Victor as a God, or The parallels between creator and creature: an analysis of the monstrous aspects of victor frankenstein and their consequences upon his offspring

Abstract

This paper analyzes Victor Frankenstein’s lack of responsibility over his own actions, choices, and ultimately his own creation, his progeny, in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Or The Modern Prometheus, first published in 1818, and republished in 1831. Such an attitude has consequences for his Creature, who repeats his creator’s habit of believing others, not himself, are responsible for his actions. By abandoning his Creature, Victor indeed condemns him to a life of isolation and misery, but that is not to say it was not the creature’s choice to spread havoc wherever he chose to. Taking that into account, this analysis, by bringing selected excerpts from the novel and from critics to guide the discussion, shows that both Victor and the Creature share the limiting view that they have no control over their destiny, and therefore are not to blame for the disgrace that permeates their lives. As a result, this work shows how themes such as parenting, neglect, and responsibility are relevant in the novel.