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Isolation In Shelley's Frankenstein And Paradise Lost

426 Words2 Pages

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," Victor Frankenstein and his creation represent the idea of unusual and mysterious origins, which help to shape their personality and relationships. Victor’s story is made to reflect themes of isolation, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Each character's origins can be directly tied to representing the themes present in the story. “Frankenstein” also parallels Milton's "Paradise Lost" and its portrayal of Satan's rebellion against God can be pulled to reinforce these themes, purposefully this was Milton’s story was one the creation read during his time in isolation. Mary Shelley leaves Victor Frankenstein's mysterious origins to help develop not only his character, but the themes throughout the book. …show more content…

The creature is also referenced as the “Devil” further adding connections to “Paradise Lost”. Victor's creation of the creature closely parallels Satan's defiance of God, as both characters strive for power over natural creation. Victor's decision to define natural life by animating a corpse results in consequences that ultimately lead to his downfall. Through Victor's actions, Shelley reinforces the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of defying natural life. Frankenstein, and his creation, possess a relationship that is the product of rejection and abandonment. This helps to mirror themes of isolation and rejection present in "Paradise Lost." After bringing the Creature to life, Victor is horrified, a result of defying natural life and letting his lust for power rule. Bound to the origins of abandonment, the creature falls into bitterness and hatred. The Creature struggles with his identity and purpose in a world that rejects him, just as Satan is rejected to Heaven and condemned to Hell for his rebellion. In both stories, the characters' origins play an important role in shaping their outcomes, as their actions can be linked to their identities as

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