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  • Essay / The Dual Nature of the Monster in Frankenstein

    Table of ContentsThe Monster as Victor's MirrorThe Fall of PrideThe Implications of Victor's FallBibliographyFrankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, is a novel that explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and of the pursuit of knowledge. At the center of this tale is Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist who creates a monstrous being. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the monster is not only a physical entity, but also a representation of Victor's inner turmoil. This essay will demonstrate that the monster serves as Victor's double, reflecting his own flaws and ultimately leading to his downfall. Specifically, it will focus on the personality trait of pride as the driving force behind Victor's tragic fate. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Monster as Victor's Mirror From the moment of his creation, Frankenstein's monster is depicted as an outsider and an outcast. He is rejected by society due to his grotesque appearance and must navigate the world alone. Likewise, Victor is also isolated in his quest for knowledge and ambition. He is so absorbed in his desire to create life that he neglects those close to him and loses contact with humanity. The monster is then a reflection of Victor's own isolation and the consequences of his pride. A key moment that highlights this duality between Victor and the monster is when the creature confronts its creator. He eloquently expresses his anguish and loneliness, appealing to Victor's sense of responsibility. The monster pleads: “I am your creature: I should be your Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel, whom you drive away from joy without any mischief” (Shelley, 87). Here, the monster draws a parallel between himself and Adam, the first man in Christian mythology. In doing so, he not only emphasizes his desire for connection, but also implies that Victor is playing the role of God, with all the hubris that implies. The Fall of Pride Victor's fall is directly linked to his pride, which blinds him to the consequences. of his actions. His quest for knowledge and desire to play God ultimately had devastating consequences. Although Victor initially views his creation as a triumph, he soon realizes the horrors he has unleashed. The monster's murders and acts of vengeance become a mirror to Victor's own sins of neglect and abandonment. His refusal to take responsibility for his creation and his inability to see beyond his own desires ultimately seals his fate. One of the most striking examples of Victor's hubris leading to his downfall is his reaction to Elizabeth's death. When the monster kills his beloved wife, Victor is consumed by grief and swears revenge. He states, “I will pursue the demon who has caused this misery until he or I perish in mortal conflict” (Shelley, 154). This statement reveals Victor's arrogance and his belief that he can single-handedly defeat the creature he himself created. It is this blind determination that ultimately leads to his own demise. The Implications of Victor's Fall Victor's tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of playing God. His fall reveals the fragility of human beings and the pride that often accompanies scientific progress. Shelley's novel warns of the dangers of pursuing knowledge without considering the ethical implications and potential harm it can cause. In conclusion, Frankenstein presents the monster as a reflection of one's own flaws and inner turmoil, 2003.