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The Role Of Moral Ambiguity In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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In mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” the morally ambiguous Victor Frankenstein plays a pivotal role that contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole- the allure of power. The moral ambiguity of the central character Victor Frankenstein is present throughout the text due to the mercurial nature of his morals and selfish tendencies.
At the start of the novel victor Frankenstein is presented as an ambitious, mad scientist, in pursuit of his life goal- to create a being by giving life to an inanimate body. Following his success are a mix of oddly contradicting emotions. Victor deprived himself of the basic necessities of life and wholly devoted himself towards this accomplishment. As life entered the body he’d fabricated, Victor at first felt accomplished and satisfied to the highest …show more content…

This tore the heart of the daemon, causing him to respond with fierce aggression. Despite victor’s previous hopes for benevolence, Victor was proved wrong once more and the daemon murdered Henry. The creature threatened to make Victor suffer, and to bring harm to all that he loved. Victor then finally made the commitment and prepared to destroy the creature, even if it cost him his own life. The creature murdered the wife of Victor- Elizabeth, and it was only after this that he decided to take measures and pursue the beast. Victor Frankenstein’s allure for power had been solely responsible for his downfall, along with the deaths of whom he loved. Victor created a beast in an attempt to be represented as a god-like figure. Due to Victor’s devotion he could not commit to hating this creature and kill it. It had only been after the murder of 3 of his family members when Victor finally saw his darkness. Frankenstein’s moral ambiguity reveals the meaning of the work as a whole- an overpowering allure for power can be your downfall and bring harm to those around

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