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Universal Theme Of Obligation In Frankenstein Essay

763 Words4 Pages

In volume 1 of Frankenstein, Victor's selfishness unleashes the “monster” in Victor and leads to Victor losing connections. Through the portrayal of the monster inside Victor, Shelley argues the universal theme of obligation. Shelley argues the universe of obligation, through showing us the ways of Victor only thinking of himself. In the circle of individuals and groups toward whom obligations are owed, one's self is always in the center. After oneself in the middle, family and friends come very close behind in the second circle. The readers see in chapter 4, how Victor only worries about himself and forgets about his family and friends. Henry has to mention to Victor how his family is not pleased from the fact that Victor has not written them all along. Henry says on page 44 “ I will not mention it, if it agitates you; but your father and cousin would be very happy if they received a letter from you in your own handwriting. They hardly know …show more content…

Agitate means to get annoyed, in this context Henry has to say to Victor, I hope you don't get annoyed when I bring up talking about family. For most people it is a pleasure to talk about loved ones, but in this case they use the word to seem like it bothers Victor to mention the ones he loves. When it says your “own” handwriting it says they would like to hear from Victor himself. Even if they have heard from others like Henry, they want to hear about Victor from himself. Victor not speaking to them all this time, shows how Victor puts himself in the center and blocks off everyone. Even though one's self is in the middle of universe of obligations, you should always keep in mind your loved ones also. In volume 1 of Frankenstein, Victor's fearfulness unleashes the “monster” in Victor and leads to Justine's execution. Through the portrayal of of the “monster” inside Victor, Shelley argues the theme of responsibility of an individual to society. As an individual to

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