How Is Frankenstein Selfish

What is a monster? When most people think of one, they probably envision something with parts that are unnatural, distorted or out of proportion. However, according to the 1824 dictionary which was published just six years after Frankenstein was, a monster is “A person so wicked as to appear horrible.” Throughout Frankenstein, we see both Victor and the creature act in a way that many would find inhumane and destructive. Both characters struggle to find their true selves, while causing danger to not only themselves, but those around them. This raises the question of is there a possibility that Frankenstein is a monster himself, and in fact an even greater one than the creature he defines as monstrous? The answer quite simply is yes, this

While he insists that he cares about others, he always puts himself and his well being above all, which tends to bring out his selfish traits and behaviors. When Frankenstein is working to make the monster he is seemingly happy, and we see him as a more or less gentle hearted character. However, he shows his selfish undertone as soon as the creature is brought to life and rejected almost immediately. “His jaws opened, and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grin wrinkled his cheeks. He might have spoken, but I did not hear; one hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped, and rushed downstairs. I took refuge…”(59). Because Frankenstein is so judgmental, he rejects parenthood of the monster due to his looks therefore putting his two years of rigorous work to waste. He observes the monster’s first actions as a form of life, and although a grin was wrinkled in the creatures cheeks, Frankenstein was till alarmed. Additionally, Frankenstein disregards Elizabeth's feelings in times when she needs company most. “This night is dreadful, very dreadful… I earnestly intreated her to retire, resolving not to join her until I had obtained some knowledge as to the situation of my enemy”(188-9). Frankenstein speaks of how much he cares for Elizabeth, yet he leaves her to die on their wedding night. He claims the night will be terrible and dangerous, therefore

Aside from Clerval, Frankenstein has never had a healthy, normal relationship with anyone. He’s never had a person that he can call and explain his feelings or day to. Before Clerval's death, Frankenstein was rarely open with his feelings, but he recognizes this in a somber way. He explains, “I have no friend, Margaret: when I am glowing with the enthusiasm of success, there will be none to participate my joy; if I am assailed by disappointment, no one will endeavor to sustain me in dejection” (4). Frankenstein writes this letter in the beginning of the book, already without a friend or companion. This example supports how Frankenstein could have always been the monster, and how he acted socially never put him in a “normal” relationship. Frankenstein might’ve claimed that he loved Elizabeth, but he didn’t exhibit any real feelings for her. This is evident when Elizabeth states, “You well know, Victor, that our union had been the favorite plan of your parents since our infancy… Do you not love another?”(191-2) Victor and Elizabeth's wedding was arranged, which explains why Elizabeth tells Victor to smile when he sees her next, for she will know he has true feelings for her. Although these feelings may have been dismissive and untrue, Victor smiles and goes through with the wedding because he knew that was inevitably the product of him returning home. On the other