Morality In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Humans are taught principles and morals as they grow older in order to set a boundary as to what people can and cannot do. Despite these morals, people still go out of their way to make their own decisions and make new discoveries, whether it’s beneficial or harmful. In Mary Shelley’s book Frankenstein, Victor’s and the Creature’s morals are often questioned considering they were raised in two very different backgrounds. As the creature’s creator, Victor had a responsibility to fulfill the knowledge the creature seeks. Therefore when he chose to abandon and neglect him, the creature had no choice but to educate himself about the world on his own. Through this, he learns to develop his own principles and tries to make sense of everything around
Towards the end of the book, Victor informs Walton of all his regrets of creating the creature and explains how he does not want him to follow through on his journey to avoid the same mistakes he made. He realizes that Walton has the same aspirations as he, and wishes that he would not continue on that path as it was the cause of his destruction and misery. Coming back into the present, Victor gives an advice to Walton and says, “Or 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,” (Shelley, p.219). By coming across Victor, Walton’s life was shifted onto the right path, as he and Victor are alike in ways that both their interests involve making new discoveries. It is evident that Walton aspires to expand his knowledge about the world, but with Victor’s influences, he is able to guide himself onto a safer path without making the same mistakes that Victor made. When making a big decision that can alter the future, it is beneficial to seek other people’s opinions and thoughts in order to understand the consequences it may bring. Towards the end of the novel, Walton says, “They insisted, therefore, that I should engage with a solemn promise that if the vessel should be freed I would instantly direct my course southwards,” (Shelley, p.223). His crewmates can be considered the society in Walton’s situation, as they are setting limits to his decision. After hearing Victor’s story, they understood the danger and consequences they will face if they continue to go forward with their voyage. Walton does not realize it at first due to his burning desires to fulfill his goals, but with the help of his