History behind Frankenstein Question: How did the historical context in which the novel was written, affect Victor’s character? In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, the protagonist Victor Frankenstein embarks on a dangerous quest to create life and refuses to take responsibility for his actions, leading to catastrophic consequences. This behavior can be attributed to his ambition, pride, and arrogance, which drive him to pursue forbidden knowledge and play off the role of creator without fully understanding the implications of his actions. By examining Victor’s psychological motivations, we can understand how he refuses to account for the creature's actions, and his lack of emotions is intertwined with the Romanticism era. Victor Frankenstein’s …show more content…
In the article “The Social Order vs the Wretch: Mary Shelley’s Contradictory Mindfulness in Frankenstein,” written by Sylvia Bowerbank, explores how Victor’s pride blinds him to his own faults and prevents him from admitting his mistakes. This aspect of Victor’s character can be linked to the historical context of Shelley’s era, where individual achievement and intellectual progress were highly valued, often leading people to prioritize their own egos over ethical considerations. Victor Frankenstein’s arrogance is another key factor linked to his pride and ambition. His sense of superiority isolates him from society and prevents him from seeking help or guidance when faced with challenges. His arrogance leads him to reject societal norms and ethical considerations in favor of pursuing his own desires. Victor’s rejection of accountability aligned with Romantic ideals, of this time, of rebellion against societal norms and institutions. The historical context in which Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, plays a significant role in shaping Victor Frankenstein’s character and