Victor Frankenstein Research Paper
English 12 Honors
13 January 2014
The Downfall of Victor Frankenstein
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Lincoln believes that to test one’s character, you must see how they handle power. In Frankenstein: A Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley, Victor Frankenstein is a man consumed by knowledge and power, and because of this, there is a gradual deterioration of character, starting from humble beginnings, eventually declines in moral standing, ultimately causing his death and many others.
Victor Frankenstein led a modest and content life as a child. He was cared for and loved by his parents, as is shown when he says “They seemed to draw inexhaustible stores …show more content…
It is proved that his mental state is unbalanced when he states, “My internal being was in a state of insurrection and turmoil” (Shelley 36). As his mental health becomes unstable, he then becomes obsessed with science, making it his highest priority, even above his own health and family. Victor then suddenly became consumed with the concept of creating life artificially, and of the elixir of life. Although Victor does succeed in his dream of creating life, he is soon horrified at the sight of what he has created. He is not proud of the Creature, but disgusted at the sight of it, stating, “the beauty of the dream had vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelley 57) Victor abandons his creation and leaving it to fend for itself, indirectly causing the murders of loved ones on account of his own shallowness, selfishness, vanity, and disregard of moral …show more content…
Both Victor’s self-serving attitude and ego shines through when he is more concerned for his own life, than the life of Justine’s, when he condescendingly states, “… I have confessed myself guilty of the crimes ascribed to Justine, but such a declaration would have been considered the ravings of a madman” (Shelley 66) Victor also shows no consideration in hiding his contempt for the Creature, and the Creature becomes painfully aware of his creator’s feelings towards him. Even when the Creature had begged Victor for a female companion, in return promising to never harm mankind again, Victor still destroyed the female counterpart to save his own skin, and to deny the Creature the right of companionship. This shows not only the level of Victor’s narcissism, but also shows the pinnacle of his character and moral deterioration, which eventually leads to the demise of himself and
13 January 2014
The Downfall of Victor Frankenstein
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Lincoln believes that to test one’s character, you must see how they handle power. In Frankenstein: A Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley, Victor Frankenstein is a man consumed by knowledge and power, and because of this, there is a gradual deterioration of character, starting from humble beginnings, eventually declines in moral standing, ultimately causing his death and many others.
Victor Frankenstein led a modest and content life as a child. He was cared for and loved by his parents, as is shown when he says “They seemed to draw inexhaustible stores …show more content…
It is proved that his mental state is unbalanced when he states, “My internal being was in a state of insurrection and turmoil” (Shelley 36). As his mental health becomes unstable, he then becomes obsessed with science, making it his highest priority, even above his own health and family. Victor then suddenly became consumed with the concept of creating life artificially, and of the elixir of life. Although Victor does succeed in his dream of creating life, he is soon horrified at the sight of what he has created. He is not proud of the Creature, but disgusted at the sight of it, stating, “the beauty of the dream had vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelley 57) Victor abandons his creation and leaving it to fend for itself, indirectly causing the murders of loved ones on account of his own shallowness, selfishness, vanity, and disregard of moral …show more content…
Both Victor’s self-serving attitude and ego shines through when he is more concerned for his own life, than the life of Justine’s, when he condescendingly states, “… I have confessed myself guilty of the crimes ascribed to Justine, but such a declaration would have been considered the ravings of a madman” (Shelley 66) Victor also shows no consideration in hiding his contempt for the Creature, and the Creature becomes painfully aware of his creator’s feelings towards him. Even when the Creature had begged Victor for a female companion, in return promising to never harm mankind again, Victor still destroyed the female counterpart to save his own skin, and to deny the Creature the right of companionship. This shows not only the level of Victor’s narcissism, but also shows the pinnacle of his character and moral deterioration, which eventually leads to the demise of himself and