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Mary Shelley's Frankenstein explores the archetype of Victor Frankenstein, presenting him initially as the Romantic hero. Despite this portrayal, Victor emerges as the true doppelganger of Robert Walton, referred to as "the brother of my heart" by Walton, establishing an unparalleled intimacy. This essay delves into the archetypal representation of Victor Frankenstein as a conventional protagonist, examining how Shelley strategically employs this device to provoke a nuanced judgment from the reader, emphasizing the contrasting perceptions that unfold in the later stages of the novel.
Within the opening stages of the novel, Victor Frankenstein is depicted as the quintessential Romantic hero.
Walton, the explorer, portrays Victor with eloquent language, portraying him as the noblest of creatures—passionate and gentle. The bond between Walton and Victor is described as profound, with Victor being labeled "the brother of my heart." This archetype, carefully constructed by Mary Shelley, aims to align the reader's judgment with the conventional portrayal of a protagonist.
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The deliberate choice of language and imagery fosters an initial sympathy and admiration for Victor's character.
However, this archetypal representation serves as a narrative device to set the stage for a more complex evaluation of Victor's character. Shelley strategically guides the reader to perceive Victor as the hero of the story, setting the foundation for a contrasting judgment as the narrative unfolds.
In stark contrast to Victor's archetypal heroism, the monster in Frankenstein emerges as a poignant symbol of innocence and societal rejection.
Frequently labeled as a "daemon" or "wretch," the monster is abandoned by Victor, left to navigate the world alone. His experiences echo the struggles of an orphaned child thrust into a cold and unforgiving world. The monster's poignant declaration, "I am an outcast in the world forever," captures the essence of his isolation and the societal rejection he faces due to his physical appearance.
The monster, resembling a newly born child, navigates the world without discrimination, exhibiting qualities such as gratitude and love for the natural world. His purity and lack of societal conditioning position him as a symbol of untouched humanity. The monster's innocence and genuine qualities stand in stark contrast to the shallowness and prejudice exhibited by the society that rejects him.
Ultimately, the archetypal portrayal of Victor as a Romantic hero and Walton as his doppelganger establishes a one-sided coin of narcissism and pomposity. Both characters, intertwined in their egotism, elicit little sympathy, pity, or pathos from the reader. In contrast, the monster, unfairly vilified and subjected to violence based on his appearance, becomes a figure deserving of our sympathy.
The monster's lack of discrimination and his embodiment of human qualities evoke a sense of purity untainted by societal prejudices. In a society that perceives difference as a threat, the monster's inability to comprehend these biases positions him as a symbol of genuine humanity. Shelley strategically guides the reader to sympathize with the monster, challenging preconceived notions and prompting reflection on the societal constructs that breed discrimination.
In conclusion, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein employs archetypal characters to navigate the complexities of human judgment. Victor Frankenstein, initially portrayed as a Romantic hero, becomes a doppelganger of Walton, forming a narrative device that guides the reader's perception. The contrasting portrayal of the monster challenges societal norms, urging readers to sympathize with innocence and question the prejudices embedded in societal constructs. Through these archetypal choices, Shelley crafts a narrative that transcends conventional expectations, prompting readers to critically evaluate the characters and societal dynamics presented in Frankenstein.
Archetypal Characters in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. (2017, Nov 12). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-archetypal-description-of-victor-frankenstein-essay
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