Frankenstein: The Modern Development Of Anxiety

Frankenstein: The Modern Development of Anxiety

Anxiety, by book definition, can be delimited as “a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks”. It is important to note that there isn’t simply one single type of this disorder, but variation including, but not limited to: generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety attacks- most commonly known as panic disorder-, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobia, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Anxiety disorders can interfere with one’s ability to lead a normal life, but with treatment, most are able to manage their disorder enough to live a proper life. Mary Shelley delves into this concept,

Symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder may include, but are not limited to: inability to relax, restlessness, fatigue, distress about making decisions for fear of making the wrong decision -as seen previously-, difficulty concentrating or the feeling that your mind "goes blank", trembling, sweating, nausea, and headaches. These symptoms can be seen early on in the novel, and are later spurred on by the creation of the monster. Victor claims that the two years that he worked on his monster, he suffered from insomnia and fatigue. Not only this, but in becoming fascinated with the idea of creating life from body parts of the deceased, he blurs the lines of reality and fantasy, another symptom of anxiety. After much obsession and inability to quit, Frankenstein resurrects the dead- better yet, parts of different dead; however, when Frankenstein sees the result of his own madness, he notes “my pulse beat so quickly and hardly that I felt the palpitation of every artery; at others, I nearly sank to the ground through languor and extreme weakness”, symptoms of an anxiety attack. Victor even goes as far as confirming the reader’s suspicion by directly saying he suffers from anxiety, “my enthusiasm was checked by my anxiety…”. Yet, the man does not seek help, and it clearly shows with his worsening condition after his success with the monster’s birth... rebirth? Even Frankenstein’s friend Henry Clerval begins to notice, “how very ill you appear; so thin and pale…” Clerval says with concern directed at Frankenstein. Frankenstein’s complexion showcases the result of the lengths that he pushed his body to go as a direct cause of his anxiety disorders. Frankenstein admits that he his a prisoner of his disorders and fishes for freedom as he says, “I hope, I sincerely hope… that I am at length free”. Another symptom makes itself known following this want as the man begins to “tremble