Frankenstein Notes Essay Example

pursuit of the monster. Throughout the novel, monstrosity is a recurring theme that revolves around the monster. The monster, who is eight feet tall and possesses an extremely unpleasant appearance, faces rejection from society. His monstrous nature does not solely stem from his grotesque looks but also arises from the unnatural process of his creation involving stolen body parts and peculiar chemicals.

The creature is not a result of collaborative scientific effort but of dark, supernatural workings. The novel includes various monstrous entities, such as the knowledge Victor used to create the creature (see "Dangerous Knowledge"). It can be argued that Victor himself is also a monster, as his ambition, secrecy, and selfishness alienate him from human society. Despite appearing ordinary on the outside, he may actually be the true "monster" inside, as he eventually becomes consumed by an obsessive hatred for his creation.

Finally, the novel itself has been described by many critics as monstrous, a combination of different voices, texts, and tenses (see Texts). Victor regards science as a mystery to be explored, with its secrets to be protected once uncovered. He views M. Krempe, the natural philosopher he encounters in Ingolstadt, as an exemplary scientist: "an uncouth man, but deeply knowledgeable about the secrets of his science." Victor's obsession with creating life is completely concealed in secrecy, and his determination to destroy the monster is equally undisclosed until Walton hears his story.

Victor remains secretive because of shame and guilt, while the monster is isolated due to its grotesque appearance. Walton becomes the last person they confide in, and their tragic relationship is documented in Walton's letters. Victor frees himself from

the harmful secrecy that has destroyed his life by confessing everything before his death. Similarly, the monster sees an opportunity to establish a human connection with Walton, yearning for someone to finally comprehend and sympathize with its miserable existence.

The novel Frankenstein includes various types of texts, such as letters, notes, journals, inscriptions, and books. These texts are intricately intertwined throughout the narrative; some are nested within others or simply mentioned or quoted. The letters from Walton encompass the entire story while also containing Victor's account. Similarly, Victor's story contains the monster's narrative within it. Additionally, the love story of Felix and Safie and references to Paradise Lost are embedded in the monster's tale. This abundance of texts plays a vital role in shaping the narrative structure as they tangibly represent the characters' attitudes and emotions.

The monster's development is heavily influenced by language. Through listening and observing the peasants, the monster acquires the ability to speak and read. This knowledge allows him to comprehend Victor's journal, which details his own creation. As he pursues Victor into the northern ice, he leaves messages for him by etching words into trees and rocks, transforming nature into a writing medium. Despite being written by a feminist author, Frankenstein lacks strong female characters.

The novel depicts several submissive women who suffer silently and meet their demise. Caroline Beaufort, acting as a mother figure, sacrifices herself while caring for her adopted daughter. Justine is unjustly executed for a crime she did not commit. Victor refrains from completing the creation of the female monster due to his fear of losing control over her actions once she is

brought to life. Elizabeth anxiously and helplessly awaits Victor's return, only to eventually be killed by the monster.

In Shelley's narrative, the portrayal of her female characters as passive and mistreated individuals serves to highlight the obsessive and destructive behavior exhibited by both Victor and the monster. The theme of abortion is recurrently addressed in the story, with both Victor and the monster expressing their disgust towards the monster's appearance. Victor vividly describes his initial reaction upon encountering his creation, stating, "When I thought of him, I gnashed my teeth, my eyes became inflamed, and I ardently wished to extinguish that life which I had so thoughtlessly made."

The monster feels an equal disgust for himself: “I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abortion, to be spurned at, and kicked, and trampled on.” Both lament the monster’s existence and desire that Victor had never engaged in his act of creation. The motif also applies to Victor’s other endeavors. When Victor destroys his work on a female monster, he effectively terminates his act of creation, preventing the female monster from coming alive.

In Victor's portrayal of natural philosophy, he views it as a distorted and unsuccessful creation, and rejects it with contempt, keeping it from reaching true knowledge. Similar to his disdain for the monster, Victor grows dissatisfied with natural philosophy as it is both unhelpful and intellectually grotesque. In contrast, Walton expresses his faith in and optimism about science, believing that there are limitless possibilities in the realm of constant light.

