In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the
evil of science taking precedence over nature is proven in the two characters of Victor
Frankenstein and the creature that he creates. While the creature is hideous in
appearance, his soul is innocent at his moment of life: He smiles at his creator on
whom he has fixed his adoring eyes, with one hand stretched out; but, horrified at what
he calls a "demoniacal corpse," Victor flees and deserts him. In his search for Victor,
the creature comes across little William, who fatefully mentions his father's name.
When the creature hears the name Frankenstein, he kills
William.
Later, when the creature finds refuge in a hovel
in the country, he vicariously shares in the lives of the loving De Lacy family by
secretly watching them. From their readings and conversation, the creature learns to
talk. In appreciation for what he learns and in sympathy for their impoverished
condition, the creature cuts their wood each day. However, in his hunger for
companionship, the creature enters the cottage when Felix and Agatha are out. Because
the old man is blind, he talks with the creature, but when Felix returns, he fears the
huge, hideous-looking creature and attacks him. Alienated and bereft of any
companionship, the creature finds Victor and pleas with him to create a partner for him,
promising to do no more evil and leave the area if Victor will do so. Frankenstein at
first agrees, but later, changes his mind. As a result, the creature seeks revenge by
killing Victor's fiancee.
While the creature does murder,
he acts mainly as Victor's "darker side," acting out of his deep hurt. For, without the
rejection of humanity, he would not have committed his evil deeds. Towards the de
Laceys he is kind, affectionate, and loving in his thoughts and actions. He saves a
girl from drowning, but he is rewarded only with beatings and repulsion. When Victor
dies, the creature cries and mourns the death of his creator whom he loved; and, he
expresses grief over the deaths he has caused. Indeed, in this scene, the creature is a
poignant character.
Thus, in her narrative, it would seem
that Shelley suggests that Victor is the veritable monster as in his pride he rejects
what he has created, and he does not confess his actions, allowing innocent people to
die. Even in his death, he expresses no sympathy for the creature who cries over him
later. Victor's obsession with science and his pride at presuming to be the creator of
a living being are what make him more of a monster, a monster against what is natural,
than the creature in whom he injects life.
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