How Is Victor Frankenstein Relevant Today

First published in 1818, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is riddled with moral dilemmas, values, and lessons that are still relevant today. Through the characters of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, Frankenstein examines the issue of ambition and its intrinsic fallibility. Shelley's tale is a warning that illustrates the consequences of unchecked ambition, highlighting human hubris as well as the complexities of creation. Shelley highlights the destructive nature of ambition and its impact on individuals and society through a variety of character development, perspectives, and symbolism. Victor Frankenstein, whose unbridled ambition has led him to his downfall, is the central character of this novel. Victor has been consumed with a desire

He's convinced he's capable of breaking the limits of human knowledge and playing God. But Victor's ambition blinds him to the moral consequences of his actions, leading to a catastrophic outcome. The creature, created by Victor, is a mirror of his creator's ambition and vulnerability. The creature's desire for acceptance and belonging is the same as that of Victor. However, his grotesque appearance sets him apart from society, leading to rejection and isolation: “His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath: his hair was of a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same color as the dun-white sockets in which they were set, his shriveled complexion and straight black lips” (43; ch.5). The journey of the creature is marked by a search for identity and meaning, as he deals with the consequences of his Creator's ambition. The creature's experience demonstrates the dangers of unbridled ambition, which can have a detrimental effect on individuals and

Throughout the novel, Shelley's theme of ambition and fallibility is illustrated by a variety of literary techniques. The use of multiple narrative views allows readers to gain insight into Victor's motivations and actions as well as that of the creature. We can see the evolution of his ambition and the gradual breakdown of his moral compass through Victor's own words. Victor expresses, “But I, the true murderer. Felt the never-dying worm alive in my bosom, which allowed of no hope or consolation. Anguish and despair had penetrated into the core of my heart; I bore a hell within me which nothing could extinguish” (74; ch.8). This passage shows Victor’s acknowledgment of his moral corruption and the burden of guilt he carries for his actions. In the meantime, the creature's story provides a different perspective, highlighting the impact of Victor's ambitions on those around him. Shelley's symbolism further illustrates the theme of ambition and fallibility. Victor Frankenstein's character represents the danger of unbridled ambition, while a creature is an expression of its