Ambition In Frankenstein

Nia Cram
Ms. Schroder
English IV British Literature
11 January 2023
Frankenstien’s Fiery Folly
Ambition that rivals the power of God will go down in flames. Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus written in 1816 continues to be celebrated over two hundred years later. By using the literary allusion of Prometheus from Greek Mythology, Shelley created a compelling and relatable story that reveals the tragic consequences of ambition. Prometheus disobeyed Zeus and became known as the thief of fire, and fire is known to be a symbol of the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. Shelley exposes Promethean qualities in the protagonist character, Victor Frankenstein, who aspires to unveil the secrets of nature. Prometheans will stop at

After his mother’s death he “ardently desired the acquisition of knowledge” (41). With no choice but to go on with his own life, he studied with philosophers and scientists at a university in Ingolstadt, Germany. There he made discoveries that “procured great esteem and admiration” (47). Victor’s ego grew with each new discovery. He began to boast, “What had been the study and desire of the wisest men since the creation of the world, was now within my grasp” (49). Victor’s passion for knowledge beyond the realm of human understanding is a major flaw. His desire to unlock all the secrets of nature leads him to create the monster. Had he been more reserved or sensitive to the dangers of what his pursuits were leading him to, Victor may have stopped before creating the being that turned his life into a

Although Victor deems himself responsible for the deaths of William and Justine, he refuses to divulge the truth or even admit to the existence of the monster. Victor reveals, “I was seized by remorse and the sense of guilt, which hurried me away to a hell of intense tortures, such as no language can describe” (102). Victor’s strictly secretive nature forces him to face his problems alone. He contemplates suicide, “I was tempted to plunge into the silent lake, that the waters might close over me and my calamities for ever” (103). Victor brought the creature to life and did not take responsibility for the life he created. The creature was left to find his own way in a world that never showed him any love or kindness, which ultimately caused him to lash out at Victor, kill his brother, and frame Justine with the murder. Victor’s ambition sets this chain of lethal events into motion making him responsible for the fatal consequences. Victor and his monster both prove to be complex characters with flaws that cause destruction. The full-circle moment of the monster's grief once Victor dies helps resonate with the humanity of