Fear In Frankenstein

When first introduced to the product of Victor Frankenstein’s creation, one shudders in revulsion at the ghastly sight of such an unnatural and grotesque being. Little did they know that horrified response was the key feeling Mary Shelley sought to evoke when she wrote her gothic novel Frankenstein; however, she manipulates that fear in such a way so as to show that what may seem scary in the moment is actually not the true danger, or rather, ‘monster’. Mary Shelley introduces a scientist, Victor Frankenstein, with great ambitions and also great flaws, so as to twist a seemingly innocent endeavor into something with very grave consequences. The first major crack in the foundation of Victor’s quest to create life is found when he sets up the
Chance is replaced by order, shock by reflection, doubt by certainty...,” (84). This is important when interpreting Shelley’s work because it highlights the process and not the result. It is not a question of whether the creation of life is possible, but whether its existence is beneficial. The structure of the novel allows for the fear to rest with Victor and not the reader, which opens up the reader to understand the message from Shelley with full knowledge of the consequences throughout (Moretti). Though Victor’s original intent was to change the face of science, his actions become less admirable as it becomes apparent that his actions are those of narcissism and self-gain. Discussing his experiment, he passionately explains, “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me,” (Shelley 40). This result would necessitate a large sum of responsibility and perfectionism, both of which Victor fails at providing. His heroic ploy is construed by his inability to respond to the demands of his own creation, and the outcome is one of violence and chaos. Victor’s dream that the newly formed species would “bless” and
Victor’s utter carelessness is revealing when it comes to the flaws of his characterization as a scientist. He cannot bring himself to admit to himself what he has made, much less to other people, asserting, “I could never persuade myself to confide to him that event which was not often present to my recollection, but which I feared the detail to another would only impress more deeply,” (Shelley 54). This is a pathetic attempt by Victor to justify his own guilt, and once again Victor resorts to isolation when it comes to his experiment. Not only did he abandon the Creature, but he also makes every effort to not have to think about it. His desperation to avoid responsibility shows that he is a far cry away from holding himself accountable, and it uncovers a fear that society will view him as an inept contributor. Furthermore, Victor would rather live with the guilt of knowing Justine was innocent rather than having everyone think he was a madman for conjuring up the possibility of a new species. After Justine’s conviction, Victor moans, “Anguish and despair had penetrated into the core of my heart; I bore a hell within me, which nothing could extinguish,” (Shelley 75). Victor lets the Creature and Justine take the fall for his cowardice, because he cannot fathom society viewing him as