Victor In Frankenstein

In the novel, “Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus,” the relationship between Victor and his creation clearly reflects that of the relationship between the creator and the created. Chapter 17 of the novel emphasizes Victor’s failure, not only as a creator, but as a parent to the creature. Victor was unable to provide for the creature, despite creating him, and only cast him away once finding out how monstrous his features were. As the novel progresses, Mary Shelley emphasizes the unintended consequences that may arise as a result of someone who tries to play God, without truly thinking about the possible outcomes. Through the given passage from Chapter 17, Mary Shelley utilizes diction and syntax in order to emphasize the role of a creator

The creature speaks to Victor, demanding that Victor “must create a female for” him, while also stating how this is an act that Victor “alone can do” (Shelley Ch. 17). Victor refuses to give in to the creature’s desires, resulting in him becoming a victim of the creature’s wrath. Shelley’s use of diction throughout the passage, using words such as “alone” and “must” emphasize Victor’s role as a creator and introduces the idea that those who create must take responsibility for their own acts. As a result of Victor’s careless decisions, he is now expected to create a female counterpart for the creature because it is something that only he alone can do. Shelley also uses syntax and diction during the conversation between the creature and Victor, as the creature states how he is “content to reason with [Victor]” and that he is “malicious because [he is] miserable” (Shelley 105). The use of syntax when stating that the creature is “content to reason” shows a great deal of maturity from the creature, as well as a great emphasis on Victor’s neglected responsibility. Shelley’s use of words such as “miserable” when referring to the creature’s actions emphasizes the creature’s sense of hopelessness and loneliness, which was experienced as a result of Victor’s rejection of him. Overall, with the use of diction and syntax, Shelley expresses the two different tones coming from the creature and Victor, and shows the flipping of the relationship between the creator and the creation. Victor slowly falls into a pit of insanity, as he ultimately realizes his