Matthew Magruder
2-17-14
Mary Shelley brings
up many themes in her novel Frankenstein,
with obsession being one of the most interesting ones. Victor enrolls in the
University at Ingolstadt and eventually lands on the concentration of
chemistry. He immediately becomes engrossed in his studies and quickly masters
the material, while completely ignoring his social life. Victor says that his
studies “became nearly [his] sole occupation” (pg. 35). He decides to study the
concepts of anatomy and death more closely due to his fascination with
discovering the secret of life. Because of his obsessive-like focus, he is able
to reanimate a corpse, hoping to create new race of beautiful beings. Instead,
the being is repulsive and causes Victor much misfortune. In addition to
terrifying him, the idea of the monster causes Victor to become ill. He suffers
for months from a “nervous fever” (pg. 46) and only survives due to the help of
Clerval. Furthermore, the being kills William, and the murder is blamed on Justine
(two people from him home town). Despite knowing the truth, Victor does not blame
the murder on his monster – the actual killer – for fear of ridicule, and
Justine is executed, causing Victor to feel much guilt.
Shelley explores
the benefits and drawbacks of obsession. On the one hand, Victor is able to reanimate
a human, an accomplishment that would revolutionize science. On the other hand,
he creates a monster that murders a woman and causes him to become sick of
guilt, anxiety and fear. These events leave unanswered questions about the
outcomes of Victor’s work. Will the consequences of obsession outweigh the
benefits, or vice versa? Will this scientific feat be more meaningful than the
dread the monster creates? Hopefully Shelley will answer these questions in the
following pages.
Obsession is definitely an important theme throughout the novel. Obsession, however, doesn't exist in a vacuum. That is to say, there is some underlying goal, passion, or interest the makes a person obsessive. For both Victor Frankenstein and Robert Walton glory fuels their obsessions. Frankenstein endeavors to create life, not because he is a benevolent creator, but rather that he desires adoration and praise from his creature. Praise wouldn't stop at his creature either. Creating life from lifeless matter would demand the respect and recognition from the scientific and greater European community. Walton has similar goals, though his would be accomplished in a different arena. Romantic dreams of discovering the hyperboreal zone in the heart of the arctic consume Walton. Conquering ice and sea to make such a discovery would solidify Walton as a legendary explorer. Glory and praise are such potent motivators for Frankenstein and Walton that they become obsessed and singled minded in their endeavors.
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