Frankenstein

Choices

When man decides to assume the role of God, consequences are bound to plague such an ambition. In the case of Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the product of such an ambition is a creature born of the dead. Despite the frightening process of his creation, the creature wakes into the world as a benevolent being. He simply longs for acceptance and friendship, but due to his unsightly features, the world is quick to condemn him as the monster he appears to be. With an unbearable sense of rejection in his heart, the monster begins to turn wicked. Soon enough he is responsible for multiple deaths in the name of revenge. Although many treat him unfairly, the monster is fully aware of his actions and their consequences. In every action we have a choice, whether it is choosing to do homework or choosing to take a human being's life. Unfortunately for the monster, he makes the wrong choice by taking the wrong path into wickedness.

When the monster awakes, his first reaction is to reach out to his maker. Victor sees his creation's hideous appearance, and flees in horror and disgust. Left alone like a helpless newborn, the monster decides to search for warmth and shelter in the forest. He spends the days feeding on berries and exploring the nature surrounding him. One day he comes across a family, consisting of an old blind man and his children. Intrigued, he begins to watch them carefully. As times passes the monster learns to understand the language the family speaks. For some time he longs to make contact with them, but knows that his ghastly appearance will not permit it. One day he finds the courage to reveal himself to the blind old man, but in mid-conversation, the son returns home and "struck him violently with a stick" (115). The monster runs out of the home filled with pain and anguish.

When the monster returns, he learns of the family's sudden plans to move away. With no other direction, the monster seeks out answers from his creator. He comes across Victor's papers, which reveal his identity and residence. With his newfound information, the monster decides to find his way to Victor. Throughout his journey his curiosity begins to turn into hatred and rage towards his creator. As he treks across the continent he discloses, "the spirit of revenge is enkindled in my heart" (119). This shows the monster's capability of harboring dark emotions; it shows his benevolence quickly slipping away.

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