English language and literature studies

¶ … Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. The writer of this paper uses several quotes and examples to illustrate the traits and personality characteristics that Victor and the monster share.

IN HIS OWN CREATION

One of the most classic works of literature today, is Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Her book, penned in an effort to support her family as a struggling single mother, has become one of the most studied manuscripts of all time. Classrooms are filled with heated debates over her use of metaphors and subtleties. One of the most interesting components of the story is the similar nature of the monster and his creator, Victor. When one initially reads the book, one sees the two as enemies on opposite sides of the pole. However, if the reader peels away the topcoat and examines the underpinnings, he will see that the two had many things in common which can trace to the biblical belief that the creator creates in his own image.

The monster in the book of Frankenstein morphs from a creature of little background or success, to a creature of great intelligence and dignity. The monster becomes quite the intellectual, which immediately ties him to his creator in similar traits. Victor was a scientist with a tremendous amount of knowledge, who understood far to well the intricate workings of human nature. As the monster acclimated to the life he had been given, he too began to grasp the human afflictions that cause pain and suffering as well as provide love and warmth to each other.

One of the most ironic similarities between the monster and Victor, is the ability to become violently angry when faced with personal failure. The monster committed several acts of violence in his frustration to not be able to fit in and be accepted in the world. Victor condemned the monster for his actions yet, displayed the same reaction to the monster when speaking of the monster's actions.

Women are inherently maternal, and yet he notes, 'when I thought of him, I gnashed my teeth, my eyes became inflamed, and I ardently wished to extinguish that life which I had so thoughtlessly bestowed' (Shelley 87).