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Not Guilty In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a famous classic amongst books and contains some of the most memorable literary figures. In fact, Frankenstein’s literary influence subjects it to lots of criticism. One common argument that occurs is the debate on which of the two main characters is truly at fault for the suffering of the other. At first glance, Frankenstein’s monster is a hideous beast who causes severe mental pain to his creator, despite the fact Frankenstein had done no direct harm to him. However when one recognizes of the consequences of indirect harm, it can be argued that Victor Frankenstein was the one at fault. Who then is truly guilty? If one compares and contrasts the two based off the choices they make and their reactions to situations, …show more content…

In the book is revealed that both Frankenstein and his creation share experience with murder. During Frankenstein’s introduction, he admits to digging out “grave(s and) torture(ing) living animals” for the sake of his research (Shelley 48-49). Frankenstein continued his deplorable behavior despite having knowledge of solid moral boundaries. As for the creation, in an attempt to ask for help, he grabs a younger sibling of Victor’s unknowingly. The child, startled by his frightening appearance , struggles to escape. Unfortunately, the monster ends up killing the boy. Once he had completed his task, the creation “gazed (upon his) victim, … with (a) hellish triumph and began clapping (his) hands” (Shelley 127). Although ignorance does not excuse the monster of his crime, it presents the reader with an idea of who had the higher moral ground when making decisions. A main factor that differentiates Frankenstein’s monster from Frankenstein himself is the fact that the creation was never taught the difference right from wrong. He learned from accidental experiences while Frankenstein was taught moral standards taught to abide by. Frankenstein was loved and cared for throughout his whole life, as his parents “seemed to draw inexhaustible stores of affection from a very mine of love to bestow then upon” him (Shelley 29). The monster was treated in a very unsimilar

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