The Shadow of Victor Frankenstein

The Shadow of Victor Frankenstein A theme of indifference and rejection from society clearly persists through the film Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, directed by Kenneth Branagh. After Victor Frankenstein, the main protagonist, realizes that reanimation is a tangible reality, a domino effect occurs which in turn alienates not only himself but also his creation from society. The reality of the creature's existence is so gruesome that one begins to understand the negative effects that alienation can have on one's own self-perceived identity. In fact, this estrangement from society perpetuates a downward spiral for the creature as he develops a mind that is unadulterated by moral behavior while also nurturing a strong desire for revenge. Not only does Frankenstein leave the creature to fend for itself, but society rejects it as well. The alienation from all of his surroundings, and his creator feeds the creature's desire for vengeance, ultimately resulting in the deaths of every that his creator Frankenstein held dear to his heart. Frankenstein leaves his home in Geneva to attend the University of Ingolstadt, where he becomes captivated by the experiments of Professor Waldman. The professor attempts to create new life by conducting unethical and unlawful experiments. Intrigued, Frankenstein becomes completely immersed in the possibility of reanimation. Frankenstein sees this as an opportunity to fulfill the promise he made after his mother's passing. He vows to end the cold reality of death and the suffering that ensues. After successfully creating new life, Frankenstein immediately runs away from it, claiming self-preservation. In reality, he is utterly disgusted by the sight of his creation and leaves it all alone in the world, no more capable of taking care of itself than a mere child. He essentially shirks all responsibility, leaving his creation to fend for itself. Frankenstein's failure to recognize the creature as more than a mere creation