Frankenstein (The Modern Prometheus) is a novel written by the author Mary Shelley. It tells the story of a young scientist named Victor Frankenstein who creates a monstrous but clever creature in a scientific experiment.
The name Frankenstein, however, is also used to refer to the monster itself although it is sometimes considered erroneous.
In this article, we’ll look at the
1. Character of Frankenstein
2. Character of the Frankenstein’s Monster
3. Similarities between Frankenstein and the monster
Who is Frankenstein
Victor Frankenstein is the titular character of Mary Shelly’s novel Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus. He is a young scientist who creates a grotesque creature that has many human abilities. But once he creates the creature, he is horrified by the appearance of the creature. He feels guilt, despair and regret over his creation and later becomes obsessed with his need to destroy the creature.
Note that many people use the name Frankenstein to refer to the monster, but originally refers to the creature.
Who is Frankenstein’s Monster
Frankenstein’s monster is the creature created by Frankenstein. Neither the author nor its creator gives it a name; he is often referred to as “monster”, “creature”, “wretch”, and “demon” in this creature.
Although the monster initially escapes its creator and tries to take revenge for creating him by killing Frankenstein’s brother, he later returns and begs for a female companion. When Frankenstein destroys the female creature, the monster vows to take revenge from him. As promised he takes revenge from his creator by strangling his bride. However, the monster’s human nature is also shown at the end of the novel where he mourns over the death of Frankenstein.
Similarities Between Frankenstein and the Monster
Although one might say that Frankenstein and the monster are very different, if one look at these characters very carefully, several similarities can be noted.
The main similarity between them perhaps is the sense of isolation felt by them. Frankenstein’s monster is isolated and alienated by everyone because of his grotesque appearance.
“I am an unfortunate and deserted creature; I look around, and I have no relation or friend upon earth. These amiable people to whom I go have never seen me, and know little of me. I am full of fears; for if I fail there, I am an outcast in the world for ever.”
Frankenstein too is isolated and lonely. At first, it is the obsession with science and creation of life that keeps him apart from others. But as the story progresses, the knowledge about his secret creation and loss of family members makes him a lonely figure.
The ability or desire to play with others life is another similarity between Frankenstein and the monster. Frankenstein creates life and the monster destroys life. Though Frankenstein is advised by those who are more experienced and knowledgeable than him, he continues his experiments without much regards to their morality. Once he sees the appearance of the creature, he abandons it without assuming his responsibility as a creator. The monster also kills innocent people without any concern for morality. In this regard, they are similar.
Hatred and vengeance are another similarity between Frankenstein and the monster. Frankenstein swears to destroy the creature and the creature also vows to create dear ones of Frankenstein. They are similar in this regard as well.
Thus, it can be argued that they are driven by the same feelings, same goals, and same isolation even though they appear to be very different characters at first. The monster can be viewed as an extension of Frankenstein himself.
Image Courtesy:
“Frankenstein’s monster (Boris Karloff)” By Universal Studios – Dr. Macro (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
“Frankenstein, pg 7.” By Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley – Google books (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
