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Chapter four of Shelly’s Frankenstein focuses on Victor Frankenstein’s disease of obsession. He absorbs himself in the study of anatomy, death and decomposing. He masters the concepts and ideas that his professors have put forth in these fields. His devotion to the topic of life broadens when he yearns to uncover the “secret of life” and the ultimate “eternal light.” Locked away in his private studio apartment his visualizes and generates an animate creature known as the monster. Frankenstein’s vision encompasses forming a new species of life form. This line brings further proof to Frankenstein’s compulsive fanatical ideas: "I collected bones from charnel-houses and disturbed, with profane fingers, the tremendous secrets of the human frame. . .”
During these years of research and investigation, Frankenstein totally disregards his social acquaintances, including his Geneva, Switzerland based family and local friends. His unwavering passion toward his work forces Frankenstein to become physically unhealthy appearing emaciated to those he crosses. Nonetheless, after the monster project failed, his family and friends including Henry Clerval, were there to help rejuvenate Frankenstein.
Jewish heritage speaks of this very same characteristic of obsession with regard to various Torah scholars over the course of the generations of yesteryear. One particular leader that comes to mind is the Alter of Novardok, Rav Yosef Yoisel Horowitz. He was known to learn the Talmud and its commentaries deep into the night without minimal breaks of concentration for sleeping and eating. His wife was recognized for being at her husband’s side, providing him with nourishment to sustain him during his studies. She ensured that he remained healthy allowing him to complete his life’s zeal.
Frankenstein began his obsession seeking comfort, love and companionship in life. He attempted to use the monster for this affection. In the end, his loved ones were the there to...