Empathy In Frankenstein

From the dawn of time to the present day, humanity has built its philosophy based on the individual. The lack of empathy has been seen as the common root when pinpointing what causes one to act selfishly. Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky believes "Selfish behavior is not only immortal, but it is also bad for your psychological well-being" ("Psychology Today"). Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, tells the tale of Victor Frankenstein creating a hazardous "monster" who is painted as a scapegoat for the town's troubles. However, lurking in the shadows is a potential prospect whose selfish demeanor causes many individuals' downfall. Victor Frankenstein is the true antagonist of Shelley's heart-wrenching dystopia, who displays an illustration of cold-hearted

Nothing is more painful than admitting his faults but continuing the lie down in a lake of guilt. Despite admitting to his wrongs, Victor continues to melt into cold blood. Victim complex often stems from humanity's wanting of peace and avoidance of conflict. Justine symbolizes pure sacrifice, whose life was taken solely due to Victor's actions. During the trial, Justine testifies, "God knows how entirely I am innocent. However, I do not pretend that my protestations should acquit me: I rest my innocence on a plain and simple explanation of the facts which have been adduced against me, and I hope the character I have always borne will incline my judges to a favorable interpretation, where any circumstance appears doubtful or suspicious" (Shelley 55). Actions will always speak louder than words, and in this case, Justine never showed any malicious behavior prior to her framing. However, Victor's consistent profusion of gaslight and scapegoating causes the demise of an innocent girl with a full life ahead of

Why did I live? Why, in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence you had so wantonly bestowed? I know not; despair had not yet taken possession of me; my feelings were rage and revenge. I could wish pleasure to have destroyed the cottage and its inhabitants and have glutted myself with their shrieks and misery" (Shelley 95). Victor's creation accepts his fate as the societal pariah; however, for the first time in the novel, our feelings of doubt about Frankenstein's true intentions are confirmed. In reality, if one is not given a purpose in life and has to fuel themself every day to stay delighted, why would one continue to give to society's wishes? Victor ultimately chose to put the monster on the planet, and it was up to him to teach him the difference between right and wrong. Psychologists believe that 99% of the time, one's malicious behavior stems from the parents, not the child. The monster lashes out at the novel's end, "I shall ascend my funeral pile triumphantly and exult in the agony of the torturing flames. The light of that conflagration will fade away; the winds will sweep my