Instead of just focusing on the narration of events, this classic horror highlighted instead the emotional and psychological trauma of the characters. Victor Frankenstein went on a frenzied creative episode and lived to regret it. His creation (he didn't have any name) was so hideous that even the hands that created him found him so repulsive. The creature left. Since then Victor wallowed in misery and found nothing joyful in life although he came from a loving family and had good friends.
After a while he forgot about his creation but every time he felt happy, he is reminded of what he did. He could not tell anyone about it too because it would be like admitting a crime and he did not want to put his loved ones in danger or reject him when he confessed. He felt like the victim of what he did.
The creature, according to his version of the story in the later part of the book, does not seem like he is the monster that Victor made him up to be. Yes, he had reflexes and strength not matched by any man but he had a gentle side. His face and the nature of his birth prevented him from interaction with anyone. Like Victor, he felt alone in his misery.
When he had an opportunity to become part of the family however, something went wrong.
Eventually a confrontation had to happen. The creature asked Victor to create a wife for him so that he will have a companion, an equal. When Victor changed his mind, the creature retaliated, determined to make Victor's life as lonely as his.
Although Victor regretted his actions, it seemed to me like he was exaggerating his suffering. He acted as if his misfortune was made by the creature and that he was a victim of that creature's existence. He distanced himself from his family and friends and acted as if he's purposefully hunted and persecuted. I think in his obsession to act like a tragic hero he forgot that it was his maniacal episode that started it all. How can he claim to not know that he wasn't aware of the possible outcome when he had been researching and working so passionately? Even if he didn't know what the result would be, he still did not have any valid reason to start the project in the first place. Was it ego or was he just insane?
If there was a victim, it was the creature he made. It was given life yet he was rejected from the very beginning. Compared to a pampered, wealthy young man, an ignorant and deformed creature stands no chance in a society that values appearance and power.
Rating: 10 out of 10.
After a while he forgot about his creation but every time he felt happy, he is reminded of what he did. He could not tell anyone about it too because it would be like admitting a crime and he did not want to put his loved ones in danger or reject him when he confessed. He felt like the victim of what he did.
The creature, according to his version of the story in the later part of the book, does not seem like he is the monster that Victor made him up to be. Yes, he had reflexes and strength not matched by any man but he had a gentle side. His face and the nature of his birth prevented him from interaction with anyone. Like Victor, he felt alone in his misery.
When he had an opportunity to become part of the family however, something went wrong.
Eventually a confrontation had to happen. The creature asked Victor to create a wife for him so that he will have a companion, an equal. When Victor changed his mind, the creature retaliated, determined to make Victor's life as lonely as his.
Although Victor regretted his actions, it seemed to me like he was exaggerating his suffering. He acted as if his misfortune was made by the creature and that he was a victim of that creature's existence. He distanced himself from his family and friends and acted as if he's purposefully hunted and persecuted. I think in his obsession to act like a tragic hero he forgot that it was his maniacal episode that started it all. How can he claim to not know that he wasn't aware of the possible outcome when he had been researching and working so passionately? Even if he didn't know what the result would be, he still did not have any valid reason to start the project in the first place. Was it ego or was he just insane?
If there was a victim, it was the creature he made. It was given life yet he was rejected from the very beginning. Compared to a pampered, wealthy young man, an ignorant and deformed creature stands no chance in a society that values appearance and power.
Rating: 10 out of 10.