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Examples Of Victor Selfish In Frankenstein

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Throughout the well-known novel, Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein is characterized as being a very selfish man. Contrary to this idea, Victor tells his father, “A thousand times would I have shed my own blood, drop by drop, to have saved their lives. . .” (184 Frankenstein). It is ironic that Victor makes this comment, as it is evident throughout the novel that he does not truly mean this. In other words, Victor did not sacrifice his life for his friends and family at any point over the course of the story. This statement of his is therefore invalid, as there are several examples throughout the novel that prove him wrong. To begin the novel, Victor explains his interests and inspiration for creating …show more content…

There is a long time between the killings of Victor’s friends and family, however; in the meantime Victor is confronted by his monster. This "being" then demands for the creation of a female monster to reduce his loneliness. It wasn't until Victor destroyed the semi-created female monster, that the monster himself grew especially angry with Victor. Because of his anger towards Victor, the monster killed Henry, Victor's closest friend. Throughout the novel thus far it is obvious who the monster is truly after, however; Victor does not see this. For example, the author writes, "The examination, the presence of the magistrate and witnesses, passed like a dream from my memory when I saw the lifeless form of Henry Clerval stretched before me. I gasped for breath..." (Frankenstein 169). This quote represents the feelings Victor had towards the death of his dearest friend, Henry. Victor was in complete and utter shock by his death, as he did not predict this coming. Lastly, the monster kills Victor's beloved Elizabeth. This was due to Victor's inability to take the monster seriously with any of his demands or threats. Prior to the murder of Elizabeth, the monster warned Victor that he would be with him on his wedding night. Victor assumed this meant the monster was after him, when in fact that was far from the truth. If Victor was not such a self centered person who only

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