To What Extent Is Victor Frankenstein a Tragic Hero
To what extent is Victor Frankenstein a tragic hero?
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein presents the downfall of Victor Frankenstein, the tragic hero, as a result of his fatal flaw. Victor Frankenstein's complex character, fits the guidelines of an Aristotelian Tragic Hero, which states that the hero must occupy a high status, epitomising nobility however, is not perfect - he possesses a tragic flaw, that is, an error of judgement, also known as harmatia. The hero also undergoes a process of self – realisation, where he becomes of aware of his circumstances and how it is brought about. Victor Frankenstein acquires all of these characteristics, making him an example of an Aristotelian Tragic Hero
Aristotle's Tragic Hero is of a high status, representing greatness, as evident in Victor Frankenstein. The responder is introduced to Frankenstein, retelling the tale of his life and how his lowered situation has been brought about to Captain Walton, who has rescued him. His conversations with Walton reveal in him a knowledgeable man of high stature, able to draw parallels between himself and his companion, “You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope the...to sting you, as mine has been.†This portrays his desire to gain knowledge, and his open and attentive nature which has allowed him to interpret Walton's character. His intricate language also conveys a sense of quality education and background. Walton's perception of Frankenstein, “full-toned voice swells in my ears...lineaments of his face are lit up by the soul within,†indicate Frankenstein's noble nature. Frankenstein's elevated position in society is conveyed through his meticulous diction and conversations with Walton, as well as Walton's perception of this stranger.
However, Frankenstein isn't perfect, as he possess tragic flaws, which ultimately lead to his imminent downfall. His desire for the acquirement of knowledge, combined with the ignorance
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein presents the downfall of Victor Frankenstein, the tragic hero, as a result of his fatal flaw. Victor Frankenstein's complex character, fits the guidelines of an Aristotelian Tragic Hero, which states that the hero must occupy a high status, epitomising nobility however, is not perfect - he possesses a tragic flaw, that is, an error of judgement, also known as harmatia. The hero also undergoes a process of self – realisation, where he becomes of aware of his circumstances and how it is brought about. Victor Frankenstein acquires all of these characteristics, making him an example of an Aristotelian Tragic Hero
Aristotle's Tragic Hero is of a high status, representing greatness, as evident in Victor Frankenstein. The responder is introduced to Frankenstein, retelling the tale of his life and how his lowered situation has been brought about to Captain Walton, who has rescued him. His conversations with Walton reveal in him a knowledgeable man of high stature, able to draw parallels between himself and his companion, “You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope the...to sting you, as mine has been.†This portrays his desire to gain knowledge, and his open and attentive nature which has allowed him to interpret Walton's character. His intricate language also conveys a sense of quality education and background. Walton's perception of Frankenstein, “full-toned voice swells in my ears...lineaments of his face are lit up by the soul within,†indicate Frankenstein's noble nature. Frankenstein's elevated position in society is conveyed through his meticulous diction and conversations with Walton, as well as Walton's perception of this stranger.
However, Frankenstein isn't perfect, as he possess tragic flaws, which ultimately lead to his imminent downfall. His desire for the acquirement of knowledge, combined with the ignorance