It has been said that Victor and his creation are similar creatures. Are they similar?
Every construction must resemble its architect. Whether it is through its structure, its colours or the construction as a whole man can look at it and see characteristics of the man who created it. In Frankenstein by Mary Shelly Victor Frankenstein and his creation are similar creatures. They are both individuals who are dealing with as much internal conflict as they are external conflicts. Firstly, both Victor and his creation have come to a realization that as wondrous as knowledge is it can be destructive. Secondly, it is evident that they both share the characteristics of both monster and man. Lastly, they both are alienated from the world around them. In Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, Victor Frankenstein and his creation are similar creatures as they both battle the same internal and external conflicts.
Aristotle once said, All men by nature desire knowledge. This is the exact case in Mary Shellys novel Frankenstein. Both Victor Frankenstein and his creation think that knowledge is important. This is evident from Victor when he talks about his passion to learn , My temper was sometimes violent, and my passions vehement; but by some law in my temperature they were turned, not towards childish pursuits, but to an eager desire to learn...It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things, or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still my inquiries were directed to the metaphysical, or, in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world,(Shelly, Ch. 2, paragraph 4). This quote shows Victors yearning for knowledge, and just like Victor his creation also wishes to gain knowledge, this is outlined in two different quotes, "... This was indeed a godlike science, and I ardently desired to become acquainted with it. But I was baffled in every attempt I made for this purpose...By great application, however, and after having remained during the space of several revolutions of the moon in my hovel, I discovered the names that were given to some of the most familiar objects of discourse; I learned and applied the wordsI cannot describe the delight I felt when I learned... (Shelly, Ch. 12 paragraph 9)... While I improved in speech, I also learned the science of letters, as it was taught to the stranger; and this opened before me a wide field for wonder and delight (Shelly, Chapter 13 paragraph 14). Both these quotes specify that Frankensteins creation had a drive to learn and understand what was going on around him. It is evident that both characters had a desire to gain knowledge. However, both Victor and his creation come to the realization that the power of knowledge may be a destructive thing. While Victor was in a frenzy to create his creation he stated these words, Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow (Shelly, Ch.4 Paragraph 6). This quote clearly shows that Victor believes knowledge to be a dangerous thing, and just like Victor his creation agrees with him on the perils of knowledge when he states, Of what a strange nature is knowledge! It clings to the mind, when it has once seized on it, like a lichen to a rock.(Shelly, Ch.13 Paragraph 19). Both creator and creation have similar views about knowledge they yearn for its very existence yet they curse the power it holds.
The interesting things about humans is that we posses many personalities and have the ability to showcase each as we feel necessary. Both Victor and Frankenstein have a human and demonic side to them. In the beginning of the novel Victor shows many human traits to do with his need for knowledge and for love. However as the story progresses, we see this unloving perturbed, malicious and somewhat dark side of Victor. It is firstly evident in his disgust for his creation when he says. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart (Shelly, Ch. 5, paragraph 3). Victors creation on the other hand is displayed as malicious and demonic in the beginning of the story but we see his more human side as the story progresses, as he wishes for a companion, I am alone, and miserable; man will not associate with me; but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species, and have the same defects. This being you must create. (Shelly Ch.16 paragraph 36). Clearly the creation is seeking to be loved and acknowledged just like another human. Frankenstein and his creation both share a need for love and acknowledgement yet they have a certain disgust for many things around them.
One of the worse things to befall a man is to be left to his own thoughts for a considerable amount of time as he descends into loneliness and despair. In Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, both Victor and his creation have a great sense of loneliness. Victor feels alienated from the world as he has created this monster which he can tell no one about. When Victor decides to not make his creation a companion his loneliness and despair deepens, I walked about the isle like a restless spectre, separated from all it loved, and miserable in the separation. (Shelly Ch. 20 paragraph 20). It is evident in this quote that Victor feels alone and does not have anyone to turn to. Frankensteins creation is also suffering from despair and loneliness he says,I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me(Shelly, Ch. 16 Paragraph 36). This quote shows that the creation is in the world with no one to acknowledge him and is lonely. Another quote by the creation states, CURSED, cursed creator! Why did I live? Why, in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence which you had so wantonly bestowed?(Shelly Ch. 16 Paragraph 1) It is evident in this quote that the creation wished it had never been born. He is so riddled with despair that he curses his very existence. Both creator and creation are riddled with horror at the fact that they are surrounded by people within whom they can neither seek nor find acknowledgment.
In Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, Victor Frankenstein and his creation are similar creatures as they both battle the same internal and external conflicts. The novel is a clear representation of the link between a man and its creator a parent and child. A creation will portray similar attributes to that of its creator as is outlined in the story. Frankenstein and his creation are both men who yearn for the power of wisdom and when they do receive it they witness its destruction. Both men battle vigorously with their emotions showing both their demonic and more humane side, and most of all both men just want to be loved an accepted. Creating something is a beautiful yet daunting task one wields a certain power to create something in its likeness but upon its creation it faced with the horrid task of looking at itself through its own creation.
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