Roles Played
We are not Gods, nor should we play the
role. When attempted, it can lead to a disaster of monstrous proportions. It
can be the undoing of the man. This is the point Mary Shelly is attempting to
make in her novel, Frankenstein.
Shelley introduces Dr. Victor Frankenstein as a heartsick fellow suffering
from malaise and depression. Frankenstein feels he's "lost everything, and
cannot begin life anew" (Shelley 42). Although hesitant to disclose the
reasons for his state of mind, the doctor’s story unfolds.
Due to his background as a physician, he
is fascinated with how the human body works and the secret to longevity. He
becomes obsessed with creating life. This fixation leads Frankenstein to
experiment with reanimation where ultimately, he builds his own humanoid being.
The doctor isn’t prepared for the consequences.
Dr. Frankenstein has created a twisted,
cruel parody of humanity that is hideous in appearance as well as a menace to society.
Alarmed and driven insane by his creation, Frankenstein flees his home. Angry
and alone, the monster also leaves his birthplace, vowing revenge. Rightfully
believing his creature is his brother’s murderer, he hopes to rectify his
horrible mistake. The doctor seeks out his creation, who tells him, “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” (Shelley 205). While reluctant to
create a companion for the monster, Victor Frankenstein does relent. While
looking at his new creation, he again sees the lack of humanity in her eyes and
smile. Subsequently, he destroys her. In
retaliation, the monster continues to kill those closest to the scientist,
including Dr. Frankenstein’s best friend and his new bride.
Ultimately, Dr. Frankenstein dies a broken
and lonely man. His dreams of creating life, shattered. In playing God, he makes
the path to how own demise.
Works Cited
Shelley, M. (1888). Frankenstein . London:
George Routledge and Sons.
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