The Internal Conflict of Victor Frankenstein: A Battle Between Ambition and Morality in "Frankenstein"
The eighteenth-century British novelist Laurence Sterne wrote, “No body, but he who has felt it, can conceive what a plaguing thing it is to have a man’s mind torn asunder by two projects of equal strength, both obstinately pulling in a contrary direction at the same time.”
In Frankenstein, In the play pick a character (not necessarily the protagonist) whose mind is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences. Then, in a well-organized essay, identify each of the two conflicting forces and explain how this conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.
The Internal Conflict of Victor Frankenstein: A Battle Between Ambition and Morality in "Frankenstein"
In Mary Shelley's Gothic novel "Frankenstein," the character Victor Frankenstein exemplifies Laurence Sterne's notion of a mind torn asunder by conflicting desires. Victor's internal struggle between his ambitious pursuit of scientific knowledge and his moral responsibilities serves as a central theme that illuminates the deeper meaning of the work. This essay will delve into the conflicting forces within Victor Frankenstein, namely his ambitious aspirations and ethical obligations, and explore how this internal conflict sheds light on the overarching themes of the novel.
Conflicting Forces: Ambition vs. Morality
From the outset of the novel, Victor's insatiable thirst for knowledge and ambition to push the boundaries of science is evident. His fervent desire to unlock the secrets of life and create a being from dead matter drives him to embark on the ambitious project of creating the creature. This ambition is fueled by his intellectual curiosity and the prospect of achieving scientific glory and acclaim.
However, as Victor delves deeper into his experiment and eventually succeeds in animating the creature, he is confronted with the moral implications of his actions. The realization of the monstrous nature of his creation and the devastating consequences that follow force Victor to grapple with the ethical ramifications of playing god and tampering with the natural order. His sense of responsibility for the havoc wreaked by the creature's existence conflicts with his ambition and desire for scientific achievement.
Illuminating the Meaning of the Work
The internal conflict within Victor Frankenstein serves to illuminate several key themes in Shelley's "Frankenstein." Firstly, Victor's struggle underscores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge at all costs. His single-minded focus on his scientific endeavors blinds him to the potential consequences of his actions, leading to tragic outcomes for himself and those around him.
Moreover, Victor's internal conflict highlights the theme of hubris and the consequences of playing god. By attempting to create life artificially and assert control over nature, Victor disrupts the natural order and incurs divine retribution in the form of suffering and despair. His internal turmoil reflects the moral ambiguity of scientific advancement and raises profound questions about the limits of human knowledge and power.
Furthermore, Victor's internal conflict between ambition and morality underscores the theme of alienation and isolation present throughout the novel. His inability to reconcile his dual nature as a creator and a moral being alienates him from society, his loved ones, and ultimately himself. The rift between his ambitious pursuits and his ethical compass drives him to self-destructive behavior and perpetuates his sense of isolation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Victor Frankenstein's internal conflict between ambition and morality in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" serves as a compelling exploration of the complexities of human nature and the perils of unchecked ambition. By portraying Victor's mind torn asunder by conflicting desires, Shelley delves into profound themes such as hubris, moral responsibility, alienation, and the limits of human knowledge. Through Victor's internal struggle, the novel challenges readers to contemplate the ethical implications of scientific progress and the delicate balance between ambition and morality in shaping one's destiny.