Internal Conflict In Frankenstein

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Dillanique Knight Ms. Eldridge ENG3UZ Thursday, July 21, 2011 It has been said that Victor and his creation are similar creatures. Are they similar? Every construction must resemble its architect. Whether it is through its structure, its colours or the construction as a whole man can look at it and see characteristics of the man who created it. In Frankenstein by Mary Shelly Victor Frankenstein and his creation are similar creatures. They are both individuals who are dealing with as much internal conflict as they are external conflicts. Firstly, both Victor and his creation have come to a realization that as wondrous as knowledge is it can be destructive. Secondly, it is evident that they both share the characteristics of both…show more content…
Aristotle once said, “All men by nature desire knowledge.” This is the exact case in Mary Shelly’s novel Frankenstein. Both Victor Frankenstein and his creation think that knowledge is important. This is evident from Victor when he talks about his passion to learn , “My temper was sometimes violent, and my passions vehement; but by some law in my temperature they were turned, not towards childish pursuits, but to an eager desire to learn...It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things, or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still my inquiries were directed to the metaphysical, or, in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world,”(Shelly, Ch. 2, paragraph 4). This quote shows Victors yearning for knowledge, and just like Victor his creation also wishes to gain knowledge, this is outlined in two different quotes, “"... This was indeed a godlike science, and I ardently desired to become acquainted with it. But I was baffled in every attempt I made for this purpose...By great application, however, and after having remained during the space of several revolutions of the moon in my hovel, I discovered the names that were given to some of the most familiar objects of…show more content…
Both Victor and Frankenstein have a human and demonic side to them. In the beginning of the novel Victor shows many human traits to do with his need for knowledge and for love. However as the story progresses, we see this unloving perturbed, malicious and somewhat dark side of Victor. It is firstly evident in his disgust for his creation when he says. “For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelly, Ch. 5, paragraph 3). Victor’s creation on the other hand is displayed as malicious and demonic in the beginning of the story but we see his more human side as the story progresses, as he wishes for a companion, “I am alone, and miserable; man will not associate with me; but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species, and have the same defects. This being you must create.” (Shelly Ch.16 paragraph 36). Clearly the creation is seeking to be loved and acknowledged just like another human. Frankenstein and his creation both share a need for love and acknowledgement yet they have a certain disgust for many things around
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