How Does Rousseau Use Rhetoric In Frankenstein

Deception

Rhetoric often is more convincing than facts. It allows people to present themselves as they wish and consequently they deceive others. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley proposes situations that enlighten the reader to the nature of seeming versus being. Similar to Rousseau, in Discourse on Inequality, she argues that there is a difference between the appearance of reality and reality itself. Unlike Rousseau, however, she does not just claim this for civilization but in nature as well. Rhetoric only exists in civilization, however, there remains artifice in nature. Additionally, because Victor has control over how he presents himself and how he presents the monster to Walton, and consequently the reader, the author proposes that he

Victor’s complete control over how Walton views his life indicates that Shelley supports the claim that people “put on a mask of benevolence” (Rousseau 29). To persuade Walton to continue his ambition of revenge on the monster, Victor tactfully proposes the reality of his circumstances and the role of the monster. As Rousseau claims, Victor acts to serve his own interests and must employ the help of another person to help him achieve his ambition. Further, when requesting Walton fulfill his ambition, he acknowledges that it is selfish to ask, yet as he dies he claims to be motivated by virtue. Though this could be read as an honest request of a dying man to do the virtuous thing for humanity, I see it as a manipulative tactic to achieve one’s goal by using the service others to get security for one’s self. His reliance on Walton exemplifies how his passions can only be fulfilled with the help of others, however, unlike Rousseau’s claim, Victor is not manipulative to surpass others. Rather it is his “real want” to kill the monster, not just a desire determined by civilization (Rousseau 29). Shelley does support Rousseau's claim in this instance, however, she is not arguing that all ambitions are selfish rather that people use others by appearing

Though the monster does not appear to have a motive when talking to Walton, besides to get out of the ship alive, he does effectively get Walton to hear him out so he could tell his story. The monster values forgiveness because he believes that civilization has caused him to act hatefully, and if only he were treated without prejudice he would be kind-hearted. Victor appeals to Walton’s emotion to hate the monster, reporting all the destruction he has caused, Victor tries to ensure that his ambition will be fulfilled. This could motivate Walton to want revenge on the monster because the monster is essentially causing his friend’s death. Additionally, throughout the novel, Victor recalls how much guilt and suffering he has felt. In doing this, it appears that he accepts what he has caused and taken responsibility for his mistake, yet it also communicates to Walton that he experienced retribution and now deserves absolvement. Both the monster and Victor use Walton to serve their desire to be regarded with