Theme of Revenge in Frankenstein
Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" explores the destructive nature of revenge through the tumultuous relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his creation, the monster. This page delves into how revenge shapes the narrative and drives the characters' actions.
The cycle of revenge begins with the monster's murder of William, Victor's younger brother. This act is a deliberate attempt to inflict pain on Victor, mirroring the abandonment the monster experienced.
Quote: "The monster realises that killing Frankenstein's brother will 'create desolation' for him and his family, in a similar way that Victor caused him pain by abandoning him."
As the story progresses, revenge becomes an all-consuming passion for both Victor and the monster. Shelley portrays this obsession as unhealthy and unsatisfying, yet inescapable for the characters.
Highlight: Revenge is presented as a disease for Victor, as his father warns him against pursuing vengeance, stating it would end up "festering the wounds of our minds."
The monster's calculated acts of revenge, such as killing Elizabeth on her wedding night, demonstrate his intelligence and highlight Victor's folly in abandoning such a capable being. This calculated approach adds depth to the theme of knowledge in Frankenstein, showing how the monster's learning has been twisted towards destructive ends.
Example: The monster's decision to kill Elizabeth on Victor's wedding night shows his understanding of how to deeply hurt Victor, mirroring Victor's destruction of the female companion he had promised the monster.
By the end of the novel, the cycle of revenge has bound Victor and the monster together in a fatal relationship. This is symbolized by the monster's "pilgrimage" to the Arctic upon hearing of Victor's impending death.
Vocabulary: Pilgrimage - A journey to a sacred place, often for religious reasons. Here, it symbolizes the quasi-religious devotion the monster has developed towards his revenge against Victor.
The theme of revenge in "Frankenstein" ultimately demonstrates the destructive and unsatisfying nature of vengeance. It consumes both Victor and the monster, leaving them hollow and purposeless when their cycle of revenge finally ends with Victor's death.
Quote: "It takes the death of Frankenstein to stop the cycle of revenge showing that it was bonded to the life of both Victor and the monster and would never had ended until either of them died."
This exploration of revenge intertwines with other major themes in the novel, including isolation, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the complex relationship between creator and creation. The Victor and monster relationship in Frankenstein is fundamentally shaped by this cycle of revenge, transforming from abandonment and rejection to a fatal, obsessive connection.
