Walton's Mental Transformation In Frankenstein

Frankenstein, a novel by Mary Shelley, depicts a scientist named Victor Frankenstein who must deal with the fall out of his actions after creating life and abandoning his creature immediately after. As Frankenstein goes to great lengths to gain knowledge, he slowly crumbles under the weight of what achieving his dream ends in. Frankenstein dictates his story to an adventurer named Robert Walton in an attempt to help him not make the same mistakes. Shelley demonstrates how Frankenstein’s characterization starts with a desire for knowledge and eventually leads to his mental deterioration, suggesting that the pursuit of knowledge without consideration of consequences can result in destruction.

Shelley focuses on Frankenstein’s feelings relating

the accomplishment of his previous hopes and dreams. Although by creating his creature he achieved his goals, Frankenstein is regretful, saying, “Mingled with this horror, I felt the bitterness of disappointment; dreams that had been my food and pleasant rest for so long a space were now become a hell to me; and the change so rapid, the overthrow so complete!” (60). Frankenstein had “dreams” of gaining the knowledge of how to bring his creature to life and of playing the role of a god. He romanticized the idea of his creation, and by doing so, did not consider what it would be like in reality. He is left with feelings of “horror” and “bitterness” due to all of, in his eyes, his wasted efforts and knowledge.

He feels scared over what can happen in the future and angered by the outcome of his experiment. The “change” and “overthrow” that occurred demonstrated his lack of control over the situation and his creature, which he was not wise enough to anticipate. Frankenstein felt like he was in “hell”, representing the mental state that he has put himself in. He feels like he has sinned by creating his creature, and is therefore going to be punished for his actions. In another

biblical allusion, Frankenstein warns Walton, “You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been.” (22).

The comparison of Frankenstein’s wishes to a “serpent” references the religious connotations of the reptile. While symbolizing evil, it can also represent wisdom, both of which are used to poison mankind. The metaphorical serpent led to Frankenstein’s mental breakdown and loss of loved ones. Frankenstein acknowledges the separation between “knowledge” and “wisdom” when he speaks, showing that now that he has reflected on his experiences, he understands the importance of the differences. In his desire for knowledge and to be the first to discover how to create life, he lacked the wisdom to understand the future consequences that such a drive for knowledge could lead to. The immediate and future consequences that Frankenstein faces are caused by his blind following of ambition to discover and innovate.

Shelley demonstrates a change in Frankenstein’s character and wisdom while he is telling Walton his story when he constantly warns Walton of the dangers that irresponsible actions in pursuit of knowledge can lead to. Frankenstein implores him, “Learn from me,

if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be his world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow.” (53). Frankenstein’s use of “dangerous” is in regard to the “acquirement of knowledge”, not his creature in this case. This portrays knowledge in a more threatening light, and the main reason why Frankenstein’s mental state is declining, rotating through a cycle of sadness, obsession, and guilt. While trying to become “greater”, Frankenstein pushed the boundaries of how much knowledge he should have and the limits of what he should try to achieve. Since he went further than what would have been “allow[ed]” for mankind, he has to deal with the devastating results. Since abandoning his creature, Frankenstein realizes that he would have been “happier” if he had never pursued the knowledge of how to create life, since his limited knowledge would have been his “world”. His happiness has disappeared and his life has become filled with negative emotions. By the end of the novel, Frankenstein’s newfound maturity and wisdom is shown through his beration of Walton for inquiring about the details of creating the creature. Despite Frankenstein’s recount of his mistakes, Walton’s morbid fascination continues, to which Frankenstein replies, “Whither does your senseless curiosity lead you? Would you also create for yourself and the world a demoniacal enemy? Peace, peace! Learn my miseries and do not seek to increase your own” (260). Frankenstein demonstrates a new awareness of the value of wisdom, and thinking ideas through before acting on them. His anger over “senseless curiosity” shows that he realizes that he has been reckless in his need to discover. Despite the knowledge and intelligence that he had and gained, he was still senseless and lacking sagacity. When he references creating a “demoniacal enemy” for the “world”, it emphasizes the scale of the destruction that his creature, who he considers evil, has caused. His impulsive actions have not just harmed him, but have led to widespread fear, hate, and death for those around him. Frankenstein encourages Walton to be at “peace” with what he currently knows, and to proceed in his own quest for knowledge with regard for its effect on Walton and his crew. He pleads for Walton to “learn”, which would show that Walton had understood the message that Frankenstein had attempted to convey through his story. When he acknowledges that his creation has caused his “misery”, it continues the theme throughout that his mind has been consumed by suffering. He implores Walton to “not increase his own”, and become the broken shell of a man that Frankenstein is after the deaths of everyone he loved. By trying to help others learn from his mistakes, Frankenstein shows his growth and has become wiser about the results of being impetuous in pursuit of knowledge.