Moral Flaws In Frankenstein

“Mary Shelley 's “Frankenstein” is a text which has ever since it was first published, influenced social and cultural debates over the relationship between human beings [...]” (Allen 117). There are multiple texts that deal with the question of who the real monster is. The name 'Frankenstein ' is often related to the monster by people who have not read the book (Heesel 3). This essay, however, tries to explain why the reader might think of Frankenstein as a monstrous, inhumane being in the first place. People usually sympathize with the protagonist and his actions.

Humans are complex creatures that can be defined by the unique characteristics that they possess. When analyzing the differences between humans and other species, it is important to take into context the non biological differences. The mental capacity of humans affects how they are able to function in the world and creates a mental barrier between them and other earthly creatures. In the novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley highlights some of the defining characteristics of humans. Shelley displays an artificial creature that is inhumane in many aspects, but over time showcases human like characteristics.

Mary shelly demonstrates that human injustice is caused by fear of what is different, through the novel Frankenstein. This injustice takes the form of unfair treatment. Frankenstein demonstrates how unfair treatment of others is caused by fear of their differences. This is shown by Frankenstein’s abandonment of his creation. Frankenstein abandons his creation because of his fear of its inhumane appearance.

Victor was part of a wealthy Swiss family who treated him as ““...an object of their love, not a participant in it; he is "their plaything and their idol.” Victor insists upon remembering "the best of all possible worlds" is the psychological defense of an only child (as he was for a long time) who maintains a love/hate relationship with his parents because he senses that they share an affection that in some way excludes him” (Claridge). This gave Victor the idea that people were somehow objects that you can give love to which he soon does with Elizabeth. “His mother tells him, "I have a pretty present for my Victor -- tomorrow he shall have it.” The child subsequently accepts Elizabeth as his "promised gift" and makes her his own possession.”

Dichotomy is a very important characteristic in literature. Dichotomy is able to emphasize the contrast and add many deep layers to a story. In Emily Brontë’s Gothic Novel Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff’s embodies many contrasting philosophical components. Heathcliff personifies the role of a savage and a cultured gentleman. Heathcliff is also able to play the role of the victim and victimizer.

There are very few people that would question the dark and horrific nature of Mary Shelley’s writing in her novel Frankenstein. However, Mary also manages to connect the reader to the characters through the use of an emotion that is not commonly found in the horror genre. Guilt is one of the major over-arching themes of Frankenstein and can entirely change how a reader may view a given character, and Shelley uses this to show how each character changes over the course of the story. In the novel, nearly every character goes through their own stage of guilt of varying intensities. Elizabeth, Victor, and even the monster feel guilt for their actions or lack thereof.

In Frankenstein, the conflict against morality was that Dr. Victor Frankenstein created a creature that he made from dead body parts from different people. However, there were other problems involving scientists crossing the line between science and morality. During that era, doctors would hire “resurrection men” to rob graves for corpses for dissection. Not only that, but doctors also practiced vivisection, the dissection of live animals. People believed that scientists would do anything for the pursuit of science.

"People are always searching for ways to better themselves. It is said that those who read fiction tend to be more understanding, empathizing, and open minded. Humans are naturally flawed but reading seems to improve people. One natural, unavoidable characteristic of humans is judgment. People have an initial instinct to judge those whom they have just met.

Evil by Nature? Monster stories have surfaced in nearly every culture, language, and place throughout humankind?s history. The monster stories take the form of vampires, ghosts, zombies, werewolves, and evil beings, and they are all shared themes found throughout various cultures. The common factor between these monsters is that they are all arguably monstrous and evil by nature.

Guilt is a very important theme in the story of Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist of the story is deeply affected by guilt and his health and well-being is constantly struggling because of this. One reason that guilt is affecting Victor’s health and well-being is that he is continually contemplating about committing suicide. After the death of Justine and William, Victor felt like it was his fault and his mind was consumed with guilt. One example of Victor’s thought of suicide is when he went sailing at night.