Themes within Frankenstein (Blog prompt #2)

As with any work, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein possesses many underlying themes. One of the main ones seen during the development of Victor Frankenstein’s character is that of the abuse of knowledge. As Victor grows more knowledgeable, he desires to become like God, creating life from inanimate matter. He succeeds, but is disgusted by what he has created, and runs in terror from the work of his hands. Frankenstein himself says, “The form of the monster on whom I had bestowed existence was for ever before my eyes, and I raved incessantly concerning him.” (74) Within this, Shelley displays a common element of human nature, in which we are doomed always to desire more than what we already have. Ambition tends to get the best of the ambitious.
Another interesting motif is the fact that the creature has not been named. This creates within the story an air of impersonality, but allows for a sense of pity to be bestowed upon Frankenstein’s monster. His lack of name gives way to the fact that he is a misunderstood being with whom the world wants nothing to do.
Finally, the greatest theme that has revealed itself thus far (at least, in my opinion) is that of innocence lost. It is seen first in Victor Frankenstein’s development from childhood to mad scientist as he attempts to create a living being with his own hands. Later on, however, it is seen in the monster itself as it watches the De Lacey family while in the woods. He embodies a sense of hope that they will see past his hideous exterior and accept him for who he is. However, he soon discovers that human nature is shallow and tends not to see past first impressions. As he leaves the presence of the horrified De Laceys, his spirits are crushed and he is left with a bitter grasp on the reality of humanity. As such, he seeks vengeance on humans, specifically his creator. As he details to Frankenstein, “For the first time, the feelings of revenge and hatred filled my bosom, and I did not strive to control them;” (165). At this point we begin to see the sad unraveling of this dark tale.