Thursday, November 29, 2012

I Can Have It, But You Can't...

Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Pages 104-120

After the creature finishes his story and presents his request to Victor, Victor has trouble complying to create a mirror image of the creation which has caused him so much misery. "Shall I create another like yourself, whose joint wickedness might desolate the world?" (Shelley, 104). However, all the creature truly desires is to have a being with whom he can form a relationship in order to bring him happiness and fulfillment in life. After all, Victor himself has such a companion.

In Victor's life, there are several people who bring him happiness. For example, Elizabeth and Victor's father offer familial support, and Henry Clerval is his always reliable friend. These people together offer Frankenstein the happiness for which the creature searches; therefore, it is ironic for Victor to deprive him of such relationships. This also explains the reasoning behind the creature's murder of William and his threat to destroy the heart of Victor. Through this desolation of his family, the creature is able to force Victor to be in compliance with his desires.

However, as Victor approaches the creation of the creature's companion, he is filled with a doubt that he will be able to complete the task. "But now I went to it in cold blood, and my heart often sickened at the work of my hands," (Shelley, 120). This is also ironic because the creature has already created great despair and turmoil in the life of Frankenstein. Who is to say that the creature is not bound to repeat his actions if Victor fails to honor his promise? What would Victor do if he lost the remainder of his loved ones? In the end, he must complete the female creature in order to protect his loved ones and his own sanity.


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