Maxwell Fallert 4/6/2023 Uhlman 2nd The novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley in 1818, has continued to captivate audiences with its complex portrayal of human emotions, ethics, and the consequences of playing with the limits of science. The story revolves around Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who, in his pursuit of knowledge, creates a grotesque creature that, in turn, unleashes a series of tragic events. By employing the lens of existentialism, a philosophical movement that explores the meaning of existence and the human condition, this paper aims to analyze Frankenstein and uncover the novel's deeper insights into the human experience. Through the characters of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, the creature, …show more content…
Throughout the novel, both Victor and the Creature grapple with questions of selfhood and the nature of their existence. Victor's identity is intrinsically tied to his pursuit of knowledge and his scientific accomplishments. However, as the narrative unfolds, Victor's obsession with creation ultimately destroys his own identity, as he loses his connections to his family, friends, and even his own sense of self. The Creature's struggle with identity is even more pronounced, as he is a being entirely unique in the world. In a poignant scene, the Creature confronts his reflection in a pool of water and experiences a profound sense of alienation: "Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust?... I was not even of the same nature as man... I was more agile than they and could subsist upon coarser diet; I bore the extremes of heat and cold with less injury to my frame... What was I? Of my creation and creator, I was absolutely ignorant, but I knew that I possessed no money, no friends, no kind of property" (Shelley …show more content…
However, he fails to take responsibility for his creation and the consequences of his actions. When confronted by the Creature, Victor exclaims, "Begone! I will not hear you. There can be no community between you and me; we are enemies. Begone, or let us try our strength in a fight" (Shelley 96). This refusal to accept responsibility for the Creature's existence and suffering exemplifies the existentialist notion that individuals must be held accountable for the consequences of their choices and