How do you respond to the view that the Monster is Frankenstein’s double, representing the evil side of his character? The theme of the double is a particularly common feature in nineteenth century Gothic Literature. As an externalization of a part of the self it is often used to demonstrate the tension between the laws of society and the desires of the individual and to give voice to that which has been silenced by rational discourse. It can be argued that the Monster is Frankenstein’s double representing the evil side of his character as when Victor refers to the monster as ‘my own spirit’ he provides the clearest expression of the notion that he and the monster may be doubles, with the monster acting out Victor’s own aggressions. Victor says that the monster is ‘my own vampire, my own spirit let loose from the grave and forced to destroy all that was dear to me’.
Throughout Mary Shelley’s gothic novel Frankenstein readers are forced to compare and contrast the morality and monstrosity of both Victor Frankenstein and ‘the monster’. In literal terms, behaving monstrously is described as ‘committing actions that are inhumanly or outrageously evil or wrong’. To this end, it could most definitely be argued that both of the main characters in the novel are monstrous at one point or another. Ultimately, the following essay is intent upon exploring whether it is in fact the humans or the monster that act ‘the most monstrously’. Firstly, Shelley depicts Victor Frankenstein as more monstrous than the ‘monster’ through the use of a careful plot structure.
This “monster” with grotesque features and actions ends up killing every one close to his maker out of hatred and vengeance. With extensive analysis of the novel I have encountered with sufficient evidence that led me into thinking otherwise. Such evidence will be presented throughout this essay. Victor Frankenstein, we may say that actually is the incarnation of all human evilness and misdeeds while the so-called "monster” is merely a victim of Victor's mad, selfish, and egocentric state of mind. First of all, I am going to state how Victor resembles more of a monster than the creation itself.
The Terrifying Vlad the Impaler S.S. Project 5/19/15 Vlad the Impaler was a Wallachian prince also known as Vlad III. Vlad is known to be Bram Stokers inspiration for “Dracula”. Vlad was a gruesome man that loved to give others pain for simple or major acts of treachery or aggression towards him. Vlad is best known for placing his victims on wooden stakes. Vlad the Impaler used his gruesome tactics to stop the Ottoman Empire.
Throughout the many folk stories and the uncertain history events, Vlad Dracul III became one of the most feared and cruel leaders of European history. However, in Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” he was given supernatural powers as well as a more romantic personality description, which eventually led the vampire history and description from absolute cruel and evil to modern popularity of seduction and power over human
Constantinescu 1 Paul Constantinescu The Vampire Myth October 17, 2008 Dracula's Effect on Others Bram Stoker's novel Dracula tells the story of the greatest vampire that anyone has ever seen. After Dracula comes to London and preys on Lucy, many people from different worlds come together to finally rid London and the rest of humanity of the Count. In the novel, Dracula interacts with many people, sometimes bringing out their best qualities, yet sometimes bringing out their worst ones. He brings out a sense of responsibility and a sense of protection in some, while bringing out a sadistic side in others. Firstly, the novel begins with a young man, Jonathan Harker, who is on his
• Supernatural World – the Witches and their prophecies. • The dark and stormy weather at the commencement of the play foreshadows terror. • The reign of King Duncan was prosperous with maintenance of order. Macbeth’s reign as King had turned Scotland upside down, driving it to chaos and subsequently, to war with England. • Macbeth’s insecurity drives him to see the Witches, which in turn divert his psychological state.
Charlene Keeler Writing 39a -Final Draft 10/25/2011 Thriving For a Companion Novelist Mary Shelley, in her gothic romance novel, Frankenstein, introduces a man named Victor, whose obsession with science and philosophy leads him to create a living creature from dead materials. Victor sacrifices everything to create this monster, but eventually he abandons the creature and leaves him to be a helpless outcast. The main themes that the author conveys in the novel are loneliness and rejection. Feelings of loneliness and rejection make it harder to regulate behavior and can lead to serious violence and danger. Shelley tries to differentiate emotions and logic expressed by the creature to appeal to Frankenstein's sense of integrity and responsibility
Alyxandria Quinones Frankenstein Motif Essay AP Lit Pd. 8 12-13-11 Alienation: The Real Pandora’s Box An innate craving for companionship and compassion is a quintessential element of human nature. Consequentially, a denial of these cravings results in a slow descent into an exceedingly miserable and unfulfilling existence. The demoralizing effects of alienation are a reoccurring aspect of Mary Shelley’s gothic novel Frankenstein. As exemplified by both Dr. Frankenstein and his monster, prolonged estrangement from society essentially rips the lid off Pandora’s notorious Box, prompting self-destruction and magnifying the human tendency to harbor resentments towards a society that has become foreign to them.
This, of course, drives the monster to kill again” (Lunsford 175). Frankenstein