Victor's Transformation In Frankenstein Essay

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Marry Shelly illustrates Victor Frankenstein as an ambitious yet rational character but as the novel progresses, Victor's attitude is seen as obsessive and irrational. In Mary Shelly's allegorical novel Frankenstein, composed in 1817, we learn through the recounts of three narrators of Victor's doomed quest for knowledge. The novel reveals the dangers of ambition and the human need for connection. In order to understand Victors transformation as a character, it is essential to examine the important influences on Frankenstein's behaviour as well as the point at which his view on the world begins to shift and investigate his relationship with his creation.

The important influences on Frankenstein's behaviour will aid us in understanding …show more content…

When the creature is brought to life, fear strikes Victor Frankenstein. "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…a cold dew covered my forehead, my teeth chattered, and every limb became convulsed;" This marks the development of Frankenstein's character. This fear sparks the change of his attitude. It acts as a catalyst for his behaviour into becoming irrational. Victor also experiences a dramatic change when he leaves Geneva to study in Ingolstadt. During his time at the University of Ingolstadt Mary Shelly only mentions two professors, Professor M. Krempe and Professor M. Waldman. The influence that Krempe and Waldman had on Victor is vital to the alteration of Frankenstein’s behaviour into becoming overly obsessive. “As he …show more content…

He lives with loving family and has a quaint life. “No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. We felt that they were not the tyrants to rule our lot according to their caprice, but the agents and creators of all the many delights which we enjoyed. When I mingled with other families I distinctly discerned how peculiarly fortunate my lot was, and gratitude assisted the development of filial love.” Once the creature is created, Victor becomes consumed with guilt and shame. He tries to hide the creature, but it is out to get revenge on him because of Victor giving him a dreadful life. It can be argued that by the end of the story, Victor is the true monster. He loses everything he loves because of the creature and becomes obsessed with destroying his own creation. “I, who had ever been surrounded by amiable companions, continually engaged in endeavouring to bestow mutual pleasure, I was now alone.” This isolation from his friends and family whom he had lived with so long could explain the change in Frankenstein's character. Victor's final words to Walton demonstrate that he has gained some self-awareness. He advises Walton

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