Theme of Control in Frankenstein
This essay about the theme of control in Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein* analyzes how the monster seeks to gain power over his creator, Victor Frankenstein. Initially, Victor controls the narrative by creating the monster, but as the monster endures rejection and isolation, he learns to manipulate his environment to assert dominance over Victor. The monster uses threats and coercion, demanding Victor create a female companion for him, effectively using Victor’s guilt to control his actions. He further manipulates the power dynamics through strategic violence against Victor’s loved ones, ensuring Victor experiences similar feelings of helplessness and despair. The monster’s ultimate assertion of control is highlighted in his ominous promise to Victor about his wedding night, which culminates in Elizabeth’s tragic death. This essay explores how the power shifts from creator to creation, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities and consequences of creation. Shelley’s narrative reflects on the dangers of unchecked power and the deep moral obligations that accompany the act of creation.
Within Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the dynamics of control and power assume paramount importance, particularly in the intricate exchanges between Victor Frankenstein and his progeny. As the narrative unfurls, the creature progressively endeavors to seize dominance over his progenitor, resulting in a striking reversal of roles. This discourse delves into the creature’s endeavors to assert supremacy over Victor, illuminating the multifaceted interplay of authority, accountability, and reprisal within their dynamic.
Initially, Victor wields absolute control by bestowing life upon lifeless matter.
Yet, his act of creation swiftly gives way to his abandonment of the creature, engendering a profound shift in power. The creature, subsequent to enduring solitude and societal ostracization, learns to manipulate and exert influence over the human realm to fulfill his desires. His initial bid to assert control over Victor manifests through menacing rhetoric and coercion, as he demands Victor fashion a female companion for him. Here, the creature capitalizes on Victor’s culpability and obligation, asserting, “You are my creator, but I am your master; obey!”
The creature’s comprehension of power dynamics evolves as he witnesses the repercussions of his deeds upon Victor. His choice to end William’s life, Victor’s youngest sibling, marks a pivotal juncture in asserting dominance, employing murder as a tool to profoundly impact Victor. Each homicide serves as a strategic maneuver in his game to subjugate Victor, endeavoring to isolate him akin to his own isolation. By targeting Victor’s beloved, the creature ensures Victor experiences the same vulnerability and desolation he has endured, effectively manipulating him through emotional coercion.
Furthermore, the creature’s plea for a mate can be interpreted as an endeavor to govern his fate as well as Victor’s actions. He pledges tranquility in exchange for the mate, dictating terms and aiming to negotiate his own happiness at the expense of Victor’s autonomy. This scenario underscores the creature’s evolution from a passive creation to an assertive actor, endeavoring to govern his surroundings and progenitor.
The culmination of the creature’s pursuit for dominance materializes in his ultimate threat, vowing to accompany Victor on his wedding night. This proclamation looms portentously over much of the narrative, illustrating the creature’s psychological dominion over Victor. It is a mastery of fear and anticipation that he adeptly wields, tragically resulting in Elizabeth’s demise, Victor’s spouse. Thus, the creature completes his metamorphosis from a powerless entity into one who dictates terms and conditions to his very creator.
In conclusion, the theme of control in Frankenstein unveils itself through the creature’s endeavors to reign supreme over his creator, thereby shifting the power dynamics from creator to creation. Through intimidation, manipulation, and violence, the creature seeks autonomy over his existence and recompense for his anguish. This power struggle constitutes a crucial exploration of the responsibilities and ethical considerations inherent in creation, accentuating the perils of unchecked authority and the profound repercussions of forsaking one’s creations. Mary Shelley’s narrative stands as a timeless contemplation on the intricacies of control and the moral imperatives that tether humanity.
Theme Of Control In Frankenstein. (2024, Apr 29). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/theme-of-control-in-frankenstein/
