Consequences In Volume 1 Of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, she clearly evaluates the extent to which actions have consequences and details this concept through the life and journey of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. Across her three volumes, Shelley develops this theme of actions having consequences through the various oversights from Victor in volume one, misdeeds by the monster in volume two, and a combined effort by these two characters in their individual pursuits of justice in volume three. In so doing Shelley effectively highlights the destructive path that a lack of personal responsibility can lead one towards. Likewise, a lack of personal responsibility concerning one’s digital footprint may lead to unforeseen repercussions. Shelley establishes the theme

Just as Victor Frankenstein's overambition led to the deterioration of his health and the horrifying realization of the consequences of his actions, individuals today may overlook the potential long-lasting effects of their online activities. According to Alina Bîzgă in her article she states, “a negative digital trail can cost opportunities in all areas of life, from relationships and college admissions to job prospects and financial security” (Bîzgă, n.d.). It only takes a single viral bad tweet or irresponsible online behavior to ruin one's career or college application. Similar to how Victor's disregard for personal responsibility led to unforeseen repercussions, individuals need to be mindful of their digital footprints and the impact they can have on their personal and professional

In the preceding volumes Shelley delved into the individual faults of Victor and The Creature. However, the theme of actions having consequences within this volume is reinforced through the collaborative efforts of these two characters. Consumed by the goal of enacting what they viewed as rightful vengeance, Victor and his Creation pursue each other relentlessly; To where Victor chases after The Creature and it somehow manages to elude him every time. Victor figured that it was his responsibility to end the creature’s life to atone for his wretched actions while The Creature saw his constant torment of Victor as revenge for how Victor abandoned him early on in his development. Shelley uses this intense rivalry to drive home her central theme, being how unchecked tendencies such as overambition, jealousy, and vengeance ultimately end up dictating one’s life instead of the other way around thus leaving one powerless. This idea is reflected perfectly by the development mentioned earlier, being how Victor worked tirelessly to find the creature in order to kill it, so much so , he ended up chasing after it into the middle of the arctic circle, hundreds of miles away from any life. Victor’s incapacity to exercise self control left him in such a state that he claimed, “My life, as it passed thus, was indeed hateful to me,