frankenstein thesis statement examples

Thesis Statement Example: Humanity in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Introduction:

Frankenstein is a gothic novel written by Mary Shelly, which poses many questions about the beliefs of the world at  that time. 

The text details the story of Victor Frankenstien, a scientist who pushed the field of science by creating a living creature, known as the monster, with dead matter. Throughout the text we see the story of both Victor Frankenstien and his creation of the monster. Along with this we see their interactions between them, themselves, and others with acts of emotion, murder, and ect.

Thesis Statement: With the novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelly utilizes her two main characters to show what it truly means to be human, through each of the bodies and souls of the characters. 

Topic Sentence: Firstly we see two types of humanities represented in these two characters, humanity's presence and its absence through the cognitive aspects of their characters. 

Evidence (include citation): “After days and nights of incredible labour and fatigue, I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter.” (Shelly 31)

Through: Through Victor’s intense self-dignity within his inner dialogue he often thinks very highly of himself.

Effect: With that oftentimes the interpretation is that Victor is claiming himself to be higher than others. 

Meaning: Being higher than others and bestowing life represents a character or at least an ideology that one is godly, above humanity or in general inhumane.  

Evidence: ”I spent the winter in this manner. The gentle manners and beauty of the cottagers greatly endeared them to me; when they were unhappy, I felt depressed; when they rejoiced, I sympathized in their joys” (Shelly 79)

Through: Through the monster and his acts of empathy the character is shown as realistic.

Effect: It is that realistic effect that gives the character a sense of humanity.

Meaning: With that human aspect of empathy the monster is characterized as human or at least human-like.

Topic Sentence: Absence is shown in Frankenstein due to his soul and character even though his human corporal body.

Evidence (include citation): “I was now about to form another being, of whose dispositions I was alike ignorant; she might become ten thousand times more malignant than her mate and delight, for its own sake, in murder and wretchedness.” (Shelly 120)

Through: Through Victor’s dialogue it is shown that when he creates something he often holds disdain for the creature.

Effect: With this, a sense of level or rank appears where Victor is higher than his own creation. 

Meaning: The sense of a higher being than his own creation, that which is meant to portray humanity, displays Victor as once again above humanity or inhumane. 

Evidence: “I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abortion, to be spurned at, and kicked, and trampled on.” (Shelly 165)

Through: However through this dialogue, he often shows times of distress and woe. 

Effect: Within these moments we see a character stricken with low self-esteem to a large point.

Meaning: When Victor is this low he regards himself as below humanity “an abortion” so below it is inhumane.

Topic Sentence: While humanity’s absence is shown in the monster’s corporal body, it is present in his character, through the soul.

Evidence (include citation): “A flash of lightning illuminated the object, and discovered its shape plainly to me; its gigantic stature, and the deformity of its aspect more hideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed me that it was the wretch, the filthy dæmon, to whom I had given life.” (Shelly 50)

Through: Through a line of imagery a representation of the monster is shown.

Effect: The depiction is meant to be otherworldly and “more hideous than belongs to humanity.”

Meaning: Through visuals alone, the monster is depicted as just that, an inhumane monster.

Evidence: “Could they turn from their done one, however monstrous, who solicited their compassion and friendship” (Shelly 93)

Through: However through the actions and depictions of the monster there is a different light shown.

Effect: Compassion and friendship are both human traits that go against the corporal depiction of the monster.

Meaning: Meaning, as the quote says, however monstrous the monster is human.

While Frankenstein is a very broad text that covers a lot of concepts and ideas, controversial or not one important thing the text looks at is what it means to be human. Early on the book makes a statement on humanity via the characters Victor and his monster. Victor is a human that often shows triviality on what it means to be human through his soul, however, is directly human through his body. Whereas the monster is depicted as inhumane through the body through the character and soul of the character makes a human being. 

In short, Mary Shelly depicts humanity through the corporal bodies of both of these characters. In doing so Mary Shelly reveals what it truly means to be human after all. It is in the content of the character and the soul of the person.

Related Samples

• The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus Book Review
• Signs Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera Book Analysis Essay Example
• Theme of Fate and Free Will in Cormac Mccarthy's No Country for Old Men (Essay Sample)
• Amir’s Journey to “Be Good Again” in The Kite Runner Essay Example
• Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Example
• Comparative Essay Sample: Ender’s Game and The Giver
• Imbalance Between the Natives and Spaniards in John Steinbeck’s The Pearl Essay Sample
• Ralph in Lord of the Flies Essay Example
• Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz Analysis Essay Example
• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde Book Analysis Essay Example

Didn't find the perfect sample?

You can order a custom paper by our expert writers

Frankenstein Themes

‘ Theme ’ is a central idea present in a literary piece. It serves as an essential ingredient that makes a story appealing and persuasive. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley has various themes woven together to complete a narrative which teaches value, warns of possible consequences of abusing science or intelligence, highlights a futuristic outlook. Some of the overarching themes of the novel are given below.

Themes in Frankenstein

The theme of creation is at the center of the novel, Frankenstein. The story shows how Victor creates a monster and instills life in it after gaining scientific knowledge of life at Ingolstadt. Victor plays God or pretends to become one to create life. His ambition of creating life and emulating his own creation fails. The creature, he has created, forces him to create a companion. When Victor denies he turns into a real monster. In other words, Victor’s secret toil, as Mary Shelley had stated, was an unnatural and irreligious act which costs him dearly. The theme also signifies that interrupting natural order may cost lives and sanity and it is important to stay within boundaries.

Although depicted at the secondary level, the novel also explores the theme of alienation. It might be possible that Victor creates the monster to end his isolation. However, in the process of doing an unnatural thing, he creates a creature, who is also his enemy. The creature, who is innocent feels alienated. Hence, he asks for a companion. When humans hate him for the way he looks, he begins to kill to persuade his creator, Victor Frankenstein. Another alienation is of Robert Walton who seeks his sister’s love and writes her letters. Victor, too, seeks Elizabeth’s and his family members’ love as he alienates from them and immerses in the world of science.

Although several characters are trying to align themselves with one another. For instance, Robert Walton with his sister through letters and Victor Frankenstein with his family, they feel quite isolated from the world. Victor is engaged in his experiments, and Robert Walton goes on expeditions, where he meets Victor. In the same way, the creature, Frankenstein’s Monster tries to seek the companionship of the poor family to end its isolation.

Crossing Boundaries

Mary Shelley has very beautifully woven the idea of the crossing limits in this novel. Through Victor Frankenstein, she explains that humans have certain limits despite grand ambitions. When these limits are crossed, the natural order is destroyed. This interruption rebounds when the limits are crossed. Victor’s attention to Waldman’s lectures and his obsession with the idea of creating a new life is equated to the crossing of boundaries set by nature. Victor eventually pays the price as he loses his family members and friends until he dies while chasing the Creature.

Under the overarching theme of creation, the theme of ambition also runs parallel in the novel. Although since the ancient period, ambition is associated with negative passion, here Victor’s ambition leads him to create a human deemed as a monster physically. It proves that ambition is not good when it comes to unnatural directions. The creation of a new life defying the natural order of life and death is clearly an incorrect ambition. Later, it proves to be fatal when the Creature begins to kill Victor’s closest family and friends.

Another secondary theme in Frankenstein is an injustice. Mary Shelley has demonstrated this theme in two ways. The first is Justine’s trial in the court on the accusations of murdering William. The court awards her death sentence even though Victor has clear hints of the creature having killed William and Justine was framed for the murder. The second example of injustice is when the Creature request for a companion Victor denies. The Creature was helpless and innocent turns into a killer.

Responsibility

The novel, Frankenstein, highlights the theme of individual responsibility as well as social responsibility. Victor’s ambitious project of the creation of a new life reflects the lack of realization of the individual responsibility and the lack of government control. Victor does not show any fear in creating a new life and playing with the laws of nature until it takes the lives of several of his family members. Justine’s death signifies that entire the judicial process lacks responsibility when they punish an innocent. In other words, individuals and society often fail to respond to their duties and responsibilities toward the family and community .

Natural Laws

Although this is not an explicit theme, the theme of natural laws is implicitly put into the mouth of characters and the narrator in Frankenstein. Natural laws keep the balance of life on this earth. ‘Life and death’ cycle is a natural law. However, when Victor Frankenstein uses science to create life using dead human organs and chemicals, he violates the natural law of life and death. The result is the birth of innocent yet monstrous creature who turns violent when his needs aren’t met.

Parental Responsibility

The parental responsibility is another theme apparent in the upbringing of Victor Frankenstein. His father, Alphonse Frankenstein, has done his best to educate him in the top university Ingolstadt to study science. Victor whole-heartedly completes his education which shows his good upbringing. However, when Victor creates the Creature, he forgets to give this monster the moral and social education about how to live and behave in a society. In other words, he forgets his parental responsibility towards his creation.

One of the secondary themes that stay in the background is the theme of revenge. Victor Frankenstein creates the monster but stops short of creating its companion which leads the Creature to take revenge on him. The Creature kills his family members to make him realize the pain of loneliness. In the same way, Victor runs after the monster to exact revenge of his family members but dies during the chase.

Related posts:

• Frankenstein
• Frankenstein Characters
• Frankenstein Quotes
• Macbeth Themes
• Hamlet Themes
• 1984 Themes
• The Crucible Themes
• Oedipus Rex Themes
• The Metamorphosis Themes
• Beowulf Themes
• Odyssey Themes
• Beloved Themes
• Slaughterhouse-Five Themes
• Antigone Themes
• Inferno Themes
• Fahrenheit 451 Themes
• Into the Wild Themes
• The Alchemist Themes
• Night Themes
• Life of Pi Themes
• The Invisible Man Themes
• The Tempest Themes
• The Iliad Themes
• The Jungle Themes
• Siddhartha Themes
• The Stranger Themes
• The Aeneid Themes
• Dracula Themes
• Themes in The Bible
• To Kill a Mockingbird Themes
• The Scarlet Letter Themes
• The Canterbury Tales Themes
• Heart of Darkness Themes
• Brave New World Themes
• Death of a Salesman Themes
• Things Fall Apart Themes
• A Tale of Two Cities Themes
• A Doll’s House Themes
• The Grapes of Wrath Themes
• Twelfth Night Themes
• Crime and Punishment Themes
• Their Eyes Were Watching God Themes
• Wuthering Heights Themes
• In Cold Blood Themes
• The Kite Runner Themes
• The Glass Castle Themes
• King Lear Themes
• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Themes
• Romeo and Juliet Themes
• Lord of the Flies Themes
• Jane Eyre Themes
• Julius Caesar Themes
• 10 Different Themes in Taylor Swift Songs
• A Huge List of Common Themes
• Examples of Themes in Popular Songs
• To Kill a Mockingbird Racism
• Mary Shelley

Post navigation

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — Frankenstein

Essays on Frankenstein

Hook examples for "frankenstein" essays, monster or victim hook.

Is Frankenstein's creature truly a monstrous villain, or is he a victim of society's rejection and cruelty? Dive into the moral ambiguity of this iconic character and explore the depths of his humanity.

Mary Shelley's Inspiration Hook

Discover the intriguing story behind the creation of "Frankenstein." Explore Mary Shelley's life, her influences, and how this timeless novel emerged from the challenges and tragedies she faced.

Scientific Ambition Hook

Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of scientific discovery leads to catastrophic consequences. Analyze the theme of scientific ambition and its ethical implications in the novel.

The Promethean Myth Hook

Frankenstein is often compared to the myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods. Delve into how the novel explores themes of creation, rebellion, and the consequences of playing god.

The Pursuit of Knowledge Hook

Examine the characters' quests for knowledge in "Frankenstein" and how their thirst for understanding the unknown shapes their destinies. Consider the fine line between discovery and obsession.

Ethical Dilemmas Hook

"Frankenstein" raises profound ethical questions about the responsibilities of creators, the treatment of the other, and the consequences of one's actions. Explore these dilemmas and their relevance today.

Monstrosity of Society Hook

Discuss how "Frankenstein" critiques societal norms and prejudices. Analyze how the creature's rejection by society shapes his behavior and leads to his transformation into a true monster.

Gothic Elements Hook

Explore the Gothic elements in Mary Shelley's novel, from eerie settings to themes of isolation and horror. Consider how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and meaning of the story.

Modern Scientific Ethics Hook

Draw parallels between the novel's ethical dilemmas and contemporary debates on scientific advancements, cloning, and genetic engineering. Reflect on how "Frankenstein" remains relevant in today's world.

