Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein

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Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, is a book in which men pursue their goals against hopeless odds. Robert Walton’s decision to turn the ship around at the end of the novel is questioned by many. This essay will discuss the interpreted views on Robert Walton’s decision to retreat by Victor Frankenstein, Mary Shelley and myself. Although, some may disagree ultimately Robert Walton made the right choice to turn his ship around at the end of the novel and is therefore not a failure. The creator of the monster, Victor Frankenstein is a man full of knowledge and has a strong passion for science. He pushes the boundary of science and creates a monster. Knowledge can be a threat when used for evil purposes. Though Victor did not intend for the being to be evil, society’s judgement on the monster greatly affects him. As a result he develops hatred for his creator as well as all man-kind. Victor’s anguish for the loss of his family facilitates his plan for revenge to the monster whom is the murderer. While traveling on Robert Walton’s ship he and Victor continue their pursuit of the monster. As Victor’s death nears he says, “…or must I die, and he yet live? If I do, swear to me Walton, that he shall not escape, that you will seek him and satisfy my vengeance in his death…Yet, when I am dead if he should appear, if the ministers of vengeance should conduct him to you, swear that he shall not live-swear that he shall not triumph over my accumulated woes and survive to add to the list of his dark crimes” (pg.199). Victor grieves the death of William, Justine, Clerval, Elizabeth and his father. Throughout the novel he experiences the five stages of grief, denial/ isolation, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance. Victor denies ... ... middle of paper ... ...to life. I was abandoned, left alone to fend for myself and I was never taught the morals of life. I admit killing was the hardest thing I ever did and remorse haunts me every day. The pain and torture I experience is unbearable and the only satisfaction I have left is when I take my own life. When I remove my feet from the monster’s shoes I come to realize that Robert Walton is not a failure for turning his ship around at the end of the novel. The monster has experienced the worst of the worst and is planning to commit suicide. There is no point risking everyone on the ship’s life for a monster who is going to fulfil Victor’s deed himself. Overall I believe that Robert Walton made the right decision to turn the ship around and for that choice he is not a failure. Works Cited Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: A division of Random House, Inc., 1981. Print.

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