Victor's Pride in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Essay Sample

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein presents the reflections of Victor Frankenstein as he considers the construction of his creation. Following the deaths of his brother, William, and his sister, Justine, he quickly expresses regret for his action. Victor seemingly takes responsibility for the creation yet, Victor controlled by pride, turns towards the creation. Victor concludes that the creation is the cause of destruction and vows to seek revenge. Victor Frankenstein’s downfall, caused by his pride, does not allow him to recognize the true monster, himself. 

Struggling to come to terms with the deaths of William and Justine, Victor takes the blame for his actions. He says, “I had been the author of unalterable evils”. The damage the creation has caused to humanity is only the beginning. Victor recognizes that he is in the wrong, but his pride controls his actions. Victor shifts the blame citing “an obscure feeling,” that his creation was capable of greater destruction. The creation is capable of mass destruction and Victor realizes that his family is in danger. A disastrous event will occur and “by its enormity should almost efface the recollection of the past”. While the creation lives, Victor “has a scope for fear” that the creation could destroy anything that he loved. William and Justine’s deaths fulfill the fear that Victor lives with from the moment of the creation’s “birth”.  

Motivated by pride, Victor now seeks revenge. Through the creation’s destruction of humanity, Victor feels betrayed. Victor shifts his focus to destroying life, opposite of his prior obsession to create life. Here, Victor’s character change shows that he is not the same person he once was. This change prevents him from overcoming his pride. 

Reflection guides Victor to realize that he will do anything to destroy the creation, including “a pilgrimage to the highest peak of the Andes.” Victor’s anger continues to build. Recalling the destruction caused by the creation, he asserts, “my hatred and revenge burst all bounds of moderation”. His obsession changes his personality. Fear directs Victor to recognize that he will never feel relief from the thought of the creation killing his family. The only way to stop the creation is to destroy it. He must do whatever he can to destroy the monster. 

In conclusion, Victor relates the torment that his obsession was malicious to society. Victor regrets making the creation and blames himself for the destruction it caused. Now, he asks for the death of the creation instead of life, which he obsessed over for many years. Pride controls Victor and forces him to live in fear. However, his pride allows him to recognize that he himself is “monster-like” and that he must save humanity through the killing of the creation.