Moral Implication of Frankenstein - 1674 Words

The message, merits, and moral implications of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein have been long debated and discussed. Many recurring themes which are apt to surface in these conversations are those such as the woes of artificial creation and the â€Å"man is not God† argument. These themes have been so thoroughly explored and exploited that this essay could not possibly generate and original thought within the realms covered by these topics. In order to formulate something remotely fresh and at least relatively interesting, this essay seeks to shift the focus to the less explored dilemmas which Shelley may have purposely or subconsciously woven into the classic novel. The very fact that Mary Shelley is a woman casts the already remarkable tale†¦show more content†¦Having shown that Shelley intended for Victor to play the role of ‘mother’ in her analogy, focus will now shift to the ultimate point of the novel: The nurturing provided by a mother (Vict or), is the most necessary and vital experience of a child’s life and directly affects the person he becomes. From the very beginning, Victor shirks the responsibility of nurture and literally runs from it. As the creature awakes he exclaims: â€Å"breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created; I rushed out of the room† (Shelley 58). The Monster then immediately assumes the role of infant in the relationship as Victor says, â€Å"His eyes were fixed on me. His jaws opened, and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grin wrinkled his cheeks† (Shelley 59). In the normal human realm this situation would be met with a dozen tear-filled eyes seeking to hold and coddle the creation. Unfortunately for the Monster, no such treatment is offered by Victor. Frankenstein leaves the Monster to fend for himself. The horrible consequences of this lack of nurturing follow with intensity and frequency. This is proven by the rapidly building sense of confusion and loneliness within the monster. Feelings which are only multiplied by society’s general rejection of him. The Monster laments to Victor upon their reunion on these feelings, â€Å"no distinct ideas occupied my mind: all was confused. I felt light, andShow MoreRelated Morality and Responsibility - Moral Development in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein1627 Words   |  7 PagesMoral Development in Shelleys Frankenstein   Ã‚   Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is a commentary on the natural disposition of man. 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