The Back To Reality

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Frankenstein by Mary Shelley follows Frankenstein’s journey as he fights monsters, both inside and out. To display the progression of Victor Frankenstein’s mental health, Shelley creates scenes where the element of water induces an ironic reaction from Frankenstein, compared to those of humanity. His actions and feelings in the presence of water show readers Frankenstein’s backward spiral from insanity to reality. Similar to how water is both a life giver and a force of destruction, Frankenstein must come to terms with how his actions and his creation have brought about turmoil.

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And like water, he finds calm following turmoil. Through his own emotional turmoil and self-reflection in the presence of water, Shelley shows he grows strong where others may falter.

Frankenstein showcases his inner struggle early on, and in situations that are not inherently negative. Frankenstein’s self-destructive attitude while on the lake in his hometown is opposite of a sane person’s response in similar situations. Not only does he feel depressed in a situation that would normally cause a calming sensation, but this also gives a glimpse into his mental instability.

While Frankenstein is out on the lake, a sudden urge to end it all came over him, an urge to get away from all the problems he had caused for himself, such as the production of his creature. This highlights the extent of his depression, as Frankenstein “was often tempted, when all was at peace around [him],... to plunge into the silent lake, that the waters might close over [him].

.. forever.” Frankenstein’s reaction to such a calm and peaceful scene is ironic because he is in a situation where most would feel tranquil, relaxed and content.

While the water remains calm and peaceful, Frankenstein has a hurricane inside him. He feels unstable as if he is disrupting nature and needs to end his life so that the peace can continue on. This scene not only displays Frankenstein’s discontent with his life but also gives a sense of his mental state, as well as the insanity that has already set in. His decision to create new life, followed by his realization that this new life was destroying Frankenstein’s own life led to his insanity. Similar to water, Frankenstein created life, but his creation took life from others. Water showcases this duality as a force of nature, as the force of nature often spirals out of control. The attempt to create new life unnaturally backfired and his creation spurned him as he spurned it. The strain of both guilt and worry over the creature and over his and his creature’s action deprived Frankenstein of his well-being.

This scene’s depiction of Frankenstein, as well as his ironic response to his environment, shows that he is struggling with depression and insanity. While disposing of his second creation, Frankenstein has a moment of tranquility where most individuals would be perturbed. After nearly fully completing his second creation, Frankenstein realizes his insanity and destroys the creature. He then leaves the village in which he has been working, and travels by boat to dispose of the body parts he had used. However, while most individuals would be losing stability at the situation, Frankenstein is gruntled underneath clear moonlight, “it refreshed [him] and filled [him] with such agreeable sensation...the murmur lulled [him], and in a short time [he] slept soundly”.

As if shedding himself of a great weight, disposing of the body of his abandoned second creation gave Frankenstein peace. He feels justified morally, knowing that he would not unleash a second evil upon the world. Though he must now face the wrath of his first creature, he no longer has to fear another, possibly worse, monster released upon man. In many ways, this is where he confronts his past, and begins to make amends. Like water, Frankenstein begins to achieve peace, even if there are undercurrents raging below. His refusal to create a bride for the creature stops a possible ripple effect from occurring and ends a new cycle of hatred between creator and creature. Between live giver and life taker. Frankenstein’s refusal was founded by his realization that what he had done was unnatural, emotionally draining, and morally wrong.