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Frankenstein: The Motifs Of Journey And Voyage

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Frankenstein: The Motifs Of Journey And Voyage
Frankenstein Motif Essay

The motifs of journey and voyage is evident in Frankenstein through Shelley's portrayal of different characters. Shelley utilizes the character’s life journeys to reveal the danger with ambition.

Victor Frankenstein’s journey to achieve scientific greatness ultimately resulted in self-desolation. The pursuit of knowledge enchanted Frankenstein’s life from a young age. However, even Victor’s own father ridiculed his studies. But, Victor’s desires to learn were greater than any belief his father has. Victor knew greatness was within his reach. He simply needed time to reach it. In order satisfy his hunger, Victor went to college. Yet, once again his dreams were obliterated before his eyes when his first professor condemned Victor’s previous studies. The destruction of all the studies he thought were true lit a fire within Victor. Now, more than ever, Victor was determined to prove himself. The creation of his monster resulted from such motivation. Shelley’s
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Walton has set off on a journey that he is willing to die for. But, he feels somewhat dismissed for the others are not intellectually compatible to his liking. However, whenever he comes across Victor Frankenstein nearly dead, Walton discovers that they are of similar backgrounds. Shelley demonstrates that both men’s life goals parallel in the fact that they both strive for greatness. She revels that they both desire their life to have significance recognized by the world. However, Victor serves as a warning for Walton. Shelley utilizes Victor’s story as a lesson. She demonstrates how their eagerness to gloat leads to isolations. Both characters lived in a world that consisted of themselves and their personal achievement. However, through Victor’s story Shelley foreshadows the dangers that will follow if Walton does not change his

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