The Weight of Creation, the Void of Affection: An Exploration of Frankenstein

Frankenstein is said to be a novel that centers on science and the morality of scientific experiments, addressing the ethical consequences of unrestrained exploration. However, while those themes are, without a doubt, explored in the work, I believe it also offers a raw and passionate dissection of the relationship between creator and creation—and the immense responsibility the former must bear when confronted with the results of their actions.

The lack of the presence of an efficient mentor, parent, or God causes the creature a profound sense of destitution and lack of purpose. Knowing nothing, and having been forced to fend for itself in an environment so barren of comfort and warmth, the creature feels unbearably desolate and deeply wanting. In the absence of guidance or care, he is left to piece together his understanding of life and a purpose on his own.

Yet, despite his isolation and dilapidation due to his creator's negligence, the creature adopts a lifestyle full of benevolence and compassion. His view of humanity is untainted, innocent even, until he learns of mankind’s cruelties and becomes aware of the means of his own creation. Only then does he turn to look at his creator with abhorrence and disgust. Yet, even then his contempt towards his God is not because of his careless and almost wanton disregard in creating the creature, but because he blatantly ignores both the creature’s existence and his responsibility towards it afterwards. (Because the creation, unlike his creator, is careful with the life he was given, aware of the beauties it possesses and thus cherishes it, gently holding the implications and responsibilities of being alive with the calloused and battered hands of his.)

The creature’s sense of responsibility in this sense, ironically, surpasses that of his maker’s.

“Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it.”

There is another aspect in which the creation contradicts with his creator: whereas Victor yearns for recognition and acclaim, the creature values connection and acceptance far more. The creature seeks only the simple happiness of belonging, he purely yearns for a safe haven to abide in with the company of others who can tolerate him. The closest he gets to this is the family near the woods, whom he watches from afar, sympathizing with them so much that he considers them his "protectors".

His yearning in this sense extends to a single request: Even in his vision shared with Victor, it’s clear that the creature craves but a companion to treat him as an equal—a partner in whom he can seek comfort and warmth.

“What I ask of you is reasonable and moderate; I demand a creature of another sex, but as hideous as myself; the gratification is small, but it is all that I can receive, and it shall content me. It is true, we shall be monsters, cut off from all the world; but on that account we shall be more attached to one another. Our lives will not be happy, but they will be harmless, and free from the misery I now feel. Oh! my creator, make me happy; let me feel gratitude towards you for one benefit! Let me see that I excite the sympathy of some existing thing; do not deny me my request!”

He believes himself to be wretched, and craves for one equally despicable to share the cruelties of life, to understand the meaning and reason of their existence. Denied his sole request, he yearns (although that might be too much of a romanticized word for the true motive of the creature) to inflict the same suffering that he himself endures. In his wrath, he severs Victor’s connections to those he loves, hoping to make his creator experience an equally profound bereavement.

Having said all that, I also want to touch upon the literary side of the book. I believe that the allusions to not only religion (of a god’s horror at witnessing the abomination he created, thus shunning it by evading its existence) but also to Shelley’s own life (be it the vacant spot of a parent in her life or the spot she yearned yet could not fill for her own children) are alluring in a way that allows me to unabashedly bask in the sorrow and caliginosity of her literary style. The word choices, similarly, enticed me with their vivid imagery and emotional resonance, drawing me deeper with each word. Shelley's extensive knowledge and rich vocabulary flowed seamlessly through the various perspectives.

In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley masterfully intertwines complex themes of creation, responsibility, and the quest for connection within a rich literary tapestry. Through the creature's poignant journey, we witness the tragic consequences of neglect and the dire need for compassion that transcends the superficial aspirations of fame and recognition. Shelley’s exploration of the creator-creation dynamic serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical responsibilities that accompany the act of creation.