Frankenstein: Or, The Modern Prometheus: Analysis of Major Characters
"Frankenstein: Or, The Modern Prometheus" explores complex themes through its major characters, primarily focusing on Victor Frankenstein and his creation, the Monster. Victor, a passionate scientist from Geneva, becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life, leading him to assemble a living being from various body parts. However, this act results in his personal tragedy, as the Monster, rejected by society, seeks revenge on Victor by causing the deaths of those he loves, including his bride Elizabeth and his brother William. The Monster, described as an eight-foot-tall entity with human emotions, faces profound isolation and despair, which drives its vengeful actions.
Supporting characters like Robert Walton, an explorer who encounters Victor in his dying moments, serve as a narrative device to highlight the moral complexities of creation and responsibility. Other notable figures include Henry Clerval, Victor's close friend who falls victim to the Monster's wrath, and Justine Moritz, a servant wrongfully condemned for a crime she did not commit. Together, these characters illuminate themes of ambition, isolation, and the consequences of playing God, making the text a rich study of human experience and ethical dilemmas.
Frankenstein: Or, The Modern Prometheus: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
First published: 1818
Genre: Novel
Locale: Europe
Plot: Gothic
Time: Eighteenth century
Victor Frankenstein, a native of Geneva who early evinces a talent in natural science. Having concluded his training at the university at Ingolstadt, he works until he discovers the secret of creating life. He makes a monster from human and animal organs found in dissecting rooms and butcher shops. The monster brings only anguish and death to Victor and his friends and relatives. Having told his story, he dies before his search for the monster is complete.
The Monster, an eight-foot-tall synthetic man endowed by its creator with human sensibilities. Rebuffed by man, it turns its hate against him. Its program of revenge accounts for the lives of Frankenstein's bride, his brother, his good friend, and a family servant. Just after Victor dies, the monster appears and tells the explorer that Frankenstein's was the great crime, for he had created a man devoid of friend, love, or soul.
Robert Walton, an English explorer who, on his ship frozen in a northland sea of ice, hears the dying Frankenstein's story and also listens to the monster's account of, and reason for, its actions.
Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor's foster sister and later his bride, who is strangled by the monster on her wedding night.
William Frankenstein, Victor's brother, who is killed by the monster while seeking revenge on its creator.
Henry Clerval, Victor's friend and a man of science who is killed by the monster to torment Frankenstein.
Justine Moritz, a family servant tried and condemned for William's murder.