Frankenstein Mental Health Essay

Mary Shelley's iconic novel, “Frankenstein”, published in 1818, goes into the intricate and often neglected topic of mental health. Despite being primarily recognized as a Gothic horror story, Shelley's masterpiece offers a profound exploration of the effects of isolation, trauma, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge on the human psyche. Through her characters, Victor Frankenstein and his creation, Shelley illustrates the tragic consequences of neglecting one's mental well-being and the profound impact it can have on both individuals and society. This essay will dive into the themes of mental health in “Frankenstein”, shedding light on the complexities of the human mind as portrayed by Shelley. Mary Shelley's “Frankenstein” explores the

In “Frankenstein”, the characters experience varying degrees of isolation, leading to profound effects on their mental well-being. Victor Frankenstein himself is plagued by the ramifications of his ambitious pursuit of knowledge, ultimately isolating himself from society. This self-imposed solitude takes a severe toll on his mental health, as evidenced by his poignant statement. "I shunned my fellow creatures as if... I had been guilty of a crime" (Shelley 56). Victor's remorse and withdrawal from society highlight the detrimental impact of isolation on mental well-being. The weight of guilt, compounded by a lack of human connection, exacerbates his deteriorating mental state. Similarly, the creature, abandoned and rejected by his creator, grapples with profound loneliness. Unable to find acceptance in society, he suffers from a deep sense of isolation that fractures his mental equilibrium. "I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me" (Shelley, 131). The creature's desperate plea for companionship reveals the detrimental consequences of

Victor's relentless pursuit of knowledge and his aspiration to conquer the secrets of life propels him into a destructive spiral. As his ambitions consume him, his mental state progressively deteriorates, leading to profound consequences. "In a fit of enthusiastic madness, I created a rational creature and was bound towards him, to assure, as far as was in my power, his happiness and well-being" (Shelley, 56). Victor's admission of his "enthusiastic madness" underscores the toll his ambitions have taken on his mental well-being. The weight of his creation becomes an unbearable burden that torments his psyche. Furthermore, Victor's obsession with his creation leads him to neglect his mental health. As he becomes increasingly consumed by his ambition, his mind descends into a state of paranoia and delusion. "Every night I was oppressed by a slow fever, and I became nervous to a most painful degree" (Shelley, 79). Victor's deteriorating mental state reflects the adverse consequences of unchecked ambition, illustrating how the pursuit of knowledge can exact a heavy toll on one's psychological well-being. “Frankenstein” further examines the dangers of unrestrained ambition and obsessive behavior on mental stability. Victor's insatiable thirst for knowledge and desire to play God blinds him to the potential consequences of his actions. His relentless pursuit of scientific breakthroughs consumes him