast to Victor’s public, scientific endeavors.
Victim of Circumstance: Despite her virtuous nature, Elizabeth becomes a victim of the consequences of Victor’s actions. Her tragic death on her wedding night, at the hands of the Monster, symbolizes the destruction of Victor’s personal happiness and the collateral damage of his ambition. Elizabeth’s character underscores the theme of the innocent suffering due to the transgressions of others, highlighting the broader social and ethical implications of Victor’s pursuit.
Henry Clerval
Contrast and Friendship: Henry Clerval, Victor’s childhood friend, serves as a foil to Victor’s character. Clerval’s interests lie in the humanities, art, and exploration, contrasting with Victor’s obsession with scientific achievement. His supportive and compassionate nature provides a stark contrast to Victor’s isolation and moral ambiguity. Clerval’s presence in the novel highlights the importance of friendship, empathy, and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, rather than for glory or power.
Tragic Fate: Clerval’s murder by the Monster serves as a turning point in the novel, underscoring the profound impact of Victor’s actions on those around him. Clerval’s death represents the loss of innocence and beauty in the face of Victor’s hubristic pursuits. His tragic fate further deepens Victor’s guilt and isolation, emphasizing the novel’s exploration of the consequences of ambition and the moral responsibilities of creators.
Themes and Literary Significance
Ambition and Consequences: “Frankenstein” explores the theme of ambition and its consequences through the characters of Victor and Walton. Victor’s tragic arc serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overreaching and the ethical responsibilities that come with scientific advancement. Walton’s decision to heed Victor’s warning and abandon his own quest for glory highlights the potential for redemption and the importance of tempering ambition with responsibility and compassion.
Creation and Responsibility: The relationship between Victor and the Monster underscores the theme of creation and responsibility. Victor’s abandonment of his creation and the Monster’s subsequent quest for revenge illustrate the moral and ethical implications of creation without accountability. The novel raises questions about the limits of scientific exploration and the responsibilities of creators towards their creations.
Isolation and Alienation: Isolation and alienation are central themes in the novel, affecting both Victor and the Monster. Victor’s obsessive pursuit of scientific knowledge leads to his emotional and social isolation, while the Monster’s physical appearance and societal rejection drive him to violence and vengeance. The novel critiques the consequences of isolation and the human need for companionship and acceptance.
Nature vs. Nurture: The Monster’s development and actions raise the question of nature versus nurture. Despite his initial innocence, the Monster’s experiences with rejection and violence shape his transformation into a vengeful being. The novel suggests that the environment and societal treatment play a crucial role in shaping an individual’s character and behavior.
Literary Style and Structure: Shelley’s use of a framed narrative structure, with Walton’s letters enclosing Victor’s story and the Monster’s account, adds layers of perspective and complexity to the novel. The Gothic elements, including the bleak and sublime landscapes, the themes of horror and decay, and the focus on intense emotions, contribute to the novel’s enduring impact and its place in the Gothic literary tradition.
Conclusion
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley is a profound exploration of ambition, creation, and the consequences of playing God. Through detailed character analysis of Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, Robert Walton, Elizabeth Lavenza, and Henry Clerval, the novel delves into themes of responsibility, isolation, and the duality of human nature. Shelley’s masterful storytelling and philosophical depth ensure that “Frankenstein” remains a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers, offering insights into the ethical and moral questions surrounding scientific advancement and human ambition.