The Similarities Between Victor And The Monster (Frankenstein by Mary Shelley)

In the novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley illustrates the chaotic yet similar life of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. This book was set to portray the times of the late 18th century in Europe. This was the era when scientists were constantly making discoveries. Although these discoveries were made with little caution and many cut corners. Therefore leading us to Victor Frankenstein, the genius that tried to recreate life. Little did he know that his discoveries would lead to his inevitable doom. 

Victor was a very ambitious and curious person ever since he was born.“ I have described myself as always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature.” (Ch. 2) From his first books about science to eventually going to the University of Ingolstadt at the age of seventeen. At this university, Victor decided to devote his time to recreating life. First would finish his studies in all parts of science. Then he would go and use his knowledge to recreate life. Although his dedication to his work made him crazy to the point where he ignored his family. All that was running through his mind was the endless possibilities with his new creations. “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me.”(ch. 4) Shortly after Victor created his monster, he had to leave.

Thus leading us to his creation and the life he lived. After being abandoned by his creator, or so father, the monster decided to head out and explore and learn. His first experiences with learning start with him in the woods. He learns about fires, wood, the moon, what food to eat to stay alive, and about humans. During his exploring he grew to enjoy nature and all the beauty that it offers. Eventually, he comes across a village where he tries to introduce himself. Although that didn’t go well for him and he fled and hid in the woods. He then finds a cabin in the woods with a family. He stalks the family for ages and that's where his real learning begins. He learned the native language and about the family and feelings. He was happy and content with what he had been learning and was positive all the time. 

Frankenstein's true feelings decide to come about after he reads the book, Paradise Lost. It talked about how destructive humans were. He learns about god Adam eve. It states that God created Adam to be beautiful and happy with eve. The monster was feeling alone and sad because he didn’t look beautiful and had no companion. Although he tried to converse with the humans which ended horrifically and that's when he swore vengeance on Victor. 

This is where Victor and the monster start to become the same person. 

Victor and the monster were very similar in almost every aspect of life. They both found joy and pleasure in nature and the science behind it. Also, they both enjoyed learning and discovering new things. In other ways there both were destructive and careless with their actions. They didn’t care about the consequences of their actions. They also share vengeance on each other. Therefore giving off the idea that they were both the same person living different lives.