Good Intentions Destroyed in Frankenstein

In “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, good intentions are destroyed by ambitious, selfish, and disrespectful behavior. Frankenstein along with the creature, although seemingly different in personalities, have many characteristics that interlock with each other creating a suspenseful plot filled with good intentions that are never fully executed. Dominance is a reoccurring theme in “Frankenstein” as both Victor Frankenstein, himself, and the creature strive to be perfect in every task they preform. Although that strive for excellence may be a quality that many wish to attain, the intentions of both Frankenstein and the creature are shattered due to their behaviors. As Frankenstein embarks on adventures whose outcomes are not what he predicts, his intentions become overshadowed by the actions he has toward nature and other characters. Frankenstein’s “thoughts supported [his] spirits, while [he] perused [his] undertaking with unremitting ardour” (Shelley 44). His thoughts are always surpassing his ambitions and reflect in the outcome of his actions. Throughout the novel, the creature also struggles in separating his emotions from the actions he makes that cause him make involuntary outbreaks causing the death of a few people.

Neglecting his family to travel away for many years and aspiring to create his new species, Frankenstein’s good intentions are destroyed by his ambitious character. As Frankenstein is so focused on creating his new creature, he abandons his family and leaves them without contact to Frankenstein for many long periods of time. Preparing for the commencement of creating the creature, Frankenstein “doubted not that I should ultimately succeed” (Shelley 44). He is very confident in his experiment so much that he loses contact with many of his closest friends and even family. As “[a] new species will bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me” (Shelley 44). Frankenstein’s intentions to create this