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Isolation In Frankenstein Research Paper

1749 Words7 Pages

Destruction of Isolation in Frankenstein Among a desolate setting, a tale of tragic ambition and limerence unfolds, as a scientist and his monstrous creation become consumed by the grasp of alienation. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the main character, Victor pursues his scientific endeavors at the University of Ingolstadt. His goal, to achieve something great never done before, was met. In doing so, he creates a monster. Victor's relentless pursuit of knowledge leads him to forsake personal relationships. Soon after Victor brings his creation to life, he abandons it, leaving the Creature to evolve independently. In Frankenstein, isolation drives both Victor and his Creature to self-destruction. The theme of social isolation in Frankenstein …show more content…

In the Afterword by Keith Neilson, the depiction of Victor's lack of responsibility is further explained. When pursuing his scientific endeavors, Vitcor “more or less collapses” (Neilson 236). Throughout the novel, the only person Victor admits ownership of his creation is Robbert Walton. Before confessing the truth, Victor emotionally builds a wall between himself and others. When in contact with the tragic realities of his creation, “He just drifts through life, letting others make decisions for him” (Neilson 236). When returning home, Victor’s brother is killed by the Creature leaving for Justine, the servant, and nanny for the Frankenstein family, to be executed. Scared to speak up, Victor condemns the truth. Left feeling guilty, Victor admits, “Solitude was my only consolidation, deep, deathlike solitude” (Shelley 85). Time after time, Victor emotionally blocks out the world around him, allowing his thoughts and emotions to consume him. Voluntarily, Victor believes that by quarantining himself, his mistakes and problems will be pushed away. Emotional isolation, consuming both Victor and his Creature, emphasizes the damaging effects of loneliness in Shelley's

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