The Real Monster: Victor Frankenstein

The Real Monster, victor frankenstein Mary Shelley’s narrative, Frankenstein is the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. “It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils…by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs.(52)” This was the time and the place in which the creature came to life. Victor Frankenstein thought that his creation was a hideous monster, but his ignorance blinded him from the truth. In veracity, Victor Frankenstein was the real monster this was evident from his selfishness, from his cruelty and rejection of his creation, and because he indirectly caused the deaths of his own family and friends. The selfishness shown by Victor Frankenstein is just one of the traits that shows that he is the monster. His selfish attitude is visible throughout the whole story. In the beginning when he first discovers the cause of generation and life, he does not tell anyone about it. He thinks, “The astonishment which I had first experienced on this discovery soon gave place to delight and rapture…What had been the study and desire of the wisest men since the creation of the world was now within my grasp. (47)” This type of selfish thinking entails excessive pride and self-glory with disregard to the good of others. Another example of selfishness is the death of Justine, Frankenstein could have saved her if it was not for his selfish attitude. “My tale was not one to announce publicly; its astounding horror would be looked upon as madness by the vulgar. (75)” This statement made by Victor Frankenstein shows how selfish he is. Near the end of the novel, the creature says: “I shall be with you on your wedding night. (164)” Victor Frankenstein never even thinks that it will kill his wife; he just thinks that it will kill him,