The Role of Family in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'

Introduction

In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, family stands as a powerful force shaping the destinies of both Victor Frankenstein and his creation, the enigmatic monster. This exploration delves into the intricate dynamics of familial relationships, uncovering their profound influence on the characters and the nuanced developments in the narrative.

Frankenstein's narrative unfolds in the intricate tapestry of familial ties, a driving force behind the characters' destinies. The interplay between Victor Frankenstein, his family, and the monster serves as the heart of Shelley's exploration into the complex realm of human connections.

Victor's Childhood

Victor Frankenstein's recollections of his childhood create a poignant bond between readers and the protagonist. His declaration, "No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself... it was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn" (Shelley 23), establishes an emotional connection that justifies Victor's intense aversion to the monster.

Moreover, Victor's need for familial support becomes evident in moments of despair, emphasizing the profound reciprocal relationship.

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The arrival of his father at the darkest times becomes a source of immense pleasure, underscoring Victor's reliance on familial bonds (Shelley 165). This care for family becomes a guiding force, leading him to the crucial decision of destroying his own creation. The realization of this need intensifies upon learning about William's death and Justine's wrongful accusation, prompting Victor to admit being "seized by remorse and the sense of guilt, which hurried [him] away to a hell of intense tortures such as no language can describe" (Shelley 74).

The Impact of Family on Victor

The emotional weight of familial connections continues to shape Victor's character, influencing key decisions and defining his moral compass.

The profound impact of familial bonds surfaces prominently as Victor grapples with remorse and guilt in the aftermath of tragic events, providing insight into the intricate interplay between family, morality, and narrative development.

The Family of Cottagers

Parallel to the influence of the Frankenstein family on Victor, the family of cottagers becomes instrumental in shaping the monster's character. Despite their impoverished circumstances, the monster aspires to emulate the cottagers, emphasizing his wretched situation. Describing the cottagers' life, the monster reflects, "they possessed a delightful house (for such it was in my eyes) and every luxury... and still more, they enjoyed one another's company and speech" (Shelley 95, 96).

The monster's benevolence shines through his interactions with the cottagers. His decision to refrain from retaliating against Felix's attacks demonstrates a sense of sympathy and innocence, challenging preconceived notions of his monstrous nature: "I could have torn him limb from limb... but my heart sank within me" (Shelley 120).

Commentary on Human Shallowness

The experiences with the family of cottagers serve as a poignant commentary on the superficiality of human judgment. Society's rejection of the monster based on appearance finds stark contrast in Delacey, who, unable to see him, extends acceptance. Delacey's response, "To be friendless is indeed to be unfortunate" (Shelley 118), illuminates the shallowness of judgment based solely on outward appearances, prompting readers to reevaluate their perceptions and feel sympathy for the misunderstood monster.

This incident with Delacey and the monster accentuates the broader theme of societal prejudice, adding a layer of complexity to the novel. The reader is compelled to empathize with the rejected and misunderstood monster, challenging societal norms.

Comparative Analysis

A comparative analysis of the roles played by the Frankenstein family and the family of cottagers reveals multitudinous layers of familial issues explored in the novel. While the former exemplifies the weight of maintaining connections with loved ones, the latter exposes the superficiality of societal judgments.

The reader is invited to navigate the intricate web of family dynamics, each family offering a unique perspective on the human experience. The Frankenstein family tugs at the heartstrings, fostering compassion for Victor's plight, while the family of cottagers challenges preconceptions, eliciting sympathy for the monster.

Conclusion

In conclusion, family dynamics in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein play a pivotal role in shaping characters and propelling the narrative forward. The intricate connections forged between characters and their families add depth and resonance to the novel's overarching themes.

Through the lens of familial relationships, Shelley masterfully explores the complexities of human emotions, morality, and societal judgments. The Frankenstein family and the family of cottagers become conduits for the reader to navigate the multifaceted landscape of Shelley's masterpiece, fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition.