Ideas (Blog Prompt #3)

Now that the world of Victor Frankenstein has come to a tragic close, there exists much room for contemplation and serious ponderings. Mary Shelley painted a tragic portrait of innocence lost, both for the protagonist and the antagonist (if there was, in fact, a protagonist and antagonist). One main idea that remains central throughout the entire story is that of the base evil of human nature. Without this factor, there would not be a story to tell. Victor’s natural ambitions turning awry led to the creation of the monster, at which point his base instinct of judgment based on first appearances led to the banishment of the monster, who was led down a path of destruction by way of the De Laceys’ same judgment, and so on and so forth. The monster himself acknowledges human nature by sarcastically praising the benevolence of men in his treatise to Frankenstein. It seems that the element of humanity remains central to the book.
Another point of curiosity is the recurring theme of unchecked ambition. Victor tells Walton his unfortunate tale to serve as a warning never to let his ambitions corrupt him. Frankenstein himself counts the creation of the monster as a product of his unhindered dreams running wild and growing corrupt. In spite of this, though, he remains adamant in his belief of his innocence.
Frankenstein also repeatedly exhibits a childlike sort of hypocrisy, expressing sentiments of responsibility of parents towards their children and warning Walton of chasing his ambitions, yet continues to live that against which he warns. A great point of irony in the novel occurs at the end of Frankenstein’s tale. He goes to great lengths to tell of the fruitless journey that took place due to his ambitions, yet he encourages Walton to continue his own journey when he is dead. It seems that there is a biting irony that exists within these last few pages.