Victor's Maturity In Frankenstein By Mary Shelley

In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Victor Frankenstein does not mature, as illustrated when he lets Justine die for her accused killing of William, when he destroys the female creature in front of his first creature, and finally when he tells Walton’s crew to endeavour upon a dangerous trip, with no regard for their safety. Through analysis of Victor’s actions throughout the novel, his immaturity is proven during many encounters, especially by his inaction during vital situations.
When Victor discovers that Justine has been accused of killing William, he chooses to remain complicit in her cruel persecution, and not speak of his creation, thereby exposing his immaturity and lack of responsibility. Although Victor “believed in her innocence”

Perhaps the most spine-chilling threat the monster makes is when he says to Victor that he will “work at [Victor’s] destruction, nor finish until I desolate your heart, so that you shall curse the hour of your birth.” (Pg. 125). Victor has acknowledged his creation’s threats to his family, but despite the imminent danger they are in, he decides to act against the creature’s wishes. If Victor were acting honorably and responsibly, he would have listened to the monster’s demands for a female companion and, considering the creature’s threats against his family, complied with the demands. Victor, characteristically, chooses to act impulsively and recklessly, by destroying the female creature. When he, “trembling with passion, tore to pieces the thing on which I was engaged.”, Victor, while being watched by his creation, has not only put himself in danger, but also the lives of his family (Pg. 145). His disregard for the creature’s ability to inflict pain to him and his family illustrates an evident lack of responsibility and maturity. Victor is seemingly unphased by the creature’s threats, and even proclaims that “Your threats cannot move me to do an act of wickedness” (Pg. 146). In ignoring the creature’s threats, Victor has illuminated that he cannot take responsibility for his action, creating the creature, and the consequences associated with