Mary Shelley

            One of the most interesting parts of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley occurs at the end of chapter three. In this section Victor Frankenstein is offering internal insight into his thoughts and beliefs—a very self-revealing action. Yet, there is a clear internal battle. Specifically in the last paragraph of chapter three, Victor is reflecting on his fathers reaction to his laborious work—which has consumed him. Victor states,

 “But my enthusiasm was checked by my anxiety, and i appeared rather like one doomed by slavery to toil in the mines, or any other unwholesome trade, than an artist occupied by his favorite employment.”

            This reveals so much. Inspired from a child-like fascination with life, Victor Frankenstein becomes—for lack of a better term—addicted to science. He has “doomed” himself by investing all his time and energy (to a point to where he was sacrificing his own health). To make a parallel, this is similar behavior of that of a drug addict. Instead of constantly chasing his next high, however, Frankenstein chases knowledge. He’s on a one-way train to create life—in a way he’s chasing a play-god role.

            Mary Shelley paints a picture with this passage in such a way that many meaning can be drawn from this piece—like other phenomenal creative works. The first meaning I took away came with regards toward Victor Frankenstein. By isolating himself, by endless pushing through hour after hour of work, and by never taking time to appreciate the present he makes his own hell. Furthermore, he is his own gate-keeper; however, he doesn’t even want to be let out (until his work is complete)!

            What this means for Victor can also transcend into the audience’s own life. Are you allowing something to consume you? What, or who, are you bestowing power to within your own life? Through Shelleys work you see this vivid character with these obvious obsessions, yet it when it objectively self-reflects it denies reality (or chooses to ignore it).

            That’s incredibly powerful. Personally, I have seen loved ones that endure this self-inflicted drive. This is a devastating behavior. I believe that right here—here—is when Victor Frankenstein lost his humanity.