In Frankenstein, light represents knowledge, discovery, and enlightenment. The natural world contains hidden secrets and unknown mechanisms, with scientists

striving to attain light. Fire, a more dangerous and powerful form of light, is also significant. The monster's initial encounter with a smoldering flame reveals the dual nature of fire: it brings light to the darkness of night but also inflicts harm when touched. The presence of fire in the text reminds us of the full title of Shelley's novel, Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus.

The story of Prometheus, a Greek god, involves his act of giving fire to mankind and his subsequent severe punishment. Similarly, Victor, in his pursuit to become a modern Prometheus, experiences punishment, although unlike fire, the gift he bestows upon humanity—knowledge of the secret of life—remains undisclosed. In Letter 1, Victor expresses a sense of elevated enthusiasm that brings peace of mind through a determined purpose for the soul to focus its intellect. He also acknowledges an unknown force within his soul that perplexes him.

I have a strong work ethic and am dedicated to my efforts. I am determined and willing to put in the necessary hard work for success. Moreover, I possess a profound fascination and belief in remarkable phenomena, which drives me to venture into uncharted territories such as the untamed sea and unexplored regions that lie ahead.

Letter 2 "What can stop the determined heart and resolved will of man? "
Letter 3 "We are unfashioned creatures, but half made up, if one wiser, better, dearer than ourselves — such a friend ought to be — do not lend his aid to perfectionate our weak and faulty natures.
Letter 4 "So much has been done, exclaimed the soul of Frankenstein — more, far more,

will I achieve; treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation. "
Chapter 3 "Whence, I often asked myself, did the principle of life proceed? It was a bold question, and one which has ever been considered as a mystery; yet with how many things are we upon the brink of becoming acquainted, if cowardice or carelessness did not restrain our inquiries.

In Chapter 4, the narrator expresses their overwhelming feelings of success, comparing it to a hurricane. They describe life and death as boundaries that they are determined to surpass in order to bring light into the world. In the same chapter, the narrator encounters the creature they had created, referring to it as a wretch and a miserable monster. The creature opens the bed curtain and looks at the narrator with its eyes, or whatever they can be called, fixed on them. It mutters incomprehensible sounds while grinning and wrinkling its cheeks.

Despite my attempts to hear him, I couldn't because one hand was blocking me. However, I managed to escape and went downstairs quickly. In search of safety, I ended up in the courtyard of my residence where I stayed all night, anxiously pacing back and forth. With great fear, I listened attentively, expecting every sound to indicate the arrival of the terrifying corpse that I had unfortunately created. These incidents occurred in "Chapter 5" when he declared, "I should have been your Adam; instead, I am more like the fallen angel."

Chapter 10 showcases my admiration for virtue and good feelings,

as well as my love for the gentle manners and amiable qualities of my cottagers. However, I was unable to have direct interaction with them and had to resort to covert means to satisfy my desire of becoming one among my peers. These means, though somewhat unsatisfying, only served to augment my longing.

Chapter 14 reveals my anguish as I address my creator with contempt. I question why they would create such a repulsive monster that even they themselves turned away from me in disgust. In contrast, God, in their mercy, crafted mankind as beautiful and captivating, mirroring their own likeness. Regrettably, my form is a repugnant reflection of yours, even more horrifying due to its resemblance.

Satan had companions who admired and encouraged him, but I am alone and despised. In Chapter 15, the cold stars mocked me, and the trees above me swayed their branches. Occasionally, a bird's sweet voice broke the silence. While everyone else was at peace or enjoying themselves, I carried a hell within me like the arch-fiend. Feeling unsympathized with, I wanted to uproot the trees, cause chaos and devastation, and then sit down and revel in the destruction.

Chapter 16 - "I promise you, by the earth I inhabit and by you who created me, that I will leave human society and live, perhaps, in the wildest of places with the companion you give me. My wicked passions will disappear because I will find understanding! My life will pass peacefully, and when I am about to die, I will not curse my creator."
Chapter 17 - "We have experienced great misfortunes, but let us hold

on to what remains and redirect our love for those we have lost to those who are still alive."
Chapter 21 - "Man," I exclaimed, "you are so ignorant in your arrogant belief of wisdom! Stop; you do not understand what you are saying."