Examples Of Obsession In Frankenstein

Frankenstein Essay
By: Jacob Schulz A prevalent theme in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is obsession. Throughout the book there are constant reminders of the struggles that Victor Frankenstein goes through. Many of the issues and conflicts that occur are a result of his own obsessive drive for knowledge and secrecy. By not taking responsibility for the creation of his monster, he allows more and more bad things to happen as the monster unleashes his fury.
From the onset of Victor’s youth, his earliest memories are those of “Curiosity, earnest research to learn the hidden laws of nature, gladness akin to rapture, as they were unfolded to me, are among the earliest sensations I can remember” (Shelley 25) This is the first example of obsession

“I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation, but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelley 48) Sickened by the sight of his creation, Victor attempts to sever all ties to his monster and denies its very existence. He wishes to destroy it to maintain his secret. This obsessive desire to maintain secrecy takes over as Victor’s life starts to crumble around him. The murder of his brother William by the monster and the subsequent blaming of Justine are a direct result of his refusal to disclose his actions at Ingolstadt. During Justine’s trial Victor laments “It was to be decided whether the result of my curiosity and lawless devices would cause the death of two of my fellow beings: one a smiling babe full of innocence and joy, the other far more dreadfully murdered, with every aggravation of infamy that could make the murder memorable in horror” (Shelley 75) Even when facing the death of an innocent such as Justine, Victor remains

In an attempt to clear his mind, Victor goes alone to Montanvert. Momentarily he finds peace, but it is very short lived when he comes face to face with the monster he created. The monster tells him the things he has endured in life. He says to Victor “Remember, that I am thy creature: I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel.” (Shelley 96) At this point the monster places the burden of his actions onto Victor’s shoulders. Not only did Victor’s secret lead to the death of Justine, now the very creation of the monster lead to William’s death. The monster then requests that Victor create a new creature, a female companion for