Essay Comparing Frankenstein And The Picture Of Dorian Gray

The complexity of the human being has perplexed scientists and citizens alike for as long as time has existed. Somehow able to hold the ability for both good and evil inside, humans exist primarily in shades of gray. This concept of the human condition, defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “The state or condition of being human, especially regarded as being inherently problematic or flawed” is a common thread throughout pieces of literature no matter the year of publication. The novels Frankenstein and the Picture of Dorian Gray bring to life and separate the darkness of the main characters by creating their own personal monsters, who exist only as dreadful reflections of the evil inside of them and the recipients of the weight of their mistakes.

While he loves both of these characters, it is clear that they both embody characteristics that Victor envies. William has a childhood free from the shroud of death, since he was too young to remember their mother and her passing. Henry, on the other hand, represents an adult life free from the shackles that the creation of the monster has left Victor in. Henry is free to travel and live as he pleases, while Victor is left to contend with the destruction that the monster has left in his

Fated to be shunned and hated for his monstrous appearance, the monster is an embodiment of the things that Victor would go through if his actions and true intentions were known. Alongside of this, all of the pain and evil that came from the monster ultimately stemmed from a lack of attention and affection from Victor. Like a very high-stakes version of a child trying to get the attention of the parent, most if not all of the deaths and pain in the course of the plot could have been prevented if Victor was willing to follow through with the responsibility of his