Frankenstein story Essay Example
Frankenstein story Essay Example

Frankenstein story Essay Example

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The Woeful and Horrendously Sad Tale of Frankincense

In Mary Shelley's Frankincense, the true monster is questioned. Victor, the protagonist, creates a living being using body parts, which drastically alters his life. However, Victor's creation does not turn out as he had envisioned, leading to his hatred towards it.

In her horror novel, Shelley incorporates elements of Romantic and Enlightenment ideologies to explore and illustrate the varying emotions experienced by her character. In Frankincense, Victor's inability to nurture his creation stems from his lack of genuine empathy, a result of never having learned to care for others. The loss of his mother at a young age compounds this issue, as her death was characterized by a peaceful demeanor and an enduring display of affection even in her final moments.

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Shelley (45), Victor conveyed the indescribable emotions felt by those who endure the irreparable loss of their closest connections. The emptiness that permeates the soul and the hopelessness that is visible in one's expression were apparent in Victor's demeanor when his mother died from sickness. This incident, which took place during his seventeenth year, had a deep effect on his existence as he was left without a maternal presence. As a result, Victor experienced an unfillable void.

Shelley's "Frankenstein" showcases Romantic thought and the theme of deep emotion through the character of Victor. The death of his mother deeply affects him, as he no longer has someone to care for him and he mourns the loss of the love only a mother can give. This event highlights Victor's longing for the maternal qualities he can never have due to his mother's absence.

Victor

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demonstrates his determination to persevere despite the tragedy, which may ultimately inspire him to create a being using human parts. He possibly hoped that the creature he brought to life would fill the emptiness in his heart. Solitude and being alone brought Victor tranquility and solace.

After leaving for college, he became increasingly isolated and no longer had anyone to look out for or care for. He prioritized his own needs and had little concern for keeping in touch with friends or family. This had a profound psychological effect on him, as he lacked the constant love and support of a maternal figure. The loving and caring aspect of Victor Frankincense died alongside his mother, Caroline Frankincense.

Secondly, Victor's inability to successfully nurture and accept his creation stems from the realization that the being he brought to life is not what he had envisioned. Initially, Victor held high hopes and aspired to be recognized among renowned scientists for his groundbreaking accomplishment. However, the truth turned out to be far from his optimistic expectations. In his own words, "But now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart" (Shelley 58). Instead of a magnificent and beautiful creation, Victor was confronted with a disfigured and horrifying monster. Such was the repulsiveness of his creation that Victor was unable to even contemplate kicking it away. It became painfully evident to him that what he had made was truly not what he desired.

Victor immediately regrets and rejects what he has created, distancing himself from it. Although he is expected to take care of the monster as its parent, he tries to

avoid it and keep it out of his life. "My rage was without bounds; I sprang on him, impelled by all the feelings which can arm one being against the existence of another" (Shelley 102). Victor displays no remorse towards the creation he brought to life. His hatred towards the creature intensifies as it not only kills his little brother but also frames a servant girl.

She was later found guilty and executed. He had a strong desire for his creation to be deceased and removed from his existence. He harbored no love or concern for the monster. This being experienced such overwhelming rejection that he embarked on a mission to destroy his creator.

Victor's rejection of his creation resulted in the loss of countless lives and denied him the opportunity to fully take ownership of it. Furthermore, Victor's selfish nature prevented him from fulfilling a maternal role towards his creation. This shift in his personality becomes evident after the death of his mother, as Shelley effectively illustrates Victor's sole focus on his creation. As Victor reflects, "I knew well therefore what would be my father's feelings; but I could not tear my thoughts from my employment, loathsome in itself, but which had taken an irresistible hold of my imagination" (Shelley 56).

Victor neglects to send a letter to his family due to his intense absorption in his work, indicating his self-centeredness. He becomes consumed by his own tasks, disregarding the presence of others. As the story progresses, it becomes evident that he exhibits a selfish nature. During Justine Morris' trial, he chooses to remain silent to avoid being perceived as mentally unstable.

Despite being aware of the actual

truth, he chose to remain silent. In his own words, "But I escaped, and rushed downstairs. I took refuge in the courtyard belonging to the house which I inhabited; where I remained the rest of the night" (Shelley 59). This was perhaps Victor's most concealed act of self-centeredness. He fled from the creature he had recently brought into existence, showing no intention of staying to care for it or clarify the situation.

Without hesitation, he abandoned it! Instead of remaining and nurturing his 'baby' until it reached maturity, he never contemplated the idea of raising this entity as his own. Because of his inexperience in providing care for others, he lacked the ability to offer the unwavering and affectionate love that a mother could provide. Once he recognized that it did not fulfill his desires, he displayed no regard for the entity. Observing this action and the ensuing repercussions is undeniably distressing.

Victor was unable to fulfill his responsibilities, which prevented him from giving proper attention and care to his creation as he had planned. He saw the creation not as a living being, but as a disappointment that could be easily ignored and discarded.

Victor is portrayed as the true monster in Frankincense. He exhibited a lack of self-control and placed his own desires above everything else, ultimately causing his own downfall. Instead of nurturing and taking responsibility for his creation, he chose to abandon it, resulting in its destruction. Without the guidance of a compassionate woman to teach him empathy and maternal love, Victor was unable to show care towards others beyond himself. The story of Frankincense tragically depicts a man who is incapable of being

selfless and concerned about the well-being of others.

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