Frankenstein: Character Analysis

Victor Frankenstein

Overview

Victor Frankenstein is the protagonist of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. He is a scientist driven by ambition and a desire for glory. Victor's quest for knowledge leads him to discover the secret of life, which he uses to create a living being. However, his creation, the Monster, horrifies him, leading to a series of tragic events. Victor's actions and their consequences explore themes of ambition, responsibility, and the dangers of playing God.

Key Plot Moments

• Victor's Childhood and Education
  • Victor enjoys an idyllic childhood and shows an early interest in science.
  • He attends the University of Ingolstadt, where he becomes obsessed with uncovering the secrets of life.
• Creation of the Monster
  • Victor successfully brings the Monster to life but is immediately horrified by its appearance.
  • His rejection of the Monster sets off a chain of tragic events.
• The Monster's Revenge
  • The Monster murders Victor's brother, William, and frames Justine, leading to her execution.
  • Victor realizes his responsibility but remains silent, consumed by guilt.
• Destruction of the Female Monster
  • Victor begins creating a companion for the Monster but destroys it, fearing the consequences.
  • The Monster vows revenge, leading to the murder of Victor's friend, Henry Clerval, and his bride, Elizabeth.
• Pursuit and Death
  • Victor dedicates his life to seeking revenge on the Monster.
  • He pursues the Monster to the Arctic, where he meets Robert Walton and tells his story before dying.

Key Themes

• Ambition and Responsibility: Victor's ambition drives him to create life, but his failure to take responsibility for his creation leads to tragedy.
• Isolation: Both Victor and the Monster suffer from profound isolation, contributing to their downfalls.
• Nature vs. Science: Victor's pursuit of scientific knowledge leads him to challenge natural boundaries, with disastrous results.

Key Quotes

"Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world."

• This quote highlights Victor's ambition and desire to transcend human limitations.

"Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge."

• Victor warns of the perils of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge.

"The beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart."

• Victor's immediate regret and revulsion upon creating the Monster.

"I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel."

• The Monster's lament to Victor, emphasises the responsibility of a creator to its creation.

"I will be with you on your wedding night."

• The Monster's ominous threat foreshadows Elizabeth's murder.

The Monster

Overview

The Monster, created by Victor Frankenstein, is a central figure in Mary Shelley's novel. Despite his grotesque appearance, the Monster is initially benevolent and seeks acceptance and companionship. However, repeated rejections and mistreatment by humans turn him vengeful. His story is a poignant exploration of themes such as isolation, prejudice, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Key Plot Moments

• Creation and Abandonment
  • The Monster comes to life but is immediately abandoned by Victor due to his horrifying appearance.
• Experiences with Humanity
  • The Monster's encounters with humans are marked by fear and violence due to his appearance.
  • His attempts to integrate with society fail, leading to deep resentment.
• Learning and Self-Awareness
  • The Monster educates himself by observing the De Lacey family and reading books.
  • He becomes aware of his tragic existence and the prejudice he faces.
• Revenge on Victor
  • In revenge for his abandonment, the Monster kills Victor's brother, William, and frames Justine.
  • He demands a female companion from Victor, which is later destroyed.
• Final Confrontation and Victor's Death
  • The Monster kills Victor's friend Henry and his bride Elizabeth.
  • After Victor's death, the Monster vows to end his own life, expressing deep sorrow for his actions.

Key Themes

• Isolation and Loneliness: The Monster's physical appearance isolates him from society, leading to profound loneliness and a desire for revenge.
• Creator and Creation: The relationship between Victor and the Monster explores the responsibilities and consequences of creating life.
• Prejudice: The Monster faces constant rejection and violence due to his appearance, highlighting societal prejudice.

Key Quotes

"I am malicious because I am miserable."

• The Monster explains that his vengeful actions are a result of his profound misery and isolation.

"All men hate the wretched; how then must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things!"

• The Monster laments his wretched existence and the universal prejudice he faces.

"I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel."

• The Monster expresses his sense of betrayal by Victor, comparing himself to both Adam and Satan.

"I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me."

• This quote encapsulates the Monster's isolation and his desperate need for companionship.

"You can blast my other passions, but revenge remains—revenge, henceforth dearer than light or food!"

• The Monster's transformation into a vengeful being after repeated rejections.

Robert Walton

Overview

Robert Walton is an ambitious explorer and the frame narrator of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. His letters to his sister, Margaret Saville, bookend the novel. Walton's quest for knowledge and discovery in the Arctic parallels Victor Frankenstein's pursuit of scientific enlightenment. Through Walton, the novel explores themes of ambition, isolation, and the thirst for glory.

Key Plot Moments

• Introduction and Ambitions
  • Walton's letters reveal his deep ambition to explore the unknown and achieve greatness.
  • He sets out on an expedition to the North Pole.
• Meeting Victor Frankenstein
  • Walton rescues Victor from the Arctic ice and hears his harrowing story.
  • He forms a strong bond with Victor, admiring and sympathizing with him.
• Victor's Story
  • Walton transcribes Victor's narrative, providing the reader with the main story of the novel.
  • He begins to see the dangers of unchecked ambition through Victor's experiences.
• The decision to Turn Back
  • After Victor's death, Walton decides to abandon his expedition for the safety of his crew.
  • This decision reflects his growth and recognition of the limits of ambition.
• Final Letters
  • Walton writes to his sister about Victor's death and his encounter with the Monster.
  • He reflects on the lessons learned from Victor's tragic tale.

Key Themes

• Ambition and Exploration: Walton's desire to achieve greatness mirrors Victor's ambition, serving as a cautionary parallel.
• Isolation: Walton's loneliness on his expedition highlights the theme of isolation and its effects on individuals.
• Knowledge and Responsibility: Through Walton's interactions with Victor, the novel explores the responsibilities that come with the pursuit of knowledge.

Key Quotes

"I have no friend, Margaret: when I am glowing with the enthusiasm of success, there will be none to participate my joy."

• This quote highlights Walton's loneliness and desire for companionship.

"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."

• Victor's warning to Walton about the dangers of pursuing knowledge mirrors the novel's central cautionary theme.

"What can stop the determined heart and resolved will of man?"

• Walton's rhetorical question underscores his ambitious and resolute nature.

"I would sacrifice my fortune, my existence, my every hope, to the furtherance of my enterprise."

• This quote demonstrates Walton's willingness to risk everything for his ambitions.

"Seek happiness in tranquility and avoid ambition, even if it be only the apparently innocent one of distinguishing yourself in science and discoveries."

• Victor's advice to Walton serves as a key moral of the novel.

Elizabeth Lavenza

Overview

Elizabeth Lavenza is Victor Frankenstein's adopted sister and later his fiancée in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. She is characterized by her beauty, kindness, and passive nature. Elizabeth represents the ideal of domestic affection and serves as a contrast to Victor's obsessive ambition. Her tragic fate underscores the consequences of Victor's actions.

Key Plot Moments

• Adoption and Childhood
  • Elizabeth is adopted by the Frankenstein family and becomes a beloved member.
  • She grows up close to Victor, forming a deep bond with him.
• Death of Victor's Mother
  • Elizabeth's care and concern for the family during their mother's illness showcase her nurturing nature.
• Engagement to Victor
  • Elizabeth and Victor become engaged, fulfilling the dying wish of Victor's mother.
  • Their relationship is marked by Elizabeth's unwavering support despite Victor's increasing detachment.
• Murder of William
  • Elizabeth is deeply affected by the murder of William and the execution of Justine.
  • She expresses her loss of innocence and growing awareness of the world's cruelty.
• Wedding Night
  • Elizabeth is murdered by the Monster on her wedding night, fulfilling the Monster's threat.
  • Her death represents the ultimate consequence of Victor's failure to take responsibility for his creation.

Key Themes

• Domestic Affection: Elizabeth embodies the ideal of domestic affection, serving as a symbol of family and home.
• Innocence: Elizabeth's purity and innocence contrast sharply with the darker elements of the story.
• Sacrifice: Elizabeth's life is sacrificed due to Victor's ambition and the Monster's quest for revenge.

Key Quotes

"Everyone adored Elizabeth. If the servants had any request to make, it was always through her intercession."

• This quote highlights Elizabeth's beloved status within the Frankenstein household.

"I have lost my hopes of utility and glory; I have lost my friend."

• Elizabeth expresses her grief and disillusionment following the deaths of William and Justine.

"My cousin, during the whole of this wretched mockery of justice, appeared to us as an angel of consolation."

• Victor describes Elizabeth's role in supporting the family during Justine's trial.

"Elizabeth alone had the power to draw me from these fits."

• This quote underscores Elizabeth's influence and importance in Victor's life.

"The saintly soul of Elizabeth shone like a shrine-dedicated lamp in our peaceful home."

• Victor reflects on Elizabeth's purity and her role in maintaining the harmony of their family.

De Lacey

Overview

De Lacey is a blind old man who lives in exile with his children, Felix and Agatha, in a remote cottage in the forest. Despite his blindness, De Lacey's character is marked by his kindness, wisdom, and lack of prejudice. His inability to see the Monster's terrifying appearance allows him to interact with the Monster without bias, exemplifying the goodness of human nature when untainted by superficial judgments.

Key Plot Moments

• The Monster's Introduction to De Lacey
  • The Monster decides to reveal himself to De Lacey, believing the old man's blindness will prevent him from being prejudiced against his appearance.
  • The Monster introduces himself to De Lacey while Felix, Agatha, and Safie are out.
  • This moment establishes De Lacey as a figure of kindness and acceptance.
• Initial Acceptance
  • De Lacey converses with the Monster, who speaks eloquently and expresses his desire for companionship and acceptance.
  • De Lacey listens to the Monster's story with empathy, offering him hope.
  • This interaction shows the potential for the Monster to be accepted and understood.
• The Family's Return
  • Felix, Agatha, and Safie return unexpectedly and are horrified by the sight of the Monster.
  • Felix attacks the Monster, driving him away, despite De Lacey's attempts to calm the situation.
  • This incident highlights the contrast between De Lacey's blindness to superficial appearances and the sighted family's immediate judgment based on looks.
• The Monster's Reflection
  • After being driven away, the Monster reflects on the kindness he received from De Lacey compared to the rejection from the rest of humanity.
  • This moment underscores De Lacey's unique role as the only character who interacts with the Monster without prejudice.
• Impact on the Monster
  • The Monster's interaction with De Lacey fuels his desire for acceptance and deepens his anguish when he is ultimately rejected.
  • De Lacey's kindness stands in stark contrast to the harshness the Monster faces from others, intensifying his sense of isolation and desire for revenge.

Key Themes

• Prejudice and Acceptance: De Lacey represents the idea that true acceptance comes from seeing beyond external appearances. His blindness symbolizes a lack of superficial judgment, highlighting the potential for humanity to act with compassion and understanding.
• Isolation and Loneliness: The Monster's interaction with De Lacey temporarily alleviates his loneliness, offering a glimpse of the companionship he craves. However, the ultimate rejection he faces reinforces his isolation and deepens his resentment.
• Human Natur****e: De Lacey embodies the theme of inherent goodness in human nature, suggesting that prejudice and cruelty are learned behaviours rather than innate qualities.

Key Quotes

"I am blind and cannot judge of your countenance, but there is something in your words which persuades me that you are sincere."

• De Lacey's inability to see the Monster allows him to judge based on character rather than appearance.
• This quote highlights De Lacey's openness and willingness to accept the Monster without prejudice.

"If you will unreservedly confide to me the particulars of your tale, I perhaps may be of use in undeceiving them."

• De Lacey offers his assistance to the Monster, showing his empathy and desire to help despite not fully understanding the situation.
• This quote exemplifies De Lacey's kind and helpful nature.

"Do not despair. To be friendless is indeed to be unfortunate, but the hearts of men, when unprejudiced by any obvious self-interest, are full of brotherly love and charity."

• De Lacey encourages the Monster, emphasizing the potential for human compassion.
• This quote underscores the theme of prejudice versus acceptance.

"I shall not desert you until I shall have requested the protection of your friends."

• De Lacey promises to support the Monster, demonstrating his loyalty and kindness.
• This quote reflects De Lacey's commitment to helping the Monster find acceptance.

"There is something in your words which persuades me that you are sincere. I am poor and an exile, but it will afford me true pleasure to be in any way serviceable to a human creature."

• De Lacey expresses his willingness to help the Monster despite his hardships.
• This quote highlights De Lacey's altruistic nature and empathy.