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Cruelty In Frankenstein

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In Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”, The creature may be known for his monstrous and unforgiveable acts, but it is his creator, Victor, who is the true monster. Mary Shelley was an English novelist, best known for her gothic novel “Frankenstein”. In “Frankenstein” the question of who is the true monster, Victor or the creature, is a prominent theme throughout the story. While the creature's actions are certainly gruesome and horrific, it is the Monster who ultimately holds the title of the true monster. Through his neglect and mistreatment of the creature, Victor demonstrates a complete disregard for the life he has created. His selfishness and arrogance lead to the destruction of not only himself, but of the innocent lives around him. Firstly, …show more content…

Throughout the novel, Victor's actions are motivated by his own desires and ambitions, often at the expense of those around him. In Chapter 7, he reflects on his pursuit of knowledge and states, "It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still my inquiries were directed to the metaphysical, or in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world" (Shelley 50). With this quote, Shelley shows Victor's preoccupation with his own intellectual pursuits, which take priority over his relationships and the well-being of those around him. Another example of Victor's lack of empathy can be seen when he creates the creature without considering the potential consequences for the creature's well-being. He states, "I had desired it with an ardor that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart" (Shelley 34). With this quote, Shelley shows Victor's lack of empathy for the creature, whom he has created without considering the implications for his life and

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