The Consequences Of Ambition In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Ambition is what drives one to achieve their goal; this can ultimately cause a result that is beneficial or disastrous. In Mary Shelly’s, Frankenstein, it is Victor’s stubborn mindset that drives him insane to the point where he eventually lands himself in his grave. It originally starts when Victor becomes ambitious to search for knowledge so that he could go against nature and create a manmade creature to attain fame. The fact that Victor did not think of the consequences leads him to suffer the aftermath. In the end, nothing was gained out of searching for knowledge as Victor and the monster die from suffering from one another. The suffering initially starts off when Victor becomes ambitious to search for knowledge so that he can create his creature. Victor’s goal to achieve fame is what leads him to search for knowledge. His obsession is not ordinary; he became “so ardent and eager” (42) to “[bestow] animation upon lifeless matter” (44).

The creature orders Victor to make him a mate so he would not be lonely anymore. At first Victor decides to make the mate but as he thinks of the consequences he immediately stops. He does not want to use his knowledge to make someone that is as “equal in deformity and wickedness” (171) as the creature. At this point Victor realizes how knowledge can cause dangerous consequences. If the two creatures come together; they could eventually destroy the world with their capabilities. The creature claims that it is “fearless and therefore [more] powerful” (172) than Victor. This showcases the evil side of the monster and also confirms Victor’s fear. If Victor makes another creature and applies his knowledge not only would he suffer but everyone else would too. That being said the two creatures will also have more authority over others. This showcases how the use of dangerous knowledge can consequently cause one and others to