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Perfection And Ambition In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

624 Words3 Pages

Within the first chapter of Frankenstein, the theme of perfection and ambition is revealed. As the author introduces Victor Frankenstein to the reader(s), it is noted how his childhood was innocent and rather close to even perfect. The way his family is demonstrates a sense of perfection family ideals. For instance, according to the narrator, he says, "He came like a protecting spirit to the poor girl, who committed herself to his care; and a er the inter- ment of his friend he conducted her to Geneva and placed her under the protection of a relation" (Shelley, 26). By incorporating the term "protecting spirit" the reader determines how humble the whole relationship is. The narrator grew up in a home surrounded by perfection and innocence, …show more content…

According to the narrator, he dictates, "Yet he might not have been so perfectly humane, so thoughtful in his generosity, so full of kindness and tender- ness amidst his passion for adventurous exploit, had she not unfolded to him the real loveliness of bene cence and made the doing good the end and aim of his soaring ambition" (Shelley, 33). Victor does not view his narcissistic and enforces the idea that his ambition is heavenly relying on vanity. However, Victor questioned how nature cannot be fully understood by humans within the beginning of the novel. Therefore, he decides to study a more practical concept, such as Mathematics. For example, according to pages 4-5, the narrator affirmed, "I often worked harder than the common sailors during the day and devoted my nights to the study of mathematics, the theory of medicine, and those branches of physical science from which a naval adventurer might derive the greatest practical advantage" (Shelley). The term "practical advantage" is the key one as he, within this instant, uncovers his mental state. He reveals the contrast between the concept of not having control of the unknown (nature) and using the secured knowledge gained through the studies of practical areas. He integrates the idea how humans can take control and understand what is happening if they are focused on realistic fields of

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Beauty And Ugliness In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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