Essay Example on Frankenstein: Who Is the Real Monster?

Introduction

"Frankenstein" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was published in 1818. Shelley wrote the novel during the romanticism era. The novel is an interesting work of science-fiction, which described the battle between Victor Frankenstein and the creature. Shelley presented the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who created a vengeful and supernatural creature. After reading Shelley's works, the question, which arises is who is the real monster? Is there just one monster? Some texts in the novel show that Victor is the antagonist and the only monster. The purpose of this essay is to scrutinize who the real monster is in "Frankenstein." The essay analyzes the real monster in Shelley's work by examining the narrative style, Victor and the creature's perspective, the setting, as well as the characters. The paper contends that Victor is the real and only monster because of his schizophrenia, hallucinations, delusions, and split personality. Victor's actions, traits, and hallucinations show that he is the real monster. Victor is the real monster in the novel because of his hallucinations point towards the creature being non-existent.

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Exploring the Setting and Characters

Victor created the creature because of his obsession with God's work. He worked alone and no one was aware of his project. He indicated, "Winter, spring, and summer passed away during my hours of labors" (42). After a while, the creature eventually escaped into the woods and no one is able to find it after its escape. After the creature escape, no one was able to see it except the number of deaths it is said to have caused. Disputably, both the creatures and Victor's characteristics are similar. For example, the two of them described themselves as a "miserable wretch" (181). Seemingly, the story hinted that Victor and the creature are the same people. The idea that both Victor and the creature use the exact words to describe themselves shows that they have similar thoughts. The monster appears to be an invention of Victor's irrationality. In the novel, Victor described himself as the true murderer (179). Besides, upon Henry's death, Victor indicated, "Have my murderous machinations deprived you also, my dearest Henry, of life? Two I have already destroyed; other victims await their destiny" (153-154). Without a doubt, the evidence presented is irrefutable proof that Victor is the real monster.

Victor's Hallucinations and Schizophrenia

Victor's hallucinations depict him as the real monster. In the novel, he is afraid of telling any person about the monster because, in his heart, he knows that he is the real monster. From reading the entire novel, Victor is the only person who sees the creature. In the story, Shelley does not describe a scene where Victor and the monster are together and alive in the same room. Besides, in the entire story, Victor fails to recruit other people to help him find the monster that killed his wife. From a reader's perspective, it means that he knows he is the real monster. Furthermore, such an observation could raise the suspicion of whether Victor's schizophrenic paranoia makes him suffer from hallucinations. The hallucinations torment Victor. He stated, "I felt the fingers of the monster already grasping my neck, and screamed with agony and terror" (154). Moreover, one of his friends called Victor insane and it made him be imprisoned in a mental facility (175). Since other characters in the novel failed to find the monster, then it is novel to say that Victor is the real monster. The real monster has to be Victor suffering from delusions and hallucinations that corrupt his mind. The hallucinations describe Victor's dark personality. Arguably, the real monster is Victor's illusions and delusions. Every time he finds someone dead, Victor blamed it on the monster. Considering the fact that he is the only one who sees the creature, there is no doubt that he is the real monster.

Victor's Actions and Traits

Victor's actions depict him as the real monster. For example, in one of his encounters with the creature, the latter tells Victor that he will be with him on his wedding night (146). In view of the creature's vengeful and destructive behavior, the threats were true. However, Victor, who is in love with Elizabeth, proceeded to marry her despite the creature's threats. Victor's actions showed that he was less concerned about the people he loves. Such an action makes him the real monster. Victor was aware that the creature brings ruin and has on many occasions blamed the creature for killing his wife and friend William. When he went ahead to marry Elizabeth in spite of the creature's threats, then that means that he is less-compassionate and wishes death on Elizabeth, which made him the real monster. Elizabeth is eventually killed by the creature (170). If Victor is so intelligent, then why was it so hard for him to control his house? Why would the monster kill his first wife and now his present wife Elizabeth? It is arguable that Victor's split personality is the one committing the murders. Besides, Victor has been soliciting the help of his friends to find the creature. If the creature was aware that victor was looking for him, then it would have harmed him. Since the creature did not harm Victor, it means that that they were the same people.

Conclusion

Overall, Shelley's works have relevance in contemporary society. Nevertheless, the story could be confusing on whether the creature does exist. Victor is the monster because the novel gravitates towards the idea that he is the real monster. He possesses characteristics that depict he is the real monster. Besides, as mentioned in the paragraphs in the essay, Victor is the real monster because of his hallucinations, traits, and actions. The essay draws upon the conclusion that Victor's hallucinations make him the one and only real monster. Victor appears to be suffering from a personality disorder, which would make him commit the murders presented in the book. Overall, Victor's disregard, delusions, and hallucinations make him the real monster.

Work Cited

Shelley, Wollstonecraft Mary. "Frankenstein." San Diego, CA: Canterbury Classics. 1818.