Victim of Nature in Frankenstein

The pursuit of knowledge in mary shelley’s frankenstein, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Frankenstein Loneliness Quotes

The consequences of isolation and alienation: analysis of frankenstein by shelley, nature of revenge in the novel the frankenstein, the conflict between the creator and his creation in frankenstein, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Good and Bad Sides of Frankenstein

Mary shelley’s frankenstein; self discovery, the reasons why the monster deserves sympathy in frankenstein, a novel by mary shelley, power reversal: the marxist view of frankenstein, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

Social Norms in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

How forbidden topics are transferred as gothic in frankenstein, the sublime and science in frankenstein by mary shelley, dr. jekyll and victor frankenstein: creating the monstrocities, victor frankenstein’s selfishness as the reason for his downfall, science, madness, and violence in mary shelley’s frankenstein, the lack of feminism in mary shelley’s frankenstein, analysis of major themes in frankenstein by marry shelley, review of mary shelly's "frankenstein", the theme of responsibility in frankenstein by mary shelley, exploring the sublime: burke and frankenstein’s monster, analysis of feminism in frankenstein by mary shelley, frankenstein's problem - technologies out of control and human responsibility, the theme of revenge in frankenstein by mary shelley , human nature and ambitions in frankenstein, the analysis of frankenstein, the women's role in frankenstein, the use of language to influence the reader in frankenstein and hamlet, a monster within frankenstein, analyzing hidden messages in frankenstein.

1818, Mary Shelley

Novel; Gothic Fiction, Horror Fiction, Science Fiction, Romance Novel, Soft Science Fiction

Victor Frankenstein, the monster, Robert Walton, Alphonse Frankenstein, Elizabeth Lavenza, Henry Clerval, William Frankenstein, Justine Moritz, Caroline Beaufort, Beaufort, Peasants, M. Waldman, M. Krempe, Mr. Kirwin

Shelley has been influenced by her parents, especially her father's "Enquiry Concerning Political Justice" and "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman". It also included ideas of galvanism, which have been extremely popular during the time the novel has been written.

Light and darkness, good and evil, fire, isolation, anger, unorthodox approach.

It has been the main theme of reanimating the dead, which became the pioneering theme in literary works, yet the most important and symbolic importance of this novel is the interaction between the scientist Victor Frankenstein and the nameless creature that he has brought to life. It can be summed up with the words of the monster: "I was benevolent and good, misery made me a fiend" (Shelley 90). It speaks of Victor's creating the being, yet it was the society that has created the monster.

The novel tells a story of a gifted scientist called Victor Frankenstein who manages to bring life to his own creation. The challenge is that his creation is not exactly what he has imagined. As a monster creature, he is rejected by his creator and mankind in general. The main idea is to see and explore regarding who the true monster is.

Mary Shelley was only 18 years old when she started Frankenstein . She was 20 years old when the book was published. The Frankenstein has been written in the shadow of a tragedy as Shelley has lost her newborn daughter. The most common misconception is that Frankenstein is the name of the monster, which has already become symbolic all over the world. In truth, the monster has no name at all. Frankenstein word comes from the name of the German castle not far from the Rhine River, literally meaning "Stone of the Franks''. It was the place where an odd alchemist called Konrad Dippel has tried to create an elixir of immortality. It was thought that it was Mary's father Percy Shelley who wrote the book since he also wrote the preface. The book has not been accepted by the critics and was called "absurd" and "disgusting" The full name of the book is Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus.

“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.” “Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it.” “I do know that for the sympathy of one living being, I would make peace with all. I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other.” “Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions, seems still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery, and be overwhelmed by disappointments; yet, when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures.” “How mutable are our feelings, and how strange is that clinging love we have of life even in the excess of misery!”

Although the story has been written a long time ago, it is still clear for contemporary readers because it can be related to scientific advancements, human relations, and AI. In a certain sense, it is the beginning of scientific fiction and the subject of "playing God". Mary Shelley's book is a warning to humanity and the scientists about responsibility with the main message being that science and technology can go way too far beyond the limitations. It proves that human beings must believe in the sanctity of our own being.

This book represents an essay topic for numerous academic fields from Data Science to Nursing and Education. Since it deals with ethics, responsibility, and being conscious about one's creations, it acts as the symbolic reflection of being the monster that we fear. The life of Victor Frankenstein is an example of scientists through decades, different countries and fields. It is a great warning for us all that we should not go too far.

1. Shelley, M., & Bolton, G. (2018). frankenstein. In Medicine and Literature (pp. 35-52). CRC Press. (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781315375670-4/frankenstein-mary-shelley-gillie-bolton) 2. Gigante, D. (2000). Facing the Ugly: The Case of" Frankenstein". Elh, 67(2), 565-587. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/30031925) 3. Sherwin, P. (1981). Frankenstein: Creation as catastrophe. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/pmla/article/abs/frankenstein-creation-as-catastrophe/40AFBF23476041ECF8A55827303A3D43 PMLA, 96(5), 883-903. 4. Heffernan, J. A. (1997). Looking at the monster:" Frankenstein" and film. Critical Inquiry, 24(1), 133-158. (https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/448869?journalCode=ci) 5. Guzman, A. (2013). International organizations and the Frankenstein problem. European Journal of International Law, 24(4), 999-1025. (https://academic.oup.com/ejil/article/24/4/999/606374) 6. Kunich, J. C. (2000). Mother Frankenstein, Doctor Nature, and the Environmental Law of Genetic Engineering. S. cal. L. rev., 74, 807. (https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/scal74&div=42&id=&page=) 7. Ginn, S. R. (2013). Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Exploring neuroscience, nature, and nurture in the novel and the films. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780444632876000099 Progress in Brain Research, 204, 169-190. 8. Holmes, R. (2016). Science fiction: The science that fed Frankenstein. https://www.nature.com/articles/535490a 9. Barns, I. (1990). Monstrous nature or technology?: Cinematic resolutions of the ‘Frankenstein Problem’. Science as Culture, 1(9), 7-48. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09505439009526278?journalCode=csac20) 10. Brooks, P. (1978). Godlike Science/Unhallowed Arts: Language and Monstrosity in Frankenstein. New Literary History, 9(3), 591-605. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/468457)

Relevant topics

• A Modest Proposal
• A Rose For Emily
• Bartleby The Scrivener
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Of Mice and Men
• Catcher in The Rye
• Into The Wild
• The Alchemist
• The Great Gatsby
• The Outsiders

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Bibliography

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Frankenstein

1 an odyssey from glory to inhumanity: frankenstein’s pursuit of knowledge.

The Perilous Pursuit in “Frankenstein” When divine lighting hits a tree, it never grows back the way it once was; It will always grow back rather anomalously and abnormally. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Doctor Victor Frankenstein epitomizes the struck tree. Frankenstein pursues the idea of knowledge, validation, and accomplishment but ultimately and inadvertently imposes pain […]

2 Exploring Literary Techniques and Symbolism in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Weather Imagery in “Frankenstein” In chapter ten of Thomas Foster’s book, ‘How to Read Literature Like a Professor,’ Foster discusses that rain or weather conditions are never just about the weather condition itself; there is always another purpose behind the use of this technique. Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, uses this technique throughout her […]

3 A Comparative Analysis of Frankenstein and Edward Scissorhands

Comparing Outcasts: Frankenstein and Edward Scissorhands In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands, both characters have been put in a place where they both don’t fit in and are rejected in many ways. They’re different from everyone else and are scary and vulnerable. Edward Scissorhands was accepted before he was betrayed by a […]

Get Qualified Writing Assistance and an Original Paper.

A qualified writer will create a clear, plagiarism-free essay for you!

4 Understanding Morality and Sympathy in ‘Frankenstein’ Mary Shelley

Ethical Relativism and “Frankenstein” Ethical or moral relativism is a theory that is used to describe the way of thinking that morality is relative to the norms of one’s culture, meaning that action is wrong or right depending on the moral norms of the society it is being practiced (Santa Clara University). Though this is […]

Responsibility as a Theme in Frankenstein Essay

Introduction, thesis statement, frankenstein’s personality, works cited.

The novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley appeared in 1818. It describes the problems of modern science and its consequences for humanity. The uniqueness of the novel is that Frankenstein has literary merits to ‘frighten and amaze’ (Mellor 45). There is much historical interest in the work as an example of various strains and aspects of Romanticism (Mellor 45).

Through the character of Victor, Mary Shelley portrays different stages of personal development. He underlines that real maturity is when the person accepts full responsibility for his actions, scientific discoveries, and their impact on humanity.

From the very beginning, Victor, the main character of the novel, is depicted as an immature personality, unable to accept responsibilities for his actions and researches. Only when the creature disappears, Victor jumps to the conclusion that his monster is the murderer of his brother. “I considered the being … nearly in the light of my own vampire, my own spirit let loose from the grave and forced to destroy all that was dear to me” (Shelley 2007).

At this point, the unfortunate Victor faces a moral dilemma: should he reveal to the authorities the existence of his dangerous crea­tion? He decides not to and offers two reasons. First, he will be thought mad; second, the creature is too agile to admit capture.

It is worth considering whether these reasons seem adequate to explain Vic­tor’s silence, which protects both the monster and himself (Peterfreund 79). “His position is rendered still more reprehensible when he returns to his family and discovers that the innocent Justine is accused of the murder, that she will be tried that very day and that the evidence against her looks damning” (Mellor 75). Still, Victor does nothing to save Justine and unveil his terrible secrets.

Fears and lack of courage are the main factors that prevent Victor from accepting responsibility for his actions and behavior. In general, a mature personality can answer for the consequences of his actions and behavior. In contrast, Victor finds his task increasingly revolting and begins to think of argu­ments against the responsibilities of a scientist. He fears that his creatures might breed and people the planet with monsters.

He speaks of the false but persuasive arguments. For instance, Justine is condemned to death, and after the trial, it is revealed that she has confessed her guilt (but she is not guilty) (Mellor 38). Victor explains: “I at once gave up my former occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed and abortive creation” (Shelley). When things go wrong, Victor understands that he cannot control his creation and is helpless to prevent his murders.

The turning point of the novel comes when Victor destroys his new creature, horrified by unpredictable consequences. When Victor feels ill, he confesses himself guilty of murdering William, Justine, and Clerval, thus associating himself yet again with the deeds of the monster.

He is in prison, but Mr. Kirwin is a good-natured and under­standing man who does his best to help the sick man (Mellor 40). He brings Victor’s father to him, and Victor is at length acquitted of Clerval’s murder. “I shall die, and what I now feel be no longer felt. Soon these burning miseries will be extinct” (Shelley 2007). He speaks of his original benevolence and the miserable loneliness of his condition.

In sum, through the character of Victor, Shelley portrays that a person matures when he can accept responsibilities for his actions and their consequences. When Victor ‘matures’ and admits his guilt, he understands that freedom has no value to him, the world has no comforts for any unfortunate soul who bears guilt and remorse within him.

Mellor, Anne Mary Shelley: Her Life Her Fiction Her Monsters. New York: Routledge, 1989.

Peterfreund, S. Composing What May Not Be “Sad Trash”: A Reconsideration of Mary Shelley’s Use of Paracelsus in Frankenstein. Studies in Romanticism 43 (2004): 79.

Shelley, M. Frankenstein, 2007.

• Plot Summary
• Summary & Analysis
• Literary Devices & Symbols
• Essay Samples
• Essay Topics
• Questions & Answers
• Mary Shelley: Biography
• Curse and Blessing in “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
• The Feminine Roles in the 'Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus' by M. Shelley
• "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" by Shelley
• “The First World War” by John Keegan
• David Lodge’s Novel ‘Author, Author’
• Robinson Crusoe' and 'Pride and Prejudice' by Daniel Defoe and Jane Austen
• The Miller’s Tale and its Form: the Fabliau
• Lady Anne Clifford's Life and Family
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2020, March 11). Responsibility as a Theme in Frankenstein. https://ivypanda.com/essays/responsibility-as-a-theme-in-frankenstein/

"Responsibility as a Theme in Frankenstein." IvyPanda , 11 Mar. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/responsibility-as-a-theme-in-frankenstein/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'Responsibility as a Theme in Frankenstein'. 11 March.

IvyPanda . 2020. "Responsibility as a Theme in Frankenstein." March 11, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/responsibility-as-a-theme-in-frankenstein/.

1. IvyPanda . "Responsibility as a Theme in Frankenstein." March 11, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/responsibility-as-a-theme-in-frankenstein/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Responsibility as a Theme in Frankenstein." March 11, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/responsibility-as-a-theme-in-frankenstein/.