Betrayal In Frankenstein

Betrayal: the act of betraying someone or something or the fact of being betrayed: violation of a person's trust or confidence, of a moral standard, etc. (Merriam Webster.) Betrayal, at its core, is change, disappointment, and pain. It is about the subversion of expectations, where what is given is far less than what is expected. In literary works, it is a simple device used to drive plots forward and create complex characters. This is because pain is a part of growing up. The Metamorphosis, Frankenstein, & A Separate Peace all show a central theme of betrayal. Each book shows a distinct and valid form of betrayal, with the main linking feature of all works being visceral pain and sadness.

The Metamorphosis is the story where a man, Gregor

Is that why you’re here!” He thrashed wildly in the darkness, the bed groaning under him and the sheets hissing as he fought against them. But he was not going to be able to get to me, because his matchless coordination was gone. He could not even get up from the bed.

“I want to fix your leg up,” I said crazily but in a perfectly natural tone of voice which made my words sound even crazier, even to me. (Knowles, 100)

Gene felt guilty for betraying Finny. Whether it was purposefully, subconsciously, or accidentally, Gene had sabotaged his friend and broke his leg. His guilt constantly ate at him, culminating in multiple attempts to absolve him of it. He seeked reprieve despite being the one who had betrayed Finny. Gene’s attempts at getting rid of his guilt only made his relationship with Finny worse. Despite having the best of intentions, Gene’s constant meddling results in more and more pain for both him and Finny.

Then after a pause all the tension drained out of him, and he let his head come slowly down between his hands. He had not hurt himself. But he brought his head slowly down between his hands and rested it against the floor, not moving, not making any

Macbeth suffered because he broke the trust of those around him. Victor suffered because he became disillusioned of his entire life and hurt someone he shouldn’t have. The daemon suffered for being born, and for continuing to live despite being told not to. Gene suffered for not forgiving himself, and forcing others to give him something he didn’t truly deserve. Hester suffered long enough for the pain to move behind her. Then there is Prometheus, who suffered for progress. Progress for humanity. Despite the pain and betrayal, humanity at its core is progress moving past pain and regrets. “Angry at this deception Zeus took fire away from man, to which Prometheus responded by lighting a torch from the sun and returning fire to man”