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  • Essay / Analysis Relevance of Frankenstein: Selfish Nature of Victor Frankenstein

    Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, is a timeless classic that explores the consequences of scientific ambition and the ethical dilemmas that surround it. One of the central themes of the novel is the selfishness of Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist. Through an analysis of key quotes, it becomes clear that Victor's actions are motivated by his own desires and his disregard for the well-being of others. This essay will examine the relevance of Frankenstein's selfishness and its implications for the story, highlighting the multiple instances in which Victor prioritizes his own aspirations over the well-being of those around him. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Victor Frankenstein's selfishness is evident from the beginning of the novel when he becomes obsessed with the idea of ​​creating life. He ignores the potential consequences of his actions and allows himself to be consumed by his ambition. As Victor exclaims: “Life and death seemed to me ideal boundaries, which I must first cross and pour a torrent of light into our dark world” (Shelley, 34). This quote demonstrates Victor's disregard for the natural order and his desire to play God. His selfish quest for knowledge blinds him to the potential dangers and moral implications of his experience. Once Victor succeeds in creating the creature, he immediately abandons it, further emphasizing its selfish nature. He is repelled by his own creation and fails to take responsibility for his well-being. As Victor reflects on his actions, he admits, “I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardor that far exceeded moderation” (Shelley, 36). This quote reveals Victor's selfishness in pursuing his ambition at the expense of his own well-being and the neglect he shows towards his creation. Although he is the one who brought the creature to life, he avoids it, leaving it to fend for itself and face the world alone. Victor's selfishness becomes even more pronounced when he prioritizes his own revenge over the lives of those close to him. After the creature murders his younger brother William, Victor is consumed by a desire for revenge and neglects the safety of those around him. He declares: “My own vampire, my own spirit freed from the grave and forced to destroy everything I held dear” (Shelley, 78). This quote illustrates Victor's self-centered mindset, which focuses only on his own pain and ignores the potential harm his quest for revenge can cause to others, including his family and friends. Victor's selfishness is also evident in his relentless pursuit of knowledge, regardless of the consequences. He is so absorbed in his desire to understand the secrets of life and death that he neglects the well-being of those around him. As Victor laments: “Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquisition of knowledge” (Shelley, 31). This quote highlights Victor's awareness of the destructive nature of his ambition, but it also reveals his selfishness in prioritizing his own curiosity over the potential harm it can cause. In conclusion, Frankenstein serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and its consequences. of selfishness. Through an analysis of key quotes, it is evident that Victor Frankenstein's actions are motivated by his own desires and a disregard for the well-being of others. His obsession with creating life, his neglect of its creation, his priority on revenge, and his relentless search for knowledge all highlight, 2003.