How Is Victor Frankenstein Affected By Mental Illness

1562 Words7 Pages

Victor Frankenstein was greatly affected by a mental illness, which caused his actions and thoughts to negatively impact his whole life. Victor Frankenstein is in no way in mental shape to have sought out what he did. Victor is constantly under pressure from many stressors which affect the way his mind works, only furthering the damage done by his mental illness. Through the use of imagery and metaphors, Mary Shelly is able to utilize how Victor manages to control his illness and is able to think clearly, and what his main triggers are. Victor Frankenstein has been shown throughout the novel as being indecisive, or irrational to come up with a solution to his problems. Mental illnesses have been known to cause issues with decision making in …show more content…

“They’re also more willing to adopt strategies based on less information, in other words “Jump to Conclusions”, about outcomes” (Dr. Kesby, No. p.). Victor kept the consequences of creating a female for his first creation on his mind, but made up his mind that it was a bad idea too late. Not being able to react to so many bad consequences may be a sign of mental illness as it prevents a person from acting upon hazards. From not being able to decide on the spot to not fully comprehending the consequences of his actions, Victor Frankenstein is being affected by some mental issues, obstructing him from being able to act steadily & rationally. From the beginning of the monster’s birth, Victor Frankenstein has been disgusted by his creation. He cannot seem to let go of the past, and is constantly worrying about what may happen to him. “I was anxious and watchful, while my right hand grasped a pistol which was hidden in my bosom; every sound terrified me, but I resolved that I would sell my life dearly and not shrink from the conflict until my own life or that of my adversary was extinguished” (Shelly