The Role Of Narcissism In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

“ But such as not my destiny; I must pursue and destroy the being to whom I gave existence; then my lot on earth will be fulfilled, and I may die” (Shelley 215). Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, tells a story of a man, Victor, who creates a monster and is miserable after making this creature. Victor’s narcissism causes him to have a miserable life. Victor’s self-isolation, want for glory, and defending his reputation are the cause of his wretchedness. Victor’s belief that he is the most miserable of humans, causes him to be alone. Victor believes that because he knows how to create life and no one else does, that then no one can relate to the misery that he endures. He is the creator of the monster who killed people close to him and believes that no one can understand how he is the cause of …show more content…
Victor refuses to share his story because he fears people calling him mad. Victor knows that Justine is innocent and did not kill William, but thinks to himself, “ My tale was not one to announce publicly; its astounding horror would be looked upon as madness by the vulgar” (81). Victor does not want to tell his story of creating the monster and thinks that he would be seen as mad if he does. Victor can help and defend Justine life if he shares his secret, but does not. Victor replies to Elizabeth’s letter, still thinking about what the monster told him, and says, “ I have one secret Elizabeth, a dreadful one… I will confide this tale of misery and terror to you the day after our marriage… there must be perfect confidence between us” (193-194). Victor will tell Elizabeth his secret after they are married, because he wants her to believe the he is not mad. He does not warn Elizabeth about the monster possibly being there on their wedding day and she dies. Victor is worrying about what others think of him when it could save people’s lives. He is miserable because he is the reason why the innocence