Victor Frankenstein Quote Analysis

While in nature, Victor Frankenstein laments, “If our impulses were confined to hunger, thirst, and desire, we might be nearly free; but now we are moved by every wind that blows, and a chance word or scene that that word may convey to us” (92). What does this quote mean and how does it apply to his own life? Nature is often an area where Victor Frankenstein goes to reflect on his life. His pensive thoughts come through when he observes the sublime nature. His quote means that life at its simplest elements, in which basic survival is most necessary, we would be free from the constraints imposed by higher order thoughts and civilization. This dynamic may be seen through the mental fitness pyramid in which physiological health is part of the

A lack of belonging, safety, and clear goals threatens his happiness, though they are the norm in civilization. In simple terms, ignorance is bliss and higher-order thinking and knowledge is a threat to our happiness. This applies to both the characters of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. Victor appears to have an idyllic upbringing, as seen by the affectionate relationships that coexisted in his household. For example he describes his parents as having, “a considerable difference between the ages… but this circumstance seemed to unite them only closer in bonds of devoted affection” (41) and his relationship with Elizabeth with “harmony was the soul of our companionship” (44). His sheltered upbringing is inarguably the highest point of his happiness. However, as soon as he makes the monster, his mind is filled with anguish and yearning for a retreat to simpler civilization. After creating the being, he says, “Sometimes my pulse beat so quickly and hardly, that I felt the palpitation of every artery… mingled with this horror, I felt the bitterness of disappointment; dreams that had been my food…. Were now hell to me” (61). After reaching his goal of bringing the dead to