Gothic Elements In Frankenstein Essay

In Mary Shelley’s book Frankenstein, the main character, Victor Frankenstein is a scientist whose inability to see past his own ego ultimately leads him to create a monster. Not fully aware of the consequences of his creating a new race of humans, he spends his entire life trying to destroy the same creation. Victor’s impulses to create such a monstrosity directly correlate to a part of his mental state that houses emotions of sex and aggression. His incomparable urge to surpass his ego in his thirst for this romantic knowledge ultimately leads to his downfall.
In the beginning of chapter five, Mary Shelley encapsulates gothic elements that grotesquely depict the features of the beast as well as the environment in which victor creates his monster. Victor …show more content…
It gives a depiction of how something that is intended to be revolutionary can turn out terrible. Satan’s attempt to supersede the role of God directly correlates to Victors creation of the monster in which he tries to take the role of God. Shelley creates a parallel that alludes to the creation story in which god created Adam. Whereas Victor states “His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful! Great God!” (Shelley, Mary) it is apparent from this that Victor sees the good in the monster as did God in Adam.
Victor’s distressed mental state inhibits him from creating an atmosphere for the monster that is conducive to a sustainable human like character. From “birth” the creature maintains a benevolence that, like any newborn, causes it to show affection towards Victor. His frightful exterior doesn’t delineate from his apparent innocence. This delineation is juxtaposed by his parent’s selfless care for him as he renounces the “birth” of his own child. Victor’s feelings of isolation can be attributed to his disconnect from his own creation. This further eludes to the unethical nature of Victor and his