How Is Obsession Shown In Frankenstein

Through downward spiraling plots and character developments that depict obsessions prompting madness, the three pieces of literature, Hamlet, Frankenstein, and “Porphyria’s Lover” show how the distraction of obsession ultimately leads to tragedy, delusion, and even death. The character's descent into madness from obsession is shown with the plot and mood of each piece. In each story there are a number of characters who become obsessed with something and then perish.

The infamous story Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, offers one of the most supportive examples of obsession in a piece of literature. The maniacal ways of the character Hamlet depict a sense of obsession that ultimately leads to corruption. Hamlet’s delusions begin in Act I Scene

Victor originally became obsessed with science and then it lead him to become unethical and mad. He thought of himself as a “higher being” when he said, “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me” (54). The words “creator” and “source” give a sense of an overarching power. He also says the creatures he would make “ would owe their being to me,” which makes it seem as if Victor has hopes of creating a race of beings that call him their leader. He not only wanted to put himself in God’s place, but he also sought to earn the scientific glory of creating life. The distraction of this obsession with science and power inspired the path of madness Victor would soon

The books states, “...with unrelaxed and breathless eagerness, I pursued nature to her hiding places” (Shelley 55). Victor is becoming overworked by constructing the monster, and physically, he is drained. He also says, “...I seemed to have lost all soul or sensation but for this one pursuit” (Shelley 55). This quote shows the mental deterioration of Victor and his conscience is lost in the destination for creating this life. This downward spiral of his mental and physical state is clearly seen in the development of Victor’s obsession with the creation of this being. As the story progresses, Victor’s morals fade as well. The book states, “I could not tear my thoughts from my employment, loathsome in itself, but which had take an irresistible hold of my imagination. I wished to procrastinate all that related to my feeling of affection until the great object...should be completed” (Shelley 56). This is the point in the book where Frankenstein bridges with Hamlet. Both Victor and Hamlet have a final destination they are attempting to reach. They are both striving to muddle the balance of life. Victor is seeking to create a life, while Hamlet wishes to destroy one. The only difference is their insane end goal, which presents both Hamlet’s and Victor’s personalities. Hamlet is mainly focused on wiping somebody out because of his anger towards his father’s murderer. Hamlet's