Fatherhood In Frankenstein

Some people believe they can choose their family, but the truth is this: as much of a debt they think their family owes them, they owe their family just as much; as much as they believe they are plagued with the misfortune of having those people so close in their lives, the feeling is often mutual. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a novel focused on Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who aims to create life, but does not foresee the consequences. He neglects his creation as well as his family in the process, which leads to several heart breaking deaths, and leaves him with too many regrets. Shelley makes the argument through Victor’s story to say how important, however difficult it is, to take responsibility of a person’s actions in all aspects …show more content…
It is generally accepted for a parent to have the responsibility to provide for and teach their children; Victor, however, does not accept these aspects of parenthood, and, in fact, rejects his role of a parent entirely. The monster is abandoned the first night after the creation of his life. He is left alone to discover simple aspects, such as the moon and fire, as well as more complicated lessons, such as how there can be evil in even the best things. He learns this lesson by finding fire to be warm and welcoming, but hot and hurtful at the same time after he tries to “thrust [his] hand into the live embers” in joy, but recoils in pain (85). After being rejected by society for over two years, the monster becomes evil in his misery. Victor learns of the monster’s sufferings and is left feeling remorse and guilt. He agrees to create a companion to give his monster “a portion of happiness” it is his responsibility and in his “power to bestow” (148). As a parent, it was his responsibility to have taken care of his creature enough to keep the situation from getting this far, but the creature takes it upon himself to help his creator to this realization because even parents make mistakes. Mary Shelley tells of the importance of responsibility through Victor and the consequences he faces throughout the novel for his actions of neglecting that responsibility. This is relevant in all meanings of the word, not only in her novel, but also in life as people make choices every day which affect others daily through science, humanity, and their families. Responsibility should not be taken lightly, but contemplated in every action, and upheld in every choice made by every