Arguments Against The Creature In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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In the novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, both Victor Frankenstein and Robert Walton are unable to kill the creature because of the influential nature of empathy; the theme of this literary work. When Frankenstein first comes across creation in the mountains, he immediately resorts to insulting the Creature by saying: “Devil…Begone, vile insect…Abhorred monster (103). This sentiment quickly changes when Victor witnesses how proficient his creation is in using language to communicate. The Creature repeatedly argues that Victor listens “to my tale” then “you shall judge what I deserve” (104). Eventually Frankenstein decides to listen to the history of his creation. At the conclusion of this novel, when Frankenstein passes away on Walton’s ship, the Creature reappears looming over the dead body of his creator. When Walton walks in and …show more content…

This catches Frankenstein off guard, because his creation has a remarkable vocabulary and ability to use the language that he has acquired. This is a probable reason why Victor’s “rage was without bounds”, but is unable to be persistent in murdering the Creature (103). Victor responds to his creation: “My heart was full, and I did not answer him; but as I proceeded, I weighted the various arguments that he has used, and determined as least to listen to his tale. I was partly urged by curiosity, and compassion confirmed my resolution” (104). Frankenstein’s use of world such as “curiosity” and “compassion” allude to the idea that he is experiencing some sense of empathy towards his creation. Both Frankenstein and his creation, both experience similar life circumstances, which increase how Victor and the Creature relate to each other; circumstances that include isolation from friends and family, and the ability to use and comprehend the “godlike science” of language

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