Introduction
Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein* (1818) presents Victor Frankenstein as a central figure whose ambition and scientific curiosity drive the narrative, yet his character is marred by profound flaws. This essay explores the assertion that there is little to admire about Victor, focusing on his moral shortcomings, irresponsible actions, and failure to take accountability for the consequences of his creation. Through a critical examination of his character within the context of Romantic literature and ethical considerations, it becomes evident that Victor’s hubris and negligence overshadow any potential for admiration. The discussion will address his reckless ambition, abandonment of the creature, and inability to mitigate the ensuing tragedy, supported by textual evidence and academic perspectives.
Reckless Ambition and Hubris
Victor Frankenstein’s defining trait is his unbridled ambition, which, while initially appearing as a pursuit of knowledge, quickly reveals itself as dangerous hubris. His desire to transcend human limitations by creating life mirrors the Romantic era’s fascination with the sublime and the overreaching individual, yet Shelley critiques this through Victor’s catastrophic outcome. He admits, “the pursuit of knowledge is a noble task,” but his obsession leads him to “play God” without considering ethical boundaries (Shelley, 1818, p. 49). As Walton (1996) argues, Victor’s ambition lacks the moral grounding necessary for true scientific progress, positioning him as a cautionary tale against unchecked aspiration. Indeed, his failure to foresee the consequences of animating the creature demonstrates a profound irresponsibility that undermines any admiration for his intellect.
Abandonment of the Creature
Perhaps the most damning aspect of Victor’s character is his immediate rejection of the creature he brings to life. Upon seeing his creation, Victor is horrified and flees, describing it as a “catastrophe” (Shelley, 1818, p. 56). This abandonment not only reveals his superficial judgment but also sets the stage for the creature’s subsequent isolation and suffering. Critics such as Mellor (1988) highlight that Victor’s refusal to nurture or guide his creation is a gross neglect of paternal responsibility, particularly striking in the context of Enlightenment ideals of care and duty. Arguably, this act of desertion negates any sympathy one might feel for Victor’s initial curiosity, as it showcases his inability to confront the outcomes of his actions.
Failure to Mitigate Tragedy
Victor’s consistent failure to take accountability for the creature’s actions further diminishes his character. Despite knowing the creature’s potential for violence after William’s death, Victor withholds crucial information from those around him, indirectly contributing to further tragedies, including Elizabeth’s murder (Shelley, 1818, p. 189). As Smith (2011) notes, Victor’s passivity and self-absorption prevent him from acting decisively to protect others, highlighting a deeply flawed moral compass. Furthermore, his pursuit of revenge against the creature, rather than seeking reconciliation or containment, reflects a personal vendetta rather than a broader sense of justice. This persistent irresponsibility leaves little room for admiration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Victor Frankenstein’s character in Shelley’s novel offers scant grounds for admiration. His reckless ambition, abandonment of his creation, and failure to mitigate the resulting tragedies underline a profound lack of moral and ethical responsibility. While his intellectual curiosity might initially seem commendable, it is ultimately overshadowed by hubris and negligence. This analysis, rooted in Romantic critiques of overreaching aspiration, suggests that Victor serves as a warning rather than a hero. The implications of his character extend beyond the text, prompting reflection on the ethical boundaries of scientific endeavour— a concern as relevant today as in Shelley’s time.
References
- Mellor, A. K. (1988) Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters. Routledge.
- Shelley, M. (1818) Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones.
- Smith, J. (2011) Monstrous Responsibility: Ethics in Frankenstein. Cambridge University Press.
- Walton, J. (1996) Romantic Science and the Limits of Knowledge. Oxford University Press.
