Frankenstein Compare And Contrast Essay

The conventional understanding of a protagonist is someone who embodies heroism, serves as a role model, and is an overall flawless character. However, in the novels Maus, Frankenstein, and The Awakening, this concept is challenged. Each of these novels presents a protagonist who is deeply flawed and multi-layered, providing the reader with a more relatable perspective on the issues the author intends to convey. While these protagonists may appear similarly unlikable at first glance, their impact on the storyline varies depending on whether their negative traits are inherent or developed as a result of their surroundings. The author employs developed traits to illustrate the significant impact of the story's events on human emotions. However,

Similarly to how Vladek becomes harsh, unsympathetic, and frugal, Edina's behavior gradually becomes self-centered and cruel. In the opening of the novel, Chopin portrays Edina's emotional response to her oppressive marriage following a dispute with her husband. Chopin writes “To feel again the realities pressing into her soul. The physical need for sleep began to overtake her; the exuberance which had sustained and exalted her spirit left her helpless and yielding to the conditions which crowded her in,” (The Awakening 31). Chopin employs words such as "pressing," "helpless," and "crowded" to convey Edna's sense of being trapped. Edna feels restricted in her marriage to Leonce but societal norms prevent her from ending it. This suffocating feeling prompts her to prioritize her own freedom over her roles as a devoted wife and mother. Uncertain of what freedom entails, she engages in an affair with a younger man, frequently neglecting her children. Although her intentions are not malicious like Vladek's, her actions disregard the well-being of others, causing them

Victor's intense ambition to bring the dead back to life for scientific purposes consumes him, leading him to abandon his family for two years in pursuit of his goal. His self-centeredness is further highlighted in his description of his first interaction with the creature he has created. Victor illustrates, “Now that I had finished, the beauty of the creature vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room and continued a long time traversing my bed chamber.” (Frankenstein 45). Victor's disregard for his creation demonstrates a lack of concern for both the creature and those around him. By leaving the creature unattended, whose capabilities remain unknown, he exposes others to potential harm. Additionally, this passage highlights Victor's hasty judgment of the world, as he selfishly abandons his creation solely based on its appearance. During their long-awaited reunion, the creature expresses a single, straightforward request to Victor. He admits to feeling isolated and reveals that his ultimate desire for a fulfilling life is to have a companion. The creature assures Victor that if this request is fulfilled, he will never bother him again. Victor angrily shouts “Shall I create another like yourself, whose