Assignment task:
Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein" presents readers with two complex and deeply flawed characters: Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. Both characters evoke a range of emotions from readers, including sympathy. However, when considering the actions, motivations, and consequences of their choices, it becomes clear that Victor Frankenstein is the less sympathetic character. Through an examination of Victor's pursuit of forbidden knowledge, his neglect of the Creature, and his refusal to take responsibility for his creation, it becomes evident that he bears a greater share of blame and lacks the empathy displayed by the Creature.
Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of forbidden knowledge and ambition renders him less sympathetic. From the moment he becomes consumed by his desire to create life, he disregards the potential consequences of his actions. As Victor states, "Life and death appeared to me as ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world". His thirst for power and glory blinds him to the moral implications of his experiments, leading to disastrous outcomes. Victor's arrogance and hubris overshadow any sympathy one might feel for him, as he willingly jeopardizes the lives of others in his single-minded pursuit of knowledge.
Victor Frankenstein's neglect of the Creature further solidifies his status as the less sympathetic character. Instead of taking responsibility for his creation, Victor abandons the Creature, leaving him to navigate the world alone. The Creature pleads with Victor, "Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed". Despite the Creature's desperate pleas for companionship and understanding, Victor refuses to acknowledge his responsibility as a creator and turns a blind eye to the suffering he has caused. This callous disregard for the well-being of the Creature demonstrates Victor's lack of empathy and contributes to his unsympathetic nature.
Victor Frankenstein's refusal to take responsibility for his creation further cements his status as the less sympathetic character. When confronted with the consequences of his actions, Victor consistently evades accountability. He states, "I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart" . Instead of accepting his role in the tragedy that unfolds, Victor attempts to distance himself from his creation, refusing to acknowledge the impact of his actions. This refusal to confront the consequences of his choices demonstrates his lack of sympathy and compassion.
In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," Victor Frankenstein emerges as the less sympathetic character when compared to the Creature. Victor's relentless pursuit of forbidden knowledge, his neglect of the Creature, and his refusal to take responsibility for his creation all contribute to his unsympathetic nature. His arrogance, lack of empathy, and evasion of accountability overshadow any sympathy readers may have for him. Conversely, the Creature, despite his monstrous appearance, exhibits more human qualities such as longing for companionship and understanding. While both characters are deeply flawed, it is Victor's actions and choices that ultimately render him less deserving of sympathy in the eyes of the readers.