Frankenstein: Creation Is the Beginning Destruction Is the End
Creation is the act of producing or cause of something to enter into existence and destruction is the act of eliminating something from existence. In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, the main character Victor Frankenstein has a duality of character in which he is both creator and destroyer. This is evident in the novel through examples such as his self-isolation to develop an understanding of anatomy as well as to construct the monster, destroys his relationships with his family. Even through his creation of the monster Victor unknowingly brings about the deaths of people close to him; William, Henry Clerval, and Elizabeth. Victor Frankenstein’s duality as a creator and destroyer has a negative impact on himself and others, due to the fact that his facet of destruction greatly out-weighs his attributes of creation. It is Victor’s obsession with creation that acts as a catalyst to destroy the relationships and lives that he has with his friends and family.
In chapter four Victor begins to delve deep into his studies he begins to shut out the outside world, this isolation, to understand the mystery of creation, destroys his social connection with his family. At the end of the previous chapter Victor makes the decision to study Natural Philosophy. He then proceeds to attack his studies with enthusiasm and by ignoring his social life, makes rapid progress. He develops an understanding of anatomy, death and decay. My application was at first fluctuating and uncertain; it gained strength as I proceeded and soon became so ardent and eager that the stars often disappeared in the light of morning whilst I was yet engaged in my laboratory. As I applied so closely, it may be easily conceived that my progress was rapid. Two years passed in this manner in which I paid no visit to Geneva. (Shelley 40 - 41)
This is Victor’s own interpretation or explanation of his isolation, he tells Robert Walton about how he would be working all through the night until the early
In chapter four Victor begins to delve deep into his studies he begins to shut out the outside world, this isolation, to understand the mystery of creation, destroys his social connection with his family. At the end of the previous chapter Victor makes the decision to study Natural Philosophy. He then proceeds to attack his studies with enthusiasm and by ignoring his social life, makes rapid progress. He develops an understanding of anatomy, death and decay. My application was at first fluctuating and uncertain; it gained strength as I proceeded and soon became so ardent and eager that the stars often disappeared in the light of morning whilst I was yet engaged in my laboratory. As I applied so closely, it may be easily conceived that my progress was rapid. Two years passed in this manner in which I paid no visit to Geneva. (Shelley 40 - 41)
This is Victor’s own interpretation or explanation of his isolation, he tells Robert Walton about how he would be working all through the night until the early
Cited: Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. USA: Tom Doherty Associates, LLC., 1988