Victor Frankenstein’s Obsession in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Essay

The most prevalent constitution in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is that of fixation. throughout the novel there are constant reminders of the struggles that passe-partout Frankenstein and his monster hold in endured. M any(prenominal) of their problems are brought upon by themselves by an obsessive drive for familiarity, secrecy, fear, and finally revenge.From the onset of Victors youth, his early memories are those of Curiosity, earnest look to learn the hidden laws of nature, gladness akin to rapture, as they were unfolded to me, are among the earliest sensations I can remember (ch. 4) This is the first example of obsession that we command in the novel. This drive to learn the hidden laws of nature is the original impetuous force that sets the plot in motion. Without this, Victor would have never embarked on his unholy quest to overcome mortality, thus leading to his creation of his monster. Dr. Victor Frankenstein feels uncontrollably compelled to create animation in the lifeless body (Storment) this obsession with the creation of life alienated him from his loved 1s. His impending marriage to Elizabeth was one aspect of his life that he sacrificed. In chapter 22, Elizabeth writes to him Tell me, dearest Victor. make me, I conjure you by our mutual happiness, with simple truth-- Do you non love another? Elizabeths concern about his faithfulness is found on his neglect of their relationship. He simply did not allow any other aspect of his life to impede his goal. Victor Frankenstein is ultimately in(predicate) in his endeavor to create life. This, however, does not stop the underlying theme of obsession. Shelleys shift from Victors never-ending quest for knowledge is replaced with an obsession of secrecy. I had worked har... ...his mental strength, taking its toll, leaving him incapacitated for months on end. The final compulsion to destroy his daemon takes him to the end of existence. Exhausted from his unappeasable pursuit, he dies wi thout ever obtaining the closure that he was searching for. Victor Frankensteins life was destroyed because of an obsession with the power to create life where none had been before (Moring)Shelley leaves us pondering the question, when does obsession cross the line into derangement?Works CitedMoring, Patrick. Who is the Monster? California nation University, Northridge. n.d.Web. 31 Oct. 2014. Storment, Suzanna. Frankenstein Commentary. Washington State University. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Page By Page Books. indicate Classic Books Online, Free. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